5 Indian hotels posing as a canvas of art in true panoramic form

The modern colloquy is rife with the discourse of art. What was stigmatised with an elitist perspective is now being proliferated in everyday spaces, becoming more tactile, accessible, and conversational. The movement of humanising and democratising art is stronger than ever, with curators sparing time and thought not just to support artists but to shape immersive, sensory-rich experiences for audiences. 

Discarding the notion of taking art seriously, luxury hotels too, have met art at a new juncture that makes it a part of everyday lifestyle. By presenting art in an intimate, lived-in setting, as opposed to that of whitewashed galleries and meticulous museums, hotels are acting as a catalyst in transforming passive observation into personal reflection. The shift stands as a more opulent and dynamic space for visual cultures. This practice nudges the audience to view art through a fresh lens, inviting them to make art their own, one canvas at a time. 

With high-end hospitality emerging as an aid to the stinct infrastructure dedicated to art, these hotels lend a distinct platform that invokes curiosity and incorporates a creative perspective. This growing confluence of creativity and comfort is doing more than just beautifying lobbies, they are a platform to preserve regional Indian sensibilities. Showcasing dying art forms to international tourists, boasts the legacy of art that resides in the nooks and corners of the nation. Some hotels have gone even further by establishing permanent galleries that aim to create every stay into a story. Here is a collection of our favourite hotels boasting the savoir faire in the ethos of art. 

1. The Claridges Hotel, New Delhi

Galvanising art in one form or another, The Claridges has always been revered for being a patron of art. Established in 1955, the property has hosted numerous art fairs while also showcasing legends like F. N. Souza, S. H. Raza and M. F. Husain. Fostering an intersection of heritage and creativity, they have collaborated with renowned institutions like the DAG gallery. 

2. Le Sutra, Mumbai

Heralded as India’s first art hotel, Le Sutra is a vibrant ode to Indian philosophy and mythology. Drawing inspiration from the ancient concept of Triguna—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—the hotel’s interiors reflect the three essential qualities of nature. Since 2005, it has collaborated with local artists to create immersive spaces. Owned by the Bajaj Group of Hotels, the group has envisaged artistic projects like the Andhra Art & Craft Hotel in Visakhapatnam and Tribal Arts Homes that offer fully furnished rental apartments.

3. Abode Boutique Hotels

Eclectic designs and the old charm of Bombay—that is Abode Bombay for you. Nestled in a restored 1910 heritage building, the colonial hotel sits in the heart of Mumbai and has been responsibly restored with contemporary designs. A homage to heritage, they offer curated tours in their spirit of propagating the art and culture of the city. With staircase walls adorned in local artwork and rooms filled with cultural vignettes, it’s truly an abode for everyone but especially for the artistically inclined.

4. The Taj Mahal Palace 

Perfectly maintaining a balance between showcasing modern and contemporary Indian art, one can easily find pieces from M. F. Husain, Jehangir Sabavala, and Laxman Pai accentuating their corridors and corners. Not only painters, their curation also entails textile art, tribal and folk art as well as exhibitions and art fairs. 

5. Marriott Bonvoy Hotels 

Art and travel go hand in hand at most Marriott Bonvoy properties in India. The Le Méridien Gurugram in particular offers a design-centric approach focusing on incorporating art installations from notable sculptors like Ravinder Reddy. Their program “Unlock Art” nudges travellers to engage with local museums and creative spaces beyond their art exhibitions. 

6. The Imperial, New Delhi

With over 5,000 artworks in its collection, The Imperial hosts one of the largest private art assemblies in the country. Decorating its walls with imagery from 17th to 19th century India, the hotel merges the past and the present in its essence of being a modern hotel with an old-world charm. Here, art is not just used as decoration but is an integral and immersive element of the property. 

So, where are you headed next?