2012 Travel Bucket List: Art Exhibitions you can Sleep in
This photo of Jungle Blues Dream Art Gallery & Homestay is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Ever fantasised about sneaking into a closed art museum and spending the night amid marvellous paintings? Then indulge your wildest dreams at these surprisingly cheap art hotels that either have exhibits onsite or have invited artists to turn each room into a mini gallery…
1. Daddy Long Legs, Cape Town, South Africa
Fashioned to attract independent-minded types, no two rooms at the Daddy Long Legs Boutique Hotel are even remotely similar! While one guest room embraces the stark lines of a sound studio – complete with microphone – the neighbouring room might be a kaleidoscope collage of photographs. Each room has been designed by a different artist.
Offering self-catering facilities, a cool lounge and free Wi-Fi, this is no ordinary hotel. It’s more like an art show that happens to have cosy accommodations as part of the exhibit!
Rooms from €91.65prpn
2. Art Hotel Laine, Riga, Latvia
Art Nouveau fans will delight at the appropriate Roaring 20s motif that saturates the Art Hotel Laine. This charming family-run hostel doubles as an art gallery showcasing period specific art from talented Latvian artists in their dining room and gallery-style halls.
Despite modern perks like free Wi-Fi, a games lounge and patio swimming pool, you’ll find it easy to adopt the carefree attitude of the flappers ready to live large at their swinging veranda restaurant.
Rooms from €39prpn
3. Jungle Blues Dream Longhouse, Bario, Malaysia
This photo of Jungle Blues Dream Art Gallery & Homestay is courtesy of TripAdvisor
To ensure their guests the ultimate experience, the Jungle Blues Dream Longhouse only accepts three visitors at a time in their authentic tribal house that doubles as an art gallery.
From this hilltop hideaway, you’ll be torn between examining the fantastic art inside and gazing at the beautiful countryside outside dotted with rice patties with hazy mountains in the distance. Discuss the best trails to take with your helpful hosts over your free breakfast and set out to explore the countryside on a leisurely stroll along the beautifully manicured garden paths.
Rooms from €16.89prpn
4. Friends Hostel, Budapest, Hungary
Proud of their creative heritage, the Friends Hostel has named each of their rooms after a prominent Hungarian artist and displays local art throughout this sparkling clean hotel. Smack in the center of Budapest, the helpful staff can point you to the coolest nearby attractions.
Choose from a dormitory or private suite – either way you can expect free goodies like Wi-Fi, toiletries and even laundry service if you book an extended stay to soak up the art.
Dorm beds from €10pn, private rooms from €23prpn
Looking for more unusual places to stay around the world? See five bizarre and beautiful buildings you can sleep in.
Words: Lela Lake
