Walk into any hotel lobby and you’ll notice one of two things: either the art takes your breath away, or it vanishes into the wallpaper. There’s rarely a middle ground. Great hotel art inspires guests, sparks conversations, and leaves a lasting impression. Poor art? Well, it can feel like the design equivalent of elevator music harmless, but instantly forgettable.
The question is: which experience are you giving your guests?
Art in hotels has an enormous job. It isn’t just there to “fill space” or “add colour.” Artwork shapes mood. It whispers (or shouts) your brand story. It tells guests: this is who we are, this is what we value, this is what you’ll remember about us. In other words, art is not decoration, it’s identity.
When artwork inspires, guests notice. They lean in. They take photos. They ask questions. “Who’s the artist?” “Is this connected to the local culture?” “Can I buy this for my home?” Suddenly, your hotel becomes more than a place to sleep. It becomes a place to discover.
When artwork insults intelligence, it usually does so unintentionally. Think generic, mass-produced prints that could hang in any hotel from Auckland to Abu Dhabi. The kind that say nothing about the brand, nothing about the location, and nothing about the experience. Guests may not complain but they also won’t remember. And if they don’t remember, you’ve missed an opportunity to stand out.
The good news? Inspiring artwork doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as showcasing local artists, collaborating with designers to create site-specific pieces, or curating a collection that aligns with the hotel’s story. Imagine a coastal hotel where each room features artwork reflecting the tides, or a city hotel that partners with emerging street artists to capture the vibrancy of its neighbourhood. Suddenly, the art becomes a talking point. A photo opportunity. A memory.
And here’s the punchline: inspiring artwork doesn’t just benefit the guest. It benefits the brand. Guests who connect emotionally are more likely to return, recommend, and share their experience online. In an industry where differentiation is everything, that’s a priceless advantage.
So, is your hotel art inspiring guests—or insulting their intelligence? The answer may be hanging right in front of you.