Seven Boutique Hotels With Great Libraries
28 May, 2019
- Words by
- Olivia Morelli
There’s
There’s
nothing better than curling up with a good
book after a day spent sightseeing. Yet whittling down which
titles to take on a trip is rarely easy. These seven hotels have
libraries so well-stocked that you’ll be tempted to trade in
exploring for reading
– and save on precious space in your suitcase.
hotel
Amanruya
Bodrum , Turkey
Sunseekers and aesthetes are flocking to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast for sandy beaches and crystalline seas. Here Amanruya serves as a tranquil, secluded retreat dotted with individual guest cottages, each complete with a private garden, pool and pergola – the perfect spot for diving into a new read. Find the spiral wooden staircase leading to the library tower to search for your book. The library has windows across all four walls and offers panoramic views across Bodrum, plus there are plenty of window seats for you to huddle up with a tome.
Address
Bülent Ecevit Cad.
Demir Mevkii Göltürkbükü
TR-48483
Bodrum
Turkey
thingstodo
Gladstone’s Library
Hawarden, United Kingdom
The vast expanse of Wales’s majestic landscape has inspired many writers over the years. Set in a Grade I-listed 19th-century building, this residential library – founded by the eponymous former Prime Minister – is the perfect place for open-minded folk to get lost among the shelves. Gladstone’s Library is home to more than 250,000 works, so you can while away hours browsing before holing up in the grand Reading Room.
hotel
The Library
Koh Samui, Thailand
This minimalist hotel is the quintessential literary retreat. Browse the pristine, white-walled library before withdrawing to your room (we recommend the Bookmark Suite for a private jacuzzi and sea views from your bed). Alternatively, lounge by the famous pool; lined with scarlett-coloured tiles and surrounded by matching sun loungers and parasols, it’s the perfect place to kick back and indulge in a fictional fantasy – as well as an ice-cold mojito.
hotel
Ballyfin
Ballyfin, Ireland
This famed Georgian estate pairs old-world tradition with timeless sophistication. Peruse Ballyfin’s collection of art and books, which spill across the mahogany shelves of the 80ft library, before settling down on one of the plush Edwardian-style sofas in front of the open fireplace. Gawk at the 16th-century New Testament and keep an eye out for the false bookcase, a secret door through which you’ll find the conservatory.
hotel
The Connaught
London, United Kingdom
While some opt to travel abroad for a dose of sun, many are choosing to spend their holidays at home. As the popularity of staycations booms, Londoners couldn’t do much better than heading to one of the capital’s most storied hotels. Save money on flights and splurge on booking The Connaught’s famed Library Suite, a split-level apartment featuring two en-suite rooms, a sitting room and towering shelves filled a captivating selection of books.
hotel
Sir Savigny
Berlin, Germany
Remember that book you purchased months ago with a promise to read more? Make sure it’s in your suitcase for a stay at Sir Savigny. Situated in Berlin’s western, literary district, Charlottenburg, this streetside bolthole meshes both an industrial and homey approach to interior design: think brass finishes and leather headboards. Suites are super-spacious – when you finally find the bathroom, the rain showers are a pleasant surprise. Blessed with an abundance of communal spaces, including a library and lounge, Sir Savigny reflects the neighbourhood’s old-school charm and appreciation of the arts.
hotel
Hotel Emma
San Antonio, Texas, United States
Filled with more than 3,700 literary works, Hotel Emma provides the ultimate retreat for book lovers. The library stretches over two tiers, with a variety of titles that spans from Faulkner to Twain. Located in downtown San Antonio, this converted 19th-century brewhouse is a must-visit for a dash of culture, a splash of history and romantic views across the river.