From Budget to Splurge: Art Hotels

by  Karen Gardiner | Aug 16, 2016
Geraldine Tso Artist Room
Geraldine Tso Artist Room / Courtesy Nativo Lodge

The rise of the art hotel has been one of the biggest, and most pleasing, trends over the past few years. More and more hotels are taking in-room artwork to the next level: from the 21c hybrid hotel/contemporary art museum chain, to artist-in-residence programming, and even a specially commissioned Antony Gormley sculpture that guests can sleep in. But you don't have to be on a wealthy art collector's budget to stay in an art hotel. Here are our picks for every budget.

Best Budget Option

Albuquerque's Nativo Lodge is part of the New Mexico-based Heritage Hotels & Resorts collection. The brand pays particular attention to supporting the local communities in which they are based, with a special emphasis on cultural programming. At the budget-friendly Nativo Lodge, the hotel commissioned Native American artists to create a dozen Artist Rooms. Four new Artist Rooms were unveiled earlier this year, including one by Jicarilla Apache/Navajo artist Ishkoten Dougi that guests need to don 3D glasses to fully appreciate. Rates begin at $79 per night.

Best Mid-Range Option

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao / Karen Gardiner

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, part of the thoughtfully curated Preferred Hotels collection, directly overlooks the iconic Guggenheim Bilbao, which is located just steps away. Something of a work of art itself, the hotel was designed by Spanish artist Javier Mariscal, whose paintings also adorn the rooms and public spaces. Everything from the sleek couch in the lobby to the fantastical twisting spiral staircase displays a design-savvy aesthetic worthy of its UNESCO City of Design. Room rates start at $163 per night, but if your budget can stretch to $332, we recommend one of the penthouse suites with private terrace overlooking the Frank Gehry-designed museum masterpiece.

Best Splurge Option

Pulitzer Amsterdam / Courtesy Preferred Hotels

Amsterdam may be best known for the Rikjsmuseum and its Old Masters but a contemporary art and design scene also has a strong foothold in the Dutch capital. The newly restored Pulitzer Amsterdam displays the best of both worlds, blending Old World heritage with contemporary design flavors within a row of converted 17th- and 18th-century canal houses. Art lovers should book the Art Collector's Suite, made up of two separate rooms that feature sculptural furniture and modern works, including a take on Frans Hals’ masterpiece The Last Supper. Guests can also enjoy a private canal-side entrance. Rates begin at $264, or $907 for the Art Collector's Suite.

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