[slideshow] Must-haves for a hotel room usually include top-notch service and a great location. But what about a piece of art by Andy Warhol? It’s not a deal breaker, but it is a bonus – and one that you’ll find in several New York City hotel rooms. Here are three artsy hotels worth checking out:
1. Crosby Street Hotel. The only American outpost of the Firmdale Hotels group designed by Kit Kemp, this Soho hotel seamlessly blends eclectic with sophistication, thanks in part to its vast art collection. Throughout the space, you’ll see works from artists like Peter Rocklin and Peter Clark, including some of Clark’s more famous collages that take the shape of dogs. We were impressed by the giant Jaume Plensa head sculpture made of steel letters in the lobby — Plensa leaves it up to you to determine if it’s male or female.
2. Greenwich Hotel. Known as the unofficial mayor of Tribeca, Robert De Niro is also the owner of the cozy, European-style Greenwich Hotel. You’ll find furnishings and elements gathered from around the world here, including an entire old Japanese farmhouse from Kyoto that’s found in the hotel’s Shibui Spa. The hotel also boasts works of art by De Niro’s late father, Robert De Niro, Sr. One oil painting pays special homage to the artist’s mother, Helen.
3. Gramercy Park Hotel. This hotel has got that hip factor. Ian Schrager gave the spot a major facelift in 2006, and one of the notable changes was the art. Combining classic elements with a quirky edge, guest favorites include pieces by provocative British artist Damien Hirst, painter-sculptor Fernando Botero and, of course, Pop Art innovator Andy Warhol.
Photos courtesy of Caroline Patek, Estate of Robert De Niro, Sr., PRCo USA
