Cultural experiences are one of the main reasons why we travel. Museums, heritage sites, landmarks and art districts are some of the most popular tourist destinations in any city, drawing crowds from all around the world.
The hotel experience has also come to be considered one of the most memorable aspects of a trip, but travelers have begun expecting more from their hotel stays. The solution? Hotels featuring world-class art collections of their own.
Hilton offers several on-property cultural attractions for unforgettable stays. These creative features include local murals that spotlight nearby area attractions, museum-worthy collections housed in hotel suites, dining establishments that transport you to an artist’s studio or literal art galleries within steps of the hotel lobby.
Whether you’re planning future trips, expanding your travel bucket list or just looking for something to do this weekend in your own neighborhood, these hotels are worth visiting for their art alone.
Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Known as the Eternal City for its longevity and enduring culture and splendor, Rome is an art lover’s playground. It’s no surprise that a city teeming with its own collections of priceless artwork from some of history’s most famed artists should be the setting of the world’s most prolific hotel art collection. Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel is home to one of the greatest private art collections in the world with more than 1,000 treasures ranging from 16th-century masters to contemporary art. The collection includes Rudolf Nureyev’s ballet costumes and Émile Gallé’s glass, in addition to famed paintings, tapestries, statues and period furniture and costumes that adorn the hotel’s interior. The hotel’s 25 luxurious suites are also furnished with incredible art pieces, including original Karl Lagerfeld sofas, rare 18th-century antiques and Andy Warhol paintings. If Rome is an art lover’s playground, Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel is their paradise.
Conrad Indianapolis
Conrad IndianapolisPart hotel, part art gallery, Conrad Indianapolis offers four uniquely-curated suites titled the Collections Suites; with each room inspired by the Pop, Modern, Surrealist and Contemporary art movements. At the heart of each of the four uniquely different suites is a work that captures the spirit of an artistic movement. Pieces by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, William John Kennedy and more adorn the suite walls; and even the books on the shelves relate to each room’s style. For a more exquisite art experience, The Gallery Suite is an iconic celebrity hangout and art lover’s heaven. Still haven’t gotten your art fix? Conrad Indianapolis and Long-Sharp Gallery partner to present “Art Stays Here” – a fully integrated, exceptionally curated art education and exhibition program. The dual highlights of the program are the five rotating exhibits and the “Art Ambassadors,” Team Members who are trained on the artwork and artists exhibiting in the hotel. On the hotel’s second floor is “Regional Masters,” a semi-permanent exhibit featuring artists with a unique tie to the city of Indianapolis.
HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by Hilton
HALL Arts Hotel Dallas, Curio Collection by HiltonHALL Arts Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is the first hotel to open in the Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous arts district in the United States. Woven into the DNA of the property are the impactful, thought-provoking works of art from emerging talents, including specially commissioned pieces for the hotel’s common areas, suites, and meeting and event spaces. Ellie’s, the hotel’s on-site restaurant, is a gallery in its own right, with seven pieces of commissioned artwork throughout the dining and lounge areas. The hotel offers 183 guest rooms, including 19 Arts District-inspired suites. The guest rooms and hallways feature local photographs that showcase vibrant scenes of the Dallas Arts District as part of HALL Group and Dallas Arts District’s “Through the Lens” photography competition. Can’t make the trip? Check out the hotel’s YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes interviews with artists and virtual tours of the artwork.
Hilton Columbus Downtown
Hilton Columbus DowntownBoasting a collection worth more than $1 million, Hilton Columbus Downtown features original works from more than 100 Ohio-based artists, totaling just under 250 art pieces throughout the Short North hotel. In addition to the gallery, artistic touches accent the meeting rooms, common spaces and guest room ceilings – making art the first thing guests see when they open their eyes in the morning. The new hotel exterior art installation reflects the light and warmth of Hilton hospitality, with a collection of works meant to inspire and remind guests, Team Members and the local community that a brighter future lies ahead. The hotel’s High Street-facing windows have been painted by six local artists to represent a diversity of styles, backgrounds and cultures mirroring Columbus as well as the hotel’s Team Members and guests. The installation will be up through February 2021.
Conrad Centennial Singapore
Conrad Centennial SingaporeHosting an impressive and diverse collection of more than 3,400 pieces of artwork throughout, Conrad Centennial Singapore is a sanctuary where art is everywhere and everything. The many art pieces displayed across the hotel public spaces, restaurants and guest rooms are united through an underlying Asian theme. Even the works of international artists include symbols, icons or motifs that reflect Eastern culture. The hotel serves as a platform for both renowned artists and young and budding art students alike, certifying the hotel’s appreciation toward fine arts, as well as its commitment to the development of the local visual art scene.
DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences
DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & ResidencesJust in time for the UAE’s 49th National Day, DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai M Square Hotel & Residences opened its doors. The stylish “industrial-chic” hotel features several contemporary design elements, including the hotel’s artistic centerpiece – a unique portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The more than 15-meters-long work of art welcomes guests as they enter the hotel lobby. Made of more than 29,000 reflective discs, the portrait took a team of eight artists more than three weeks to assemble.
Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton
Umbral, Curio Collection by HiltonPart of the ambitious program to restore historical buildings in Mexico, Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton is a restoration project from a heritage building that was constructed in 1924. Boasting a contemporary design by renowned local architect Javier Sanchez, Umbral features sleek, minimalistic furniture in neutral white, beige and brown tones, as well as natural materials such as light and dark wood features. As the city’s only hotel with an on-site gallery, Umbral features more than 100 pieces of art by respected young local artists like Jorge Montiel, Andrea Bores and Tomas Diaz.
Hilton São Paulo Morumbi – Canvas Bar & Restaurante
Designed by Argentinian architect Daniel Piana, Hilton São Paulo Morumbi’s Canvas Bar is for art enthusiasts. The entire setting replicates an art studio with hints of concrete, exposed iron throughout and high ceilings. Diners can enjoy the permanent art exhibitions displayed on the restaurant walls and seasonal exhibitions displayed above on suspended panels. Works by renowned artists such as Romero Britto, Aldemir Martins and Antônio Peticov have been featured on the 28 panels spread across the restaurant.
Hilton Sydney – Marble Bar
Hilton Sydney – Marble BarHilton Sydney’s 128-year-old underground bar and live music venue, Marble Bar, is adorned with 14 Edwardian paintings by Australian artist Julian Ashton – valued at an estimated $1.6 million. Complete with ornate marble arches, stained glass, a domed roof and a carved mahogany bar, the entire space can be considered a work of art. The bar was dismantled when the hotel was demolished in the late 1960s and later reassembled in Hilton Sydney that was built in its place.
