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If art, design and architecture play a major factor in your choice of accommodations, then consider one of Europe’s eye-catching, thought-provoking and awe-inspiring art and design hotels for your next booking. Your host country offers a variety of exceptional art hotels to tickle your eccentric fancy. Why not visit these historic cities for a weekend stay?
Venture across Europe for more colorfully creative award-winning and historically-preserved art and design hotels. Here are highlights of some of Europe’s best:
Arte Luise Kunsthotel - Berlin, Germany
This refreshingly renovated art hotel’s façade offers an artful glimpse into its modernly fun and playful interior. Originally built as a residential in 1825, today the building is an “artist’s studio where you can spend the night.” Each of the 50 rooms is designed by a different artist, and the hotel is centrally located in the heart of Berlin with views including the Reichstag Parliament Building, Brandenburg Gate and the River Spree. Rates begin as low as 53 euros to a suite for 219 euros. “Louise” offers comfort, culture and kitsch with reasonable rates, excellent amenities, a well-known brasserie and more.
ArtHotel Connection - Berlin, Germany
Shop till you drop, party non-stop and sleep it off at this darling and chic “hetero-friendly” gay hotel on a quiet, tree-lined street in the city’s Schöneberg district. Enjoy high-tech amenities, free Wi-Fi, comfortable rooms, lavish decorations and murals. Centrally located, the hotel is just a five-minute walk to the Wittenbergplatz U-Bahn, and only 700 meters to Nollendorfplatz and the world-famous Kaufhaus de Westens (KaDeWe) department store. Friendly staff can help with local cultural events, restaurants and nightlife — some of the city’s hottest pubs along Nollendorfplatz include Prinzknecht, Mutschmanns and Heile Welt. Had one too many? No problem, as the hotel’s breakfast is available until 4 p.m. With only 16 rooms and rates as low as 55 euros, your stay should be quiet, comfy and economical, and centrally located for the excitement that is Berlin.
Art’otel - Berlin, Cologne and Dresden, Germany
Three inspiring hotels in Berlin (City Center West, Kudamm and Mitte), as well as facilities in Dresden and Cologne utilize stark-white backdrops and crisp, modern design to showcase hundreds of original works and photography by Andy Warhol, Wolf Vostell, Georg Baselitz and more. You’ll also find Art’otel locations in Amsterdam and Budapest, and amenities for all Art’otels include comfortable rooms and suites, free Wi-Fi, fine dining, saunas and art tours. Strategically located near each city’s historically important landmarks and city transportation, all Art’otels are perfect for sightseeing.
Silken Puerta América - Madrid, Spain
A different artist designed each floor as a reflection of his or her own cultural influence and design esthetic, utilizing different materials, shapes and textures. However, the mood throughout each bold and innovative room is ultra modern and even sci-fi futuristic. The hotel also offers the top amenities and services that you’d come to expect from a fine hotel; rates start at 128 euros.
Le Bellechasse - Paris, France
Modern amenities meet Edwardian decadence in this boutique hotel designed by Christian Lacroix. Tucked away on a quiet residential street of Saint-Germain, the hotel is centrally located for exploring Musee d’Orsay, Invalides, the Louvre and the entire left bank of the Seine. Walls and ceilings reflect Lacroix’s signature style of a juxtapose of vintage and modern patterns with bold layers of luxurious textiles. Rooms start at 135 euros.
St. Christopher’s The Winston - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Marketed as an “interactive museum of modern art,” this combination of budget hotel/ hostel, restaurant and bar in the city’s Red Light District is an explosion of color, pattern and fun. Every space is a makeshift gallery for paintings, murals and photography, all exuding a youthful, electric vibe. And, with the adjoining Winston Kingdom nightclub and private beer garden overlooking the district, this hotel is definitely for those seeking the infamous local nightlife.
Blow Up Hall 5050 - Poznan, Poland
This award-winning, avant-garde hotel/ light installation in the heart of Poland will electronically blow your mind. Guests utilize iPhones as both room keys and virtual concierge services during their stay. And modern shapes and lines blend with monochromatic or jewel-tone palettes to create a downright sensual feel. Not to be missed are the numerous original works, giant light installations and photography of various artists found throughout the hotel.
Kosta Boda Hotel - Kosta, Sweden
Set in the forest between Växjö and Kalmar is a masterful showcase hotel of Kosta Boda glassworks, Sweden’s oldest (since 1742) glassworks. Nearby are the Kosta Boda studios and outlet shop, as well as approximately 45 other glass artisan markets and boutique studios that make up Småland’s Kingdom of Crystal. Guests can take part in interactive glassblowing demonstrations and tours, shop, and enjoy the brilliant sparkle and shine of Sweden’s art glass industry through art installations and design motifs. The hotel also offers exceptional dining experiences, free Wi- Fi and other fine amenities.
Crazy Bear Group - United Kingdom
Extravagant, flamboyant and utterly fantastic, this eclectically lavish design hotel group marries tradition with high drama to create a hotel experience like no other. Choose from locations in Beaconsfield, Oxford, Stadhampton and Fitzrovia, with settings ranging from a 16th century country manor, working farm or central London neighborhood. Freestanding copper bathtubs, giant Rococo beds, lushly padded walls and ceilings, silks, velvets, satins and chandeliers are just a few of the opulent details. Amenities also include free Wi-Fi, touch-controlled mood lighting, decadent dining, tastings, Thai massage, sensual holiday parties and more. Save for special occasions; rooms start at 399 euros for a townhouse double.
