Art hotels are rapidly transforming the hospitality industry with an all-new way of experiencing luxury hotels.
From the XVA Hotel Dubai to the newly established art’otel London Battersea, art hotels present a new way for hotels to transform guest experiences with curated art collections, art tours, and immersive exhibitions.
What is the definition of "art hotel"?
In simple terms, art hotels combine elements of the traditional hotel experience with that of an art gallery or museum. Some art hotels curate original artworks to decorate interior spaces, from shared hallways to bedrooms and bathrooms, while other art hotels create extravagant art installations in their lobbies. Both types of art hotels seek to achieve a luxurious contemporary feel with artworks transforming the hotel experience.
The art hotel concept began in the early 1990s with the Hotel du Cap-Eden-roc in the French Riviera. This luxurious art hotel features an exclusive art collection with works by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Heri Matisse.
How do art hotels position themselves in the luxury market?
Art hotels position themselves as being more than just a place to stay. Often hosting art exhibitions, tours, and cultural events, art hotels may even have their own in-house art galleries and offer guests the chance to purchase the art decorating their walls.
In the hospitality industry, hotels are constantly seeking out new ways to beat the competition and increase their profits. Adopting the moniker of an “art hotel” instantly adds luxurious lustre and allows hotels to raise their rates, offering a unique experience that outshines their competition.
Art hotels enhance the luxury hotel experience by allowing guests to enjoy their stay surrounded by art. Some hotels may opt for a specific art movement or may be dedicated to one artist in particular, while others may curate a wide range of art styles for guests to enjoy.
What are the benefits of an art hotel?
Art hotels provide numerous benefits for hotel business owners and guests alike. For guests interested in museums and art galleries, art hotels provide a unique way to get their culture fix – special lodging offering fascinating artwork and immersive exhibitions, all without having to leave the comfort of their hotel. At the same time, guests get greater insights into the local area with talks and tours providing greater context to the rich cultural history
For hotel business owners, art hotels are unique spaces that encourage repeat visits. Themed hotel rooms – often curated for a specific artist like Picasso or a specific movement like postmodernism – mean guests are keen to keep visiting in the hopes of seeing every themed room the hotel has to offer. Additionally, hallways and lobbies typically contain temporary artworks that can be purchased and are swapped with new pieces. These key elements of art hotels mean guests are encouraged to return again and again, finding new and original artworks each time.
The wider community benefits, too. Art hotels often showcase local artists, allowing their guests to learn about the art history of the place they’re visiting. Talks and exhibitions from local artists help educate guests while also boosting the local economy with the money made from selling these original artworks.
What considerations must art hotels make?
First and foremost, art hotels must consider the design of their hotel and the taste of their clients. Art hotels should seek to become tastemakers with carefully curated selections of artworks. Some art hotels may opt for art that appeals to a broad audience, with a classic selection of fine art, which other art hotels carve out a specific niche – impressionism, art deco, rococo, or abstract art.
Guests of art hotels pay premium rates and as a result, they expect an experience beyond the ordinary. Top-notch facilities, immersive art installations, and carefully curated décor are key to every art hotel. Guests are also keen to learn about the local area – providing tours of art collections and engaging talks from up and coming artists will provide a luxurious and educational experience for hotel guests.
Hotels want guests to return and in order to encourage repeat clients, they should consider how they can make each visit unique. Refreshing the carefully curated art collections with new pieces, offering an ever-changing schedule of events, and providing an in-house art gallery will all benefit art hotel business owners with long-term success.
Art hotels should consider their location. Guests want to be centrally located and explore the city, meaning art hotels in design districts will be most popular with tourists. However, if a hotel can provide everything a guest needs from within with top-notch facilities and plenty of art to experience, then art hotels in harder to reach places will still be able to appeal to their client base.
Finally, as with all hotels, guests will consider reviews and compare prices. Art hotels must ensure they present a luxurious experience with competitive prices to keep their visitors satisfied and ensure their client base will return.
How to get started?
Design Space works with interior designers and hospitality business owners to source and procure high-end interior brands for their interior design projects.
Interested in working with us? Contact Design Space to find out how our team of procurement specialists can help.