Blog 33: Cultural Hotels - Europe

There are more UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe than any other continent in the world making the continent a rich cultural hotspot for anyone looking to traverse a culmination of different cultures. Curious tourists flock to Europe to discover art, architecture, film, different types of music, literature, and philosophy- all which plays a huge part in the continent's history and heritage.

In our last blog, we brought you a list of cultural hotels across Asia and now it's time to give you a list of European cultural hotels to make your holiday planning a tad more difficult (or easier?).

1- When in Rome, do as the Romans do and stay at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel. This hotel is not for a basic tourist looking to just to spend the night. Your stay at the RC will be a cultural experience in itself. The Rome Cavalieri is home to one of the greatest private art collections in the world with over a thousand treasures ranging from 16th Century masters to contemporary art; from Nureyev’s ballet costumes to Gallé glass. The hotel specialises in heritage trips around the city in a fancy car of your choice. Yes, you can choose a car from their car menu just like you can take gladiator training on-site or get pampered in Italy's most luxurious spa at the RC. Just ask for the on-call culture concierge and you will be happily helped.

2- Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, Spain. Malaga is also one of the oldest cities of the world and has been ruled by the Romans, Arabs, Phoenicians and Christians. The city is located in Costa de Sol (literally translating into Coast of the Sun) and when you visit, stay at the Gran Hotel Miramar. Centrally located, most of the cultural spots are a stone's throw from the hotel and it is in itself a cultural masterpiece. Originally inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII in 1926, the hotel has also served as a field hospital and Malaga's Palace of Justice before returning to its intended use. Over the years, the building has picked up tales to tell and the staff will be more than happy to share them with you.

3- With over 300 languages spoken in the British capital (more than in any other city in the world), there is no doubt that London is home to cultural diversity. If you had to pick one place keeping the British culture alive, it would have to be Batty Langley's. An unusual name for an unusual hotel. Located in the heart of old London, all rooms are tastefully designed with four-poster bed and Victorian era furnishings and antiques. The Earl of Bolingbroke suite has been built over two levels with an on-suite luggage lift and the Junior suite transports you right to the 18th century with its royal tapestry, curtains and even a throne!

4- Elements of Anatolian, European, Persian, Arabian, Ottoman and Far Eastern cultures have influenced Georgia's own ethnic identity resulting in one of the most unique and hospitable cultures in the world and the Stamba Hotel by the Adjara Group has been repurposed into one of the finest hotels in Tbilisi from what was once a Soviet publishing house printing Communist newspapers. The architecture, design and ethos of the rooms and lobby area retain the original character of the building while the central meeting zones promote interaction with the locals and their culture. Embodying the spirit of contemporary Tbilisi, Stamba Hotel is a true reflection of the city’s growing global significance and refined dynamism.

5- From churches and chapels to film festivals and street musicians, Avignon was named the European Capital of Culture in 2000, and the city has been one of France's major artistic centres for centuries. A former novitiate of the Jesuits of Avignon, the Cloitre Saint Hotel in Southern France was built at the end of the 16th century. When the royal edict banished the Jesuits from France, the building was used as a convent and then a hospital, before returning to a hotel. To this day, you can still read the names of the armies of the first empire and the Revolution. Bare rock walls and traditional French motifs and paintings can be found everywhere in the hotel and facade at the entrance is a piece of art to look out for!

6- Single women in Romania follow the tradition of Boboteaza (keeping a basil leaf under their pillow on the night of 6th January to meet their Prince Charming!) and when you visit Bucharest, we've found the perfect hotel for you to follow the tradition. The Suter Palace Heritage Boutique Hotel is a small palace hotel located on one of the highest natural points of Bucharest. The inside of the palace brings together atemporal design and contemporary chromatic furniture. You’ll find walnut wood, gold leaves, crystals, velvet, silk and embroidering – all symbols of Romanian luxury and culture. The hotel has also set the world record for the Longest Murano Chandelier in a hotel!

7- Unlike the other European cities, Athens has often been described as ugly and congested, forgetting the aeons of culture and history the city brings with it. Athens is Europe's most vibrant cultural metropolis and the newly opened Perianth Hotel, an art-deco hotel justifies this statement. The downtown location of the hotel is perfect to imbibe the true local culture of Athens. The floors and ceilings of the hotel remind you of the mid-war era while the walls decorated with contemporary Greek art bring you back to the present. Ask the friendly staff to help you with your travel itinerary and you will be surprised at how much they can tell you.

Are you ready for European cult-cation? With so many options to choose from, you can't put off this holiday because you don't have a place to stay. If you need more options, stay tuned for our next and last blog on the #cultural #hotels series with hotels from around the Americas.

See you very soon,

Anubhuti