Luxe Libraries for the Cultured Traveler

From bookshelves lined with donated copies of distinguished guests’ favorite classical and contemporary reads to a converted barn house in Mark Twain’s hometown that is now a two-story library suite filled with his work, these six library hotels offer peaceful sanctuaries for every type of bibliophile.

Presidential Reads: Inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s dignified Monticello estate, The Jefferson’s regal Book Room houses hundreds of leather-bound books which pay homage to his favorite subjects. Leaving a piece of literary legacy behind, signed novels by notable authors, celebrities, and diplomats who have been among the 5-star hotel’s distinguished guests also populate the space. All are invited to sink into the plush velvet sofa with a book of their choice while enjoying a glass of Jefferson’s beloved Madeira 1720 wine in front of the Italian marble fireplace.

Local Charlestonian Collection: Lining the walls of The Spectator’s 1920s-inspired speakeasy, The Bar houses an eclectic collection of books that pay homage to the Roaring Twenties era. Hand-curated over the course of three years by local Charlestonian and interior designer of the property, Jenny Kennan, an assortment of modern day books focusing on music, art and architecture line the bottom shelves while older editions can be found on the top and are all available for guests to enjoy over a craft, prohibition-era style cocktail at The Bar or back in their rooms.

Musical Library: Aria Hotel Budapest, the luxury boutique hotel with an enchanting musical concept, features Satchmo’s Library (Satchmo was Louie Armstrong’s nickname), a library of over 100 books on the life and works of music legends, a number of whom are celebrated in the guest rooms, where some of the books are to be found. Subjects include Brahms, Beethoven, Mozart, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Liszt, Nat King Cole, Louie Armstrong, the Rolling Stones, Janis Winehouse, Frank Sinatra and Jimi Hendrix. Most of them are in English with a few in German on the 18-19th C. German and Austrian classical composers. Hungarian Kornél Magyar, the property’s in-house musical director with an intimate knowledge of the Budapest music scene, selects books from the library and curates music play lists for guests based on their interests. Guests also have access to a library of music CDs and DVDs to enjoy in Satchmo’s Library, the Music Garden Courtyard, Teatro Aira or privately in their room via iPads and 55” flat-screen televisions elegantly framed in marble fireplace-style mantelpieces.

Hidden Barn Novels: Nestled amongst the Finger Lakes region, La Tourelle Resort & Spa offers a bucolic respite amidst New York’s wine county. Only steps away from the main hotel, the property boasts a luxurious Yellow Barn Suite and library filled with novels by Mark Twain, who wrote many of his pieces in the region. The converted barn houses a two level library, three bedrooms, an atrium styled living room and more, creating an ideal tranquil environment for any traveling bibliophile.

Library Way: The Dewey Decimal System themed Library Hotel in NYC is an immersive library experience for book-loving travelers. Peppered with over 6,000 books for guest’s reading pleasure, each floor is dedicated to the ten major categories of knowledge (Philosophy, Arts, History, Math & Science and more) and each guestroom is uniquely adorned to explore a specific topic within its category - Dr. Ruth Westheimer was the honorary curator of the Love Room while Vera Wang was the honorary curator of the Fashion Design Room. The library concept expands throughout the hotel for guests to enjoy reading books or lounging in the communal Reading Room, Writers Den, Poetry Garden and craft cocktail rooftop Bookmarks Lounge.

French Inspiration: The library located at E.B. Morgan House at the Inns of Aurora features books from the personal collection of owner Pleasant Rowland (founder of the American Girl Doll empire). Many books were gifts given to Pleasant and feature personal inscriptions. Several French language and art books are housed in the library, paying tribute to E.B. Morgan House’s former role as a dorm for students studying French at Wells College, located in Aurora. The library is also home to a rare tome of woodcut images printed, bound and produced in Aurora by former resident J.J. Lankes.