Asia's 6 Artsiest Hotels
Holidays don’t have to be all about sun and beaches. Soak up some culture at one of these artsy Asian addresses.
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
One of Bangkok’s swishest hotels, the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, just unveiled some big changes. The French brand is going after the artistic set, with a permanent exhibition of French photographer Charles Maze's “anamorphoses” images encircling the lobby. I stayed here last month for a first-hand look: though Maze's photographs are pretty epic, the unflatteringly bright lobby lighting ruins the impact. Instead, I'd suggest a peek into the hotel's just-opened S Gallery, which plays host to budding local and international artists. And on your way out, stop into newly opened Le Bar to ponder it all over a glass of bubbly.
From $1,530. 189 Sukhumvit Rd., Soi 13-15, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana, Bangkok, (+66) 2-126-9999, www.sofitel-bangkok-sukhumvit.com.
Amazing work by Charles Maze
Hotel Éclat
Beijing’s luxurious Hotel Éclat has clearly been designed with The Louvre in mind and is essentially an art gallery itself, with more than 100 contemporary works on display throughout the hotel—from original modern paintings to sculptures from the likes of Andy Warhol and Gao Xiaowu.
From $2,233. 9 Dong Da Qiao Rd., Chaoyang District, Beijing, (+86) 10-8561-2888, www.eclathotels.com.
Park Hotel Tokyo
Already well-known for its sky-high art lounges, the Park Hotel Tokyo has designed its upcoming exhibitions to echo the four seasons. But the art isn’t just on show in public areas: 13 Japanese artists painted murals in a handful of the guestrooms.
From $1,247. Shiodome Media Tower, 1-7-1 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, (+81) 3-6252-1111, en.parkhoteltokyo.com.
Park it right here
Haslla Art World Museum Hotel
Designed to reflect a harmony between art, humans and nature, the Haslla Art World Museum Hotel on the east coast of Korea is a work of art itself. The colorful 24-room creation is home to a 10-hectare Art Park as well as more than 100 sculptures.
From $1,261. 1441 Yulgok-ro, Gangseung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea, (+33) 644-9411, www.haslla.kr.
Hotel Clover The Arts
Like visiting a super-hip museum, Singapore’s Hotel Clover The Arts has outfitted all of its rooms with high-voltage themes—such as urban street and pop art. The room murals were designed by up-and-coming Singapore creatives, selected in a student art competition.
From $715. 58 South Bridge Rd., Singapore, (+65) 6439-7088, www.hotelcloverthearts.com.
Hotel Clover in bloom
Artotel
Jakarta’s Artotel is a champion of contemporary art, displaying awesome pieces designed by local artists throughout the public areas and in the rooms. It’s also home to the breezy BART (Bar at the Rooftop), offering up picturesque views of the Indonesian capital.
From $468. 3 Jalan Sunda, Jakarta Thamrin, Jakarta, (+62) 21-3192-5888, www.artotelindonesia.com.
