Check-In with the Greats: Hotels Where Literature Lives On

From the Left Bank salons of Paris to the storytelling traditions of the Arabian desert, literature has long shaped the way we see the world. Today, a growing number of travellers are following in the footsteps of great writers and artists – seeking out destinations that feel like a page from a beloved novel. Across […]

From the Left Bank salons of Paris to the storytelling traditions of the Arabian desert, literature has long shaped the way we see the world. Today, a growing number of travellers are following in the footsteps of great writers and artists – seeking out destinations that feel like a page from a beloved novel. Across Europe and the Middle East, these remarkable hotels offer more than luxury and design—they invite guests to experience the emotion, atmosphere, and inspiration that once stirred the literary greats. With summer approaching, it’s also the ideal time to explore these cultural escapes before the peak travel season begins.

A SALON FOR THINKERS, DREAMERS | HOTEL CAFÉ ROYAL

In the heart of London, Hotel Café Royal has been a historic gathering place for some of the greatest writers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Oscar Wilde famously held court here, while Virginia Woolf and George Bernard Shaw were regulars in the surrounding artistic circles. Ideally located between Mayfair and Soho, the hotel blends timeless architecture with modern elegance – offering guests a refined escape where London’s literary soul still lingers in every corridor.

Now is the perfect moment to experience the city in bloom – from Royal Ascot to open-air theatre in Regent’s Park, London offers a sophisticated cultural calendar to complement your stay.

For reservations or more information, please visit https://www.hotelcaferoyal.com/

WHERE WORDS SHAPED A CITY | HOTEL LUTETIA, PARIS

Set along Paris’s storied Left Bank, Hotel Lutetia is a living tribute to the city’s literary golden age. James Joyce edited Ulysses during his stay, while Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre defined the era’s philosophy just nearby. Built by the founders of Le Bon Marché for their most cultured clientele, the hotel remains a beacon for lovers of art, literature, and timeless Parisian flair.

Late spring and early summer are magical in Paris – with quieter streets before peak tourism, outdoor café culture in full swing, and cultural events like Nuit des Musées and Fête de la Musique enriching the experience.

For reservations or more information, please visit https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/paris/lutetia

A PLACE WHERE STORIES UNFOLD | ONE&ONLY PORTONOVI, MONTENEGRO

With its dramatic coastline and centuries-old villages, Montenegro has long inspired legends, poetry, and oral traditions passed through generations. At One&Only Portonovi, that spirit lives on through rich design details, from mosaics echoing Roman heritage to curated collections of regional tales and art. The setting itself—surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and mountain peaks – feels like a story waiting to be told.

As the summer season begins, Montenegro offers a sun-soaked escape with fewer crowds than Western Europe, pristine beaches, and cultural festivals that bring the region’s heritage to life.

For reservations or more information, please visit https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/portonovi

A DESERT DESTINATION ROOTED IN STORY | THE CHEDI HEGRA, ALULA

Set among the ancient tombs of Hegra, The Chedi Hegra is a place where the art of storytelling is woven into the landscape. From Nabataean inscriptions to the poetry of travellers who passed through AlUla along the Incense Route, this land has always inspired reflection and expression. Today, guests are invited to write their own chapter – exploring a destination shaped by memory, meaning, and cultural richness

With the cooler shoulder season continuing through spring, now is the ideal time to experience AlUla before the summer heat arrives – offering desert adventures, stargazing, and cultural immersion in one of the Kingdom’s most inspiring settings.

For reservations or more information, please visit https://www.ghmhotels.com/en/the-chedi-hegra/destination/

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