For those who love to travel and read, finding a hotel that caters to both interests is no small feat. While most accommodations provide amenities, activities, and experiences for the adventure-seeking guest, bookworms are often left to read in their rooms. Luckily, as both dedicated readers and avid travelers ourselves, we curated a list of the best boutique hotels with inviting and beautiful libraries. Complete with titles that span every genre to events made for bibliophiles. These boutique hotels have libraries that open a whole new chapter of traveling.
Library Hotel (New York, NY)
Fittingly named Library Hotel, this Manhattan accommodation is filled to the brim with books. Each floor is themed after a specific Dewey Decimal Classification, meaning every room is designed to reflect topics including philosophy, history, poetry, and more. In addition to the book-filled rooms, the hotel also has a Reading Room with an extensive collection of titles. And those who want to enjoy the New York skyline with a good book can head to the rooftop Poetry Garden, which has views of the bustling city below.
The Heathman Hotel (Portland, OR)
The Heathman Hotel, an iconic establishment in the heart of Portland, houses one of the most impressive libraries in the Pacific Northwest. Complete with a collection of over 2,700 books signed by well-known authors who have graced the hotel, The Heathman is a spectacular book haven that’s loved by both literary enthusiasts and adventurous travelers alike. Hosting regular literary events, author signings, and so much more, this beloved hotel is not only a sanctuary for book lovers but also a vibrant hub for Portland locals.
Il Salviatino (Florence, Italy)
Il Salviatino, a luxurious boutique hotel situated in the hills of Fiesole, Italy, is the epitome of Tuscan elegance. Once a 15th-century aristocratic villa, this restored property now bridges the gap between the past and the present. Amidst its lavish accommodations and breathtaking views of Florence lies a historic library with bookshelves that hold a collection of literary masterpieces As for the coolest part? Salvador Dalì and Gabriele D’Annunzio used to stay at Il Salviatino Firenze and host literary salons.
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Greydon House (Nantucket, MA)
Greydon House, a 20-room boutique hotel in downtown Nantucket, has a library that serves as a place where visitors can relax, unwind, and connect with the island’s rich history. Inside the library, guests can find everything from stories about ancient whaling adventures to modern books that showcase some of Nantucket’s most beautiful homes. Complete with a quaint, cozy, and utterly charming atmosphere, the library, as well as the rest of Greydon House, is a dream come true for any bibliophile.
The L’oscar Hotel (London, UK)
Nestled in London’s Holborn district, The L’oscar Hotel has the perfect blend of history, glamor, and luxury. It features gorgeous, grand event spaces that were made to host guests, with the standout room being The Library. This inviting room has a vast collection of books that are stored behind exquisite oak panels and glass cabinets, all of which guests can pursue.
The B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa (Zurich, Switzerland)
Housed within a former brewery, The B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa has a rustic charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. One of the hotel’s most remarkable features is its library, which has over 33,000 books. Decorated with beer-bottle chandeliers, this space is more than just a library – it’s also a restaurant and bar where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a drink.
Casa Palopó (Sololá, Guatemala)
Perched on the shores of Lake Atitlán in Sololá, Guatemala, Casa Palopó is an intimate and exclusive retreat that’s perfect for adventurers, foodies, and book lovers. The hotel’s library is adorned with local artisanal décor and features a collection of books that reflect Guatemala’s rich culture and history. When guests aren’t swimming in Lake Atitlan or soaking in views of the three volcanoes, they can take refuge in the library and read books by the fire.
The Hotel Emma (San Antonio, TX)
Filled with more than 3,700 books, The Hotel Emma in San Antonio is a dream come true for book lovers. The hotel’s library, which was acquired from Sherry Kafka Wagner (a novelist, historian, Harvard Fellow, and cultural anthropologist), has countless titles that every bookworm will love. The best part? Guests can check out their books using the library’s vintage card system.
