Calling all art-lovers! Whether you’re an abstract-enthusiast, a sculpture-vulture or a Renaissance-masterpiece-buff, there are a bevy of art hotels across the globe bound to impress and entice. From eccentric hubs in the heart of London, to 17th-century fincas in the Mallorcan countryside, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite art hotels of the moment. Don’t forget your camera…
Byblos Art Hotel – Verona
With a mishmash of abstractual pieces, ornate statues and dazzling paintings, it’s tricky to know where to start with Byblos Art Hotel. Perhaps Damien Hirst’s vibrant creations are the first point of call, or maybe Mark Quinn’s polished gold sculptures or Anish Kapoor’s mirror-like illusions take centre stage. In fact, a spectrum of celebrated international artists are showcased throughout the hotel – an eclecticism that is only heightened by the innovative restaurant menu and Pompeii-themed spa.
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No. 15 Great Pulteney – Bath
A wonderland of antique furnishings, unusual statues and vibrant contemporary paintings, the quirky No. 15 Great Pulteney doesn’t hold back when it comes to artwork. Whether it’s a vintage handbag tucked away in a corner, a hand-blown glass light shade or a striking mural stretching across the wall, the hideaway is crammed with a plethora of styles and forms – proof that artwork isn’t confined to the canvas. With such an intense focus on visual aesthetic, the hotel expertly refrains from overdoing it; much of the artwork is found on the Artists Floor, which houses rooms individually designed by local creatives, while the rest of the hotel gives a taste of what lies above.
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Resort Borgo Syrah – Tuscany
A wine estate and art hotel? Yes please! Nestled in the Tuscan hills, this countryside escape holds an open-air gallery filled with eye-catching sculptures. The collection features work from artists across the globe, ensuring an eclectic mix of materials and styles. Each twist and turn through the vineyards brings something new, be it boho woodwork, flashy colours, or rustic metals. Finish your tour with a glass of estate wine, before retreating to the pampering spa or your own private apartment.
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1908 Lisboa – Lisbon
What happens when you invite a bunch of Portuguese artists to bring a 20th-century building into the modern age? Head to Lisboa 1908 to find out, a fun-loving boutique hotel in Lisbon that certainly knows how to impress. From the unusual sculptures and paint-splashed walls, to Vanessa Teodoro’s striking mural extending several tiers high, the city gem brims with creative flair – not to mention a rather lovely restaurant and bar.
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Hotel des Academies et des Arts – Paris
Within strolling distance of the Jardin du Luxembourg, this owner-run boutique hotel fits in very nicely with its art-packed surrounds. The 20-room gem was dreamed up by the lovely Charlotte and Laurent, who have filled it with creative works from esteemed artists across the world. Most prominent are perhaps Jérôme Mesnager’s ‘white bodies’, which are painted all over the hotel, or Sophie de Watrigant’s sculptures livening up the stairwell. After all that admiring, the decadent Afternoon Teas and pampering wellness room await with open arms.
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The Mandrake – London
Quirky sculptures, otherworldly murals, flamboyant performance art – nothing is done by halves at this London-based hideaway. Anything and anywhere is considered a canvas, be it the walls, the floors or even the artists themselves. The hotel regularly hosts artists to showcase their latest creations or work on new projects, so you can see first-hand how their masterpieces come together.
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Brody House – Budapest
A hotchpotch of shabby chic décor, colourful artwork and antique furnishings, Brody House blends elegance and bohemianism seamlessly. Standardisation has no place here; each room has been decorated by different artists, who have filled the spaces with anything from their own works, to vibrant flooring or rustic wood-panels. Better yet, if you like the look of something, it can be packed up and taken home with you – it really is like staying in a private art exhibition.
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Artist Residence Penzance – Cornwall
In true Cornish style, this cosy bolthole is as unpretentious as it is charming. No two rooms here are the same, each having been decorated by a different artist. A room with wooden walls? Got it. A room covered in funky prints? Got that too. A room brimming with polished antiques? You guessed it. Round off your hotel tour with a meal in the Cornish Barn restaurant, where you can tuck into a range of to-die-for British classics.
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Ca’ Sagredo – Venice
Venice’s awe-inspiring mix of historical masterpieces and wondrous artefacts isn’t confined to the museums alone; this 15th-century palazzo boasts scores of intrigues to feast your eyes on. Whether it’s the elaborate fresco and delicate works by 18th-century painter Pietro Longhi, or Nicolò Bambini’s Renaissance works, it’s easy to see why the magnificent spot has been listed as a National Monument. The visual allures don’t conclude at the interiors either; set on the waterfront, Ca’ Segredo overlooks the shimmering canal below.
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Piazza di Spagna 9 – Rome
You’d be hard-pressed to find a boutique art hotel more central than Piazza di Spagna 9. Set right by Rome’s prized Spanish Steps, this sleek city bolthole is perfect for exploring – both outside and in. Each of the six rooms brings something new – a flamboyant abstract, a broody sketch or even an eccentric sculpture. Something take your fancy? Staff will happily pack it up for you to take home. Once your eyes have had their fill, there’s also a spa to unwind in – bliss.
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Gran Hotel Son Net – Mallorca
This charming 17th-century finca in Mallorca weaves its old-world character seamlessly with modern-day art. The rural hideaway is peppered with works from an array of renowned names, including the likes of Marc Chagall, David Hockney and Frank Stella. The décor is something of a masterpiece in itself, with elegant furnishings, polished woods and authentic archways. Add to that the well-equipped wellness centre and lyrical mountain views, and you’ll only wish you booked to stay longer.