Music is striking a chord in the lodging industry -- from the open mic nights at Hotel RL to in-room record players at The Redbury in Miami. But that's only the beginning. For the music-obsessed, these seven hotels will make you feel like you're with the band.
Jaz in the City
Jaz in the City, which opened in late 2015, is within spitting distance of Amsterdam’s major concert venues. But location isn’t the only reason this is the perfect Holland opus. The leitmotif of the lobby is quite harmonious, with coffee tables made from Marshall sound equipment and footrests reminiscent of drums. Lobby walls are jammed with photos and posters of famous musicians, and Rhythms Bar showcases local bands and DJs.
Aria Hotel Budapest
The Aria Hotel Budapest is going for baroque. The fully restored 1870s building features decor inspired by jazz, classical, opera, and contemporary music. One suite is specially dedicated to Hungarian composer Franz Liszt. The theme is carried throughout the hotel, with a tiled piano key path through the lobby, music-inspired art installations, and a rare Bogányi piano. The hotel also has a director who curates local music experiences and a music library, which guests can listen to on in-room iPads.
W Bali-Seminyak
The first W Sound Suite at W Bali-Seminyak features a stylish, sound-proof space featuring a lounge large enough for the entourage. The main mixing room includes professional equipment from the likes of Pioneer and Moog, as well as a private vocal booth overlooking a tropical garden. Hollywood, Barcelona, and Seattle will soon be getting their own sound suites, designed in part by W’s North American music director, DJ White Shadow (best known for his producing work with Lady Gaga).
Backstage Hotel
Designed to accommodate touring musicians, Amsterdam’s BackStage Hotel is both hostel and hotel. Private and shared rooms (for up to five people) are black and white, accented by instruments hanging on the walls. Each chamber has an iPod docking station and bulb-lined theater mirrors. Guests can pick up one of the hotel’s guitars and play some tunes, or fake it while playing Guitar Hero at the bar. For good measure, the bar also hosts open mic sessions.
The Verb Hotel
The Verb in Boston is not a hotel for grammarians. The name is a play on the musical term reverb. The owners have converted an old Howard Johnson motel into a funky homage to the Boston indie music scene. Throughout the lobby are key pieces of pop memorabilia. A wood-grain turntable rests on the check-in counter, and front desk personnel help guests spin albums from a collection of Boston-related music. In the rooms, facsimiles of rock-themed covers of the city’s alternative newspaper, the Boston Phoenix, and silkscreen prints of rock stars line the walls.
Disney All-Star Music Resort
Disney’s All-Star Music Resort plays it a little more mainstream. The property pays homage to popular music genres, including country, jazz, rock and roll, calypso, and Broadway show tunes. A giant neon jukebox and oversize instrument icons are strategically placed around the exterior, and each room’s balcony is lined with musical notes. One pool looks like a piano and the other is shaped like a guitar.