You don’t always need to visit the iconic museums and galleries to see artworks by famous artists. Choose the right hotel, and you can find masterpieces right there in the hotel lobby or guestroom. From antiquities at the Hotel Metropole Venice to artworks by Dalí and Warhol at Ashford Castle in Ireland, here are some of the best Luxury Gold hotels where you can discover remarkable art collections.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel, Montreal

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Known for its rich history, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal is a feast for art lovers. The hotel is home to an exclusive art collection, created in collaboration with art curator Marie-Justine Snider, MASSIVart Collection and Sid Lee Architecture. It showcases around 124 artworks by 37 Canadian artists across 21 floors.

From paintings and drawings to photography and sculptures, there are endless treasures to explore in the hotel. You can find Paul Hardy’s Drift Glow oil painting, a sculpture by Michel De Broin, a Platner armchair, and a mixed media installation by Alexandre Berthiaume.

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There’s also the immortalised Suite 1742, where John Lennon and Yoko Ono held their iconic bed-in. From original furniture to an archival cabinet and virtual reality headset that lets you experience John and Yoko’s point of view, this is a mini museum in itself, and firmly cements the hotel as an artistic hotspot in Montreal.

Stay here: Vibrant Quebec & New England

Read more: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

Hotel Metropole Venice, Venice

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Venice is famed for its exquisite museums and monuments, but you can enjoy a unique private art collection with a stay at Hotel Metropole Venice. Dripping in historic grandeur, the hotel is home to an extensive collection of antiques, artworks and tapestries from all over the world.

Admire vintage fans, wallets, handbags, nutcrackers, corkscrews, crucifixes, and other precious artifacts throughout the Metropole’s corridors and rooms. There’s even a Salone degli Specchi (Hall of Mirrors) and an original painting of Selim II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

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The Costume Museum of the Mocenigo Palace in Venice even once loaned the Metropole priceless pieces for a temporary exhibition, thanks to the hotel’s artistic reputation and existing collection. 

Stay here: Ultimate Italy

Read more: Expert selected: the 4 best hotel spas you can visit with Luxury Gold

The Lodge at Ashford Castle, Ireland

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Set on the spectacular 350-acre estate of Ashford Castle, overlooking Lough Corrib, The Lodge is a true hidden gem. While most come here to enjoy an Irish fine dining experience at Wilde’s Restaurant, there’s also another major drawcard – the art collection. 

You’ll discover a remarkable collection of masterpieces from Salvador Dalí’s Marjore and Andy Warhol’s Absolut Vodka to Toulouse-Lautrec’s A Portrait Of Yvette Guilbert. There’s a Henry Moore black lithograph called A Seated Woman in an Armchair, a pair of colored lithographs called Maravillas Suite by Joan Miró, and Egon Schiele’s Nude Girl With Arms Raised. From Lucienne Day and David Hockney to Henry Moore and Peter Blake, there’s some serious art here.

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It’s well worth the 20-minute walk from the magnificent Ashford Castle, where you can also meet resident artist Rick Lewis A.R.A. As one of Ireland’s most renowned artists, Lewis has produced a stunning series of paintings featuring Ashford Castle and is even available for guest commissions.

Stay here: Ultimate Ireland

Read more: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, South Africa

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This luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel in Cape Town hosts its own private art collection, showcasing a remarkable blend of African art and contemporary works. The pieces are scattered throughout the hotel and you’ll discover paintings, sculptures and intricate beadwork, celebrating the local culture, traditions, and natural environment. 

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Named after the rugged mountain range surrounding the hotel, the location was a source of inspiration for many artists throughout history. You can even spot the famous mountain scenes painted by the Dutch/South African painter Tinus De Jongh and his son Gabriel De Jongh.

Stay here: Spectacular South Africa

Read more: How to spend 24 hours at 7 of the most exquisite hotels around the world

Leela Palaces, India

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The Leela Palaces have created an extraordinary artistic experience for guests. At The Leela Palace Bengaluru, your artistic journey begins at the door. The dazzling 17th-century Peacock Throne which was the seat of Mughal emperors, is located at the entrance to the lobby, and the gilded peacock stonework is simply exquisite.

The Leela Palace Udaipur pays tribute to the Land of the Mewars with traditional artisanal crafts and artifacts inspired by the regal cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Its hallways are lined with a trove of Indian artwork.

The Leela Palace New Delhi has created an extraordinary artistic experience for guests. Their extensive art collection is scattered throughout the hotel, featuring works by artists such as Satish Gujral, Paresh Maity, Sanjay Bhattacharya, Satish Gupta and Laxma Goud. 

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Discover ornate Rajasthani paintings and Tanjore gold leaf paintings. Admire the artworks lining the corridors then discover the massive golden mosaic revealing a blossoming lotus bud in the central courtyard. The guestrooms and suites feature lithographs depicting Indian kings and queens, embedded with semi-precious stones and gold leaf by famed photographer Rohan Shreshta. 

You’ll also discover the exclusive Art Walk, with a rare collection of Indian art. From murals and paintings to sculptures and contemporary installations, this remarkable experience is parallel to visiting a museum or art gallery.  

Stay here: Essence of India 

Read more: Step inside the most unique luxury retreats in India

Hotel Granvia Kyoto

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If you love art hotels, you can’t miss Hotel Granvia Kyoto. Featuring over a thousand artworks by Kyoto-based artists, the hotel holds one of the most significant art collections in the country. You’ll find both traditional and contemporary Japanese art here, with the collection spread from the lobby to corridors and guest rooms.

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Whether it’s the intricately hand-painted screens, unique sculptures, or handcrafted ceramics, art is an integral part of the experience at Hotel Granvia Kyoto. It offers invaluable insight into Japan’s rich artistic heritage and the chance to get immersed in the local Kyoto art culture. 

Stay here: Majestic Japan 

Read more: A journey of a lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

Driving in a classic car is an experience like no other. The vintage charm, luxurious designs, and powerful machinery under the hood – a classic car experience is all about nostalgia, romance, and style. From driving in a classic Citroën in Provence to a luxury vintage car in New Zealand’s Napier, we look at some of the most unique classic car driving experiences you can enjoy with Luxury Gold. 

What is so special about classic cars?

Driving a classic car isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about appreciating exceptional design and celebrating the art of travel and the thrill of the journey. A classic car is a unique way to explore and connect with a destination, giving an atmosphere of luxury and nostalgia. Our vintage driving experiences offer an exceptional journey, with iconic and historic vehicles carrying you through the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re an automobile aficionado or simply appreciate a memorable roadtrip, these classic car experiences promise a trip filled with style.

Provence, France

For classic car admirers, few experiences are more evocative than winding through the lavender fields of Provence in a classic Citroën 2CV. We’ll take you on the drive of a lifetime in a chauffeured vintage Citroen 2CV through the Provençal countryside. Set off from Lourmarin’s market and cruise through picturesque vineyards, ancient olive groves, and idyllic villages all while enjoying the charm of the classic French car. You’ll arrive at the renowned Domaine de la Citadelle winery where you can explore the grounds and savour a gourmet picnic and wine before heading to Avignon. Sophisticated and romantic, this is the epitome of vintage French luxury. 

Experience it: Ultimate Southern France

Read more: Destination France: Live Your Parisien or Provencal Dream

Napier, New Zealand

Renowned as the Art Deco Capital of the world, Napier is a city that celebrates its vintage charm, making it the perfect location for one of our classic driving experiences. When you travel with Luxury Gold you can explore Napier in a luxurious classic car, such as a vintage Packard or Chevrolet. Your expert local guide will chauffeur you on your personal tour of Napier. 

These beautiful vehicles complement the architectural elegance of Napier, as you explore the highlights of the city’s 140 Art Deco buildings and sculptures from the comfort of your lavish vehicle. Later on, you’ll enjoy a mouthwatering dinner at Malo, with wine sourced directly from the surrounding wineries.

Experience it: The Long White Cloud

Read more: Rugged luxury: Why a Trip to New Zealand Might Surprise You

Cape Winelands, South Africa

South Africa’s spectacular landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for our classic car driving experiences. Beginning in the vibrant city of Cape Town, you’ll take your seat in a chauffeured classic car such as a vintage Mercedes-Benz or Rover. You’ll then meander through the lush green countryside of the Cape Winelands on a scenic drive through the iconic wineland towns of Paarl, Stellenbosch, and Franschhoek. 

Cruise through valleys, vineyards, wineries and cheese farms, and stop at Vergelegen Estate to indulge in an award-winning wine tasting. Next, at Boschendal Wine Estate, you’ll indulge in a seasonal Farm-to-Table lunch. Return to your chauffeured vintage car and gaze out at the stunning scenery, illuminated by the setting sun, as you return to Cape Town. 

Experience it: Spectacular South Africa

Read more: A look inside South Africa’s most beautiful – and exclusive – wineries

Other classic car driving experiences with Luxury Gold

While a scenic drive is the most immersive experience, classic car admirers will also love these vintage car experiences with Luxury Gold.

See a vintage Trabant in Kraków’s Nowa Huta district

Nowa Huta is the historic steel district of Kraków. Established during the communist era of the 1940s, the Nowa Huta Steelworks was once the largest in the world. The district is also famed as the home of the Trabant car. Known affectionately as “Trabi”, the car was one of the most common vehicles in Central and Eastern Europe during the last decades of the Cold War. 

It’s since become a symbol of the Eastern Bloc, remembered for its notorious two-stroke engine that produced a cloud of smoky exhaust, and its body made of duroplast, a form of plastic. When you travel here with Luxury Gold, you’ll have the chance to see a vintage Trabant and learn more about the history of this fascinating district. 

Experience it: Harmony of Central Europe

Read more: The scenic route: two sublime Irish drives that deliver scenery to die for

Graceland Car Museum

Any classic car admirer has likely got the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum on their bucket list. Located in the Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee, the former home of Elvis Presley, the museum pays tribute to the King’s love of cars.

You can see many of the iconic vehicles Elvis owned during his lifetime, from the famous Pink Cadillac Fleetwood to the 1956 Cadillac Eldorado (originally white but painted purple by Elvis). There’s the 1960 Rolls Royce Phantom V and a 1975 Dino Ferrari 308 GT4. Don’t miss the 1973 Stutz Blackhawk, one of the most unique vehicles as it was custom-made for Elvis. It was one of Elvis’ favorite cars and the last one he drove before his death in 1977. Along with cars, you’ll also find motorbikes, like the 1956 Harley Davidson, and even a 1966 red Schwinn bicycle. 

The museum doesn’t just display the vehicles; it also tells the stories behind them. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or a motorhead, it’s safe to say you’ll find something you love at this museum. 

Experience it: Southern Grace

Read more: The Royal Treatment: All the Ways We Make Your Trip Exceptional

In a fast-paced world, where mass production and automation dominate, you can still find regions and communities where handmade arts and ancient techniques continue to thrive. These artisanal skills are much more than jobs and beautiful art forms; They are vital to the preservation of diverse cultures and a testament to human ingenuity. They’re also a bridge between generations, as these skills have been passed down for centuries. From potters in Jaipur and sake brewmasters in Japan to handweaving in Perugia and salt mining in Peru, we look at some of the most remarkable artisanal jobs and how you can watch the masters at work. 

Quechuan weaving in Cusco, Peru

Quechuan weaving is a centuries-old tradition and one of the oldest artisanal jobs in Peru. Weavers use natural dyes and ancient techniques to create vibrant textiles depicting the cultural heritage of the Andean people. In Cusco, you can visit the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco which helps preserve the Quechuan weaving traditions. 

When you travel to Cusco with Luxury Gold, you’ll meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a Quechua scholar, and director of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco. You’ll learn about her mission to preserve traditional weaving techniques and help support these artisans and skills passed down through generations. As part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll not only celebrate the cultural heritage of the region but also contribute to the economic empowerment of the local communities.

Experience it: Grand South America

Read more: Keeping the Old Ways Alive: Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco

The Geisha art form in Kyoto, Japan

Geishas are highly skilled entertainers who undergo years of rigorous training in traditional Japanese arts, including dance, music, and conversation. Steeped in tradition and mystery, geishas are living embodiments of Japan’s cultural legacy, serving as guardians of its traditions and artistry. As geisha traditions are dwindling across Japan, it’s vital to recognise the important contribution of geishas to Japanese culture. 

When you visit Kyoto with Luxury Gold, you’ll witness a skilful dance performance by a Maiko, an apprentice Geisha, all while savouring a lunch of traditional Kyo-Kaiseki cuisine. 

Experience it: Majestic Japan

Read more: The timeless elegance of Japan: admire geisha in Kyoto

Glassblowing in Murano, Venice

This small island near Venice has been renowned for its glassblowing craftsmanship for centuries. The artisans of Murano possess an exceptional mastery of glass manipulation, shaping molten glass into intricate forms. From delicate chandeliers to exquisite vases, their creations are timeless works of art. However, the art of glassblowing faces challenges due to the influx of cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. Preserving these artisanal jobs and skills is crucial, not only for the local artisans but also for the preservation of the unique cultural identity of Murano. 

When you visit Venice with Luxury Gold, you’ll witness the ancient skill of glassblowing at a long-standing arts center. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll see the masters create singular works of beautiful art and help support the workshop and the survival of this craft.

Experience it: Ultimate Italy

Read more: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a blissful 24 hours in Venice

Block printing and blue pottery in Jaipur, India

Delve into the side lanes of old Jaipur, and you’ll discover the highly skilled local artisans who are passionate about passing on their ancient crafts. Two of the most important crafts are the intricate arts of block printing and blue pottery. 

Block printing involves carving intricate designs onto wooden blocks, which are then dipped in natural dyes and stamped onto the fabric. It requires meticulous precision and an intimate understanding of the materials to achieve the desired patterns. Blue pottery utilizes a unique technique that originated in Persia and found its way to Jaipur. Skilled potters handcraft each delicate piece, creating stunning blue and white designs. 

When you travel to Jaipur with Luxury Gold, you’ll visit a workshop to learn more about these crafts and the rich cultural heritage of the region, while supporting local artisanal jobs and communities. 

Experience it: Essence of India

Read more: Meet the female riders of Jaipur’s Pink City Rickshaw Company

Flamenco performers in Seville, Spain

The soul-stirring rhythms and movements of flamenco are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of Spain. Skilled flamenco artists, known as bailaores and bailaoras, captivate audiences with their passionate dance, music, and singing. Flamenco was named an “Intangible Cultural Heritage” by UNESCO in 2010, however, this Spanish tradition is seriously endangered. With fewer skilled flamenco performers and the Covid pandemic forcing many out of business, it’s more important than ever to preserve this powerful cultural art form. 

You’ll discover flamenco with Luxury Gold when we visit the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville, which promotes the teaching and conservation of flamenco. As part of this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you’ll meet the students, learn some flamenco steps, and feel the passion as they perform a flamenco show.

Experience it: Spain & Portugal in Style

Read more: Why Spain Sets the Gold Standard for Art Museums

Traditional handweavers in Perugia, Italy

The central Italian region of Umbria is famous for its medieval weaving tradition, yet there are very few artists who possess these ancient skills. You’ll find the last remaining weavers at the Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti in the historic city of Perugia, a sanctuary for handweaving. Here the skilled weavers craft stunning tapestries and fabrics using traditional techniques passed down through generations. 

When you travel to Perugia with Luxury Gold, you’ll meet the founder and fourth-generation weaver, Marta to learn about the medieval art of handweaving and admire their woven masterpieces. This On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience helps support Marta to pass on her craft to future generations and safeguard a legacy stretching back centuries.

Experience it: Ultimate Italy

Read more: The Luxury Gold guide to discovering statement art pieces on your travels

Rice paper making in Vietnam

This ancient craft of rice paper making been passed down for generations in Vietnam. Skilled artisans use delicate processes to create versatile rice paper sheets. While they’re commonly used in decorative crafts, such as lotus flowers and intricate lanterns, rice paper sheets can also be used as a canvas for traditional paintings, handwritten calligraphy, and sacred texts. Traditional rice paper making faces challenges with competition from mass-produced versions. However, there are a group of artisans who work diligently to pass their knowledge and craft on to future generations.

With Luxury Gold, you’ll meet one of these artisans at his family home in the Mekong Delta. Mr Sau Tuong was a former soldier who now works with his wife to make rice paper using traditional techniques. You’ll hear stories of how he spent four years fighting the Khmer Rouge, and now seeks out a quieter life preserving his cultural heritage.

Experience it: Inspiring Indochina

Read more: Travel Experiences that can change the world

Ancient salt mining in Maras, Peru

High in the Peruvian Andes lies the breathtaking Salt Mines of Maras, where salt is harvested using centuries-old techniques. The farmers channel mineral-rich spring water into terraced pools. This allows the sun to evaporate the water, leaving behind dazzling salt crystals. This evaporation technique has been used since Incan times. It’s been passed down by generations of local families, who still harvest salt and sell it to local markets. This method not only produces unique salts but also sustains the local community and preserves these artisanal jobs.

With Luxury Gold, you’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Salt Mines of Maras and meet a local salt miner. They’ll share the ancient salt mining techniques passed down through generations, and how it sustains the environment of the region. 

Experience it: Treasures of the Incas

Read more: Discovering Fascinating Indigenous Cultures on Your Luxury Gold Journey