This summer we’re going to be visiting some of the chicest hotels around the world…for more than just a good night’s sleep.
Make no mistake: the hotel scene has been on fire for the past few years, partly because these plush properties offer a discerning home from home in the most perfect locations – a mere jaunt from excellent restaurants, world class museums and luxe bars. But also because today, some of the hautest hotels are showcasing some of the most majestic modern pieces of art.
Here’s five of The Sybarite’s favourite hotel cum art galleries around the globe.
The Beaumont, London, UK
The debut Mayfair hotel from Jeremy King and Chris Corbin (the dynamic duo behind the buzzy Brasserie Zedel, The Delaunay and The Wolseley) – which was converted from a former garage – is arguably the hottest ticket in town right now.
The hotel itself is art deco, but inside, public spaces and suites are adorned with original works of art, posters and photographs sourced over the years by Corbin & King. The Browns Hart Garden property’s biggest feature is Antony Gormley’s ROOM – a suite in the form of an inhabitable giant steel sculpture than can be seen from the outside (pictured).
“I take the body as our primary habitat. ROOM contrasts a visible exterior of a body formed from large rectangular masses with an inner experience. My ambition for this work is that it should confront the monumental with the most personal, intimate experience,” explains the artist.
www.thebeaumont.com
21c Museum Hotels, America
Headed Stateside this summer? Make for a 21c Museum Hotel. You’ll find properties in Louisville, Lexington,Durham, Bentonville, Oklahoma City and Cincinnati, but regardless of where you to choose to check in, a 21 Museum Hotel is much more than a place to spend the night.
The brainchild of contemporary art collectors, Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson – who wanted to make contemporary art a part of more peoples’ daily lives – the six hotels are anchored by world-class contemporary art by today’s emerging and internationally acclaimed artists (hence the name, paying homage to the 21st century). The company hopes to open 15 new properties in the next five to 10 years . The best thing about these hotels is that the art isn’t contained to a singular gallery, but intertwined within the entire hotel, ensuring you get the full immersion experience.
www.21cmuseumhotels.com
H10 Art Gallery, Barcelona, Spain
Opened in May 2014, the H10 Art Gallery is obsessed with the world of art. Guests can expect to come up close and personal with a beautiful collection of original works and prints from internationally renowned artists.
At H10 Art Gallery, no two floors are the same: each one paying homage to a different celebrated contemporary artist – from Joan Miró and Henri Matisse to Francis Bacon, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. To recreate the world of each artist, the furnishings in the corridors, rooms and bathrooms have been designed to reflect their work. Even at the hotel’s eateries – Pop Art Cafeteria and the more formal Modern Art Restaurant – the emphasis is on art.
www.h10hotels.com
La Colombe d’Or, St Paul de Vence, France
Attempting to pick the hotel with the most impressive art collection is like selecting the spottiest dog in a kennel full of Dalmatians – a nigh on impossible task. Since you ask however, La Colombe d’Or in St Paul de Vence in France is perhaps the finest.
Art is everywhere at this upscale, family run inn – whose high profile past guests included Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, Léger, Calder and Braque (all of whom paid their bills with painting) – especially in the dining room. Here you can tuck into traditional Provençale dishes served under – pinch yourself – a Picasso masterpiece.
www.la-colombe-dor.com
Eden Roc, St. Barths, Caribbean
Located on the idyllic Caribbean island of St. Barths, Eden Roc – owned by David and Jane Matthews (aka the parents of Made In Chelsea’s notorious alumni, Spencer Mathews) – understands that modern holidaymakers are looking for the perfect balance of culture and relaxation. In short, they want the best of both worlds: to be able to slide from sun lounger to art exhibition.
Hence Eden Rock incorporates art and culture into the hotel in order too provide visitors with much more than just an island vacation. Guests at this glamorous Caribbean hotel can enjoy an array of rotating exhibitions (right now Berlin photo artist Kiki Kausch is in residence). Elsewhere, Eden Rock’s artist in residence offers painting lessons (using oils or watercolour) for those looking to return from their summer holiday with more than just a sun tan.
www.edenrockhotel.com
