Arts & Culture
Originally published on Tuesday, 19th April 2011
Culture Service: London Hotels Invite you to Stay-In
From the W to Shoreditch House, hotels are getting curatorial
Raindance shower? Check. Hot water bottles in chunky knit covers? Check. A discussion with Vivienne Westwood and Lily Allen on the future of retail in the downstairs lobby? It’s only a matter of time…
It seems that London hoteliers are set to become our cultural navigators, bringing curated events and collaborations to the discerning visitor. The Zetter paved the way by setting up its comedy night back in 2006. And we love that hotels are having increasing fun playing host with some intriguing partnerships.
While you may need to collect a few loyalty points to enter, W Hotel invites guests to its ‘Happenings’ (which include Punchdrunk’s recent site specific take on Hitchcock’s Rear Window), a stay at Shoreditch House offers access to the literati with its monthly Literary Salon, and Rough Luxe has collaborated with an RCA student to design a rooftop beehive.
Our New York counterparts, meanwhile, are well into their stride with in-house itineraries: Ace Hotel’s screenings by independent filmmakers are packed. Plus, The Standard has recently launched a talk programme on design, fashion and science – the first of which included a private detective on the panel.
So be ready to dial 1 for what's on, and 2 for room service.
