Mr. Harper once wrote, "I’d much rather find a shelf-load of well-chosen books in a hotel than a room service menu for cats, or a hang-card on its flower-arranging courses. For many busy people, travel offers the rare luxury of time to read, and one of the most wonderful amenities any hotel can offer is an intelligently selected library."
We agree that a library, when done well, is one of the most unique amenities a luxury hotel can offer. It celebrates the lost form of slowing down, as most travelers can attest that having the time to read a book for pleasure is a true luxury. Here are our favorite picks of the best hotel libraries around the world.
The new, playfully eccentric 91-room flagship property of Firmdale Hotels, set in historic Soho, is just minutes from Savile Row and Cork Street. Décor features Kit Kemp’s imaginative and idiosyncratic style. The residents-only library is a large, inviting space devoted to books that you might actually want to read, including New York times bestsellers in addition to classics in hardback volumes.
This renowned family-oriented resort and golf community is set on a 10,000-acre island estate connected by a causeway to St. Simons Island. The Cloister boasts a classic library with plush velvet chairs and a large wooden table. Bookcases line the walls, inviting guests in to choose a favorite novel and settle in for a good read.
Set in 600 acres of parkland, this splendid house is the embodiment of sumptuous comfort. Public spaces are elegant, with a grand foyer marked by Corinthian columns, and an 80-foot-long library. The library is a beautiful swath of space filled with books and comfortable furniture, providing the perfect setting for an afternoon escape.
Once the home of a shipping magnate, this residence has been transformed into a gracious 13-room (two suites) full-service hotel. Art and antiques decorate the parlor and library, while the bar is trimmed in rich leather and polished woods. The library features a fireplace and lively wallpaper that could brighten up any cold, dreary day.
This strikingly designed enclave offers majestic views from a rocky outcrop in Madikwe Game Reserve, an hour by light aircraft northwest of Johannesburg. The Lodge incorporates indigenous materials and comprises a glass-walled dining room, bar/lounge, library and wine cellar. The library features dark wooden cabinetry and a collection of African art. Unwind on the comfortable leather sofa with a good book after a long day of wildlife viewing.
This Royal Livingstone resort lodge is set along the forested banks of the Zambezi River, within sight of Victoria Falls. The 173 well-appointed guest quarters straddle a scenic ridge, each with a private balcony overlooking the river. The library features comfortable furniture, dark wooden accents and a detailed, carved chess set.
This contemporary 82-suite resort is located in the picturesque southwest of Antigua, overlooking a crescent of golden sand. The modern library features edgy fiber optic lights that change color throughout the evening. Books are curated by consultant Phillip Blackwell and include leading travel journalists' beach-reading selections. The library also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, computers and printers.
This 45-room masterpiece of Old World style and hospitality occupies a lavishly restored villa near Fiesole, three miles from Florence. Restored frescoes and centuries-old mosaics are complemented by fine furniture and artworks. The expansive library features natural light, silver candelabras, four broad leather sofas and a cabinet bar stocked with spirits.
This magnificent palace hotel is in the opulent former residence of the Nizam of Hyderabad, amid 32 landscaped acres high above the city. Public areas contain Venetian chandeliers, cascading fountains and original museum-quality art and furnishings. The Palace library is a replica of one found at Windsor Castle, with teak and rosewood book-lined walls. The collection comprises 5,900 books, including art and history manuscripts, first editions of Titanic, encyclopedias and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Quran in the country.
This meticulously restored mining town resort is situated in a pristine valley not far from Telluride. Activities include fly-fishing, hiking, biking, climbing and horseback riding in summer, and ice climbing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Guests may soak in the 105-degree natural springs, and the property also has a spa, library and fitness room. The library features a bearskin rug, fireplace and cozy reading nook.
This castle-mansion was once the retreat of German Empress Friedrich and is set on an estate in the Taunus hills, 30 minutes northwest of Frankfurt. The restored interior is graced with items from the empress’s collection of antiques and art treasures—medieval-revival salons and a Great Hall are embellished by carved moldings, immense gilt-framed oil paintings, Flemish tapestries, fireplaces and marble floors. Traditional English tea is served in the Empress's library.
This atmospheric hotel incorporates a 13th-century monastery in the Malá Strana district, near Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge. A conservatory restaurant serves a seasonal menu and features a cloister terrace for outdoor dining—an attractive bar in the former cellar of a brewery with terra-cotta floors, vaulted ceilings and stalactites and stalagmites from the 17th century. Although the space isn't open for general use, exclusive tours of the Church’s magnificent private library are provided upon request.
This chic 78-room hotel is within a limestone structure that was formerly the Royal Danish Embassy, tucked away on a quiet lane in western Berlin. Interiors by Milan-based designer Patricia Urquiola feature gallery-like décors with striking museum-quality contemporary art and photography. The hotel has two notable library lounges available for guests to use, featuring brightly hued modern art and contemporary furnishings.
Sea Cloud II has a notable library lounge showcasing over 250 titles. Guests can enjoy the space and relax while reading a novel or gazing out at the all-round view of the ship's forecastle. In addition to books, the library contains DVDs, board games and complimentary laptop with internet access.
The Library Suite at Ca’ Sagredo in Venice features original 18th-century bookcases on two levels, overlooking the Grand Canal. The upper floor has a wooden balcony with small golden columns. The bookshelves once housed Zaccaria Sagredo’s massive collection of volumes and printing.
Winvian's library cottage holds the property's private collection of illustrated and literary works set in a reading-room environment with comfortable chairs and a fireplace, brass reading lamps and ample natural light. Books line the walls, and wooden ladders provide access to the top shelves.
The Author Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago is located on the 46th floor with expansive views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. The suite contains an extensive literary collection and comfortable one-bedroom accommodations.
Andrew Harper members have access to full travel-planning services through Andrew Harper Travel.
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