Love books? Discover these stunning literary hotels across the globe that offer plush stays, curated libraries, and book-themed delights.
A love of books is something that people from all cultures share, and this list of 21 literary hotels is living proof of that.
B2 Hotel Zürich (Switzerland)
Though housed in a former brewery, B2 Hotel Zürich makes the most of its 130 years of history by presenting a polished blend of industrial design and modern comfort. And, most importantly for book lovers around the world, it has a beautiful library/restaurant/meeting space with over 30,000 volumes on the shelves lining the room.
With wooden tables and a charmingly eclectic mix of chairs, the impression the library gives is distinctive and elegant, but not stuffy, possibly thanks to the beer bottle chandelier keeping the atmosphere in check.
Library Hotel (New York City, USA)
Snug between the New York Public Library and Grand Central Terminal, the Library Hotel is the place for bibliophiles to stay in New York City. Each floor is themed according to the Dewey Decimal System, and each room comes with artwork and dozens of books related to its floor’s specific topic.
Not only that, but guests get 24-hour access to a reading room stocked with refreshments and over 6,000 books, plus a rooftop bar with literary-themed cocktails and city views.
Hakone Honbako (Japan)
Surrounded by nature, Hakone Honbako is a minimalist Japanese-style inn centered around the joy of reading. Rather than expend its energy and resources on luxuries or extensive amenities, this hotel focuses its heart and soul on its 12,000-strong library and on providing a peaceful space away from the noise of daily life for people to lose themselves in a good book.
Though most of the library collection is in Japanese, it contains a decent English-language section across multiple genres. That includes a few things about the local area, sure to be useful for travelers visiting Hakone for the first time.
The Heathman Hotel (Portland, USA)
This historic boutique hotel opened in the Roaring ’20s, and from the outside, it looks more like an old-timey cinema than a hotel. However, that’s just part of its charm—the other part being its library, filled with almost 3,000 signed books. And yes, according to the hotel’s website, each and every one is signed by its author. Impressive, to say the least!
Though the building is older, the guest rooms underwent an upgrade back in 2018, so you can rest assured you’ll find every modern comfort needed during your stay.
The Hotel Emma (San Antonio, USA)
You wouldn’t know it by looking at its grand, almost castle-like façade, but like B2 Hotel Zürich, the Hotel Emma is a former brewery, originally built in the late 19th century. Located in San Antonio, Texas, it has 146 rooms and authentic distillery machinery.
The hotel also boasts an elegant, two-story library (and former fermenting cellars), where guests are served complimentary margaritas. It’s perfect for those who like a little booze with their books, and also on-point theme honoring Hotel Emma’s roots.
L’oscar London (UK)
If you’re tired of former breweries, try this former church for a change of pace. Built in opulent Baroque style, L’oscar London is a luxury boutique hotel showcasing high ceilings, ornate plasterwork, carved fireplaces, and lavish interiors.
Its restaurant is no exception to the extravagance, the walls are lined with bookcases filled with old tombs, adding a bit of literary charm to the decadence of plush sofas and delicious food.
The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel (Portugal)
The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel truly lives up to its name, going all out by filling every corner with enough books to make even the finickiest of readers happy. Set in a 19th-century former convent near Óbidos Castle, you can settle into a reading lounge with one of the many volumes lining the shelves, or grab from a stack of texts right in your guest room.
Even its restaurant, Book & Cook, adds a bit of fun by having each menu item inspired by a different author. All in all, it makes for a charming stay in this medieval book town.
Wine & Books Porto (Portugal)
Located in Porto’s historic UNESCO World Heritage center, Wine & Books Hotel offers spacious, elegant rooms and a unique wine & books club tailored for wine and book lovers alike. Those who join get access to a newsletter recommending a curated selection of local Portuguese authors translated into English and other languages, plus suggestions of fine wines found in Portugal.
Overall, the hotel offers an air of sophistication and comfort that’s well worth partaking in, whether you join its book club or not.
NoMad London (UK)
Packed with a special blend of contemporary art and vintage furniture, NoMad London is a unique blend of past and present. Adding to the list of hotels in a former something-or-other, NoMad is a bit unique in that it used to be a police station and courthouse, though you wouldn’t know it from the marble bathrooms and plush beds.
Of note is the hotel’s library lounge, filled with rare texts and art books—a perfect place to relax in between sightseeing.
Hotel 1928 (USA)
Set in Waco, Texas, Hotel 1928 is rich in local history, housed in the former Grand Karem Shrine Building. With a beautiful brick façade, this hotel offers three distinct restaurants, a rooftop terrace with city views, and a grand ballroom.
Most importantly, it has a gorgeous library, complete with a long, elegant staircase, cozy armchairs, a fireplace, and red Persian carpeting. Complete with rows of books, it’s a great space to while away the time in.
Lamp Light Books Hotel Sapporo (Japan)
Lamp Light Books Hotel has multiple locations across Japan, each of which has a bookstore open to guests 24 hours a day, along with a book café. The latter is ideal for visitors who want to browse the collection at their leisure while enjoying a light meal and coffee. Guests who are staying at the hotel can even borrow a book to read in their room.
The Sapporo branch is notable for its clean, modern look in its guest rooms, contrasting with the old-world brick wall vibe in other areas of the hotel.
Shiba Park Hotel (Japan)
What with being so close to Tokyo Tower and Shiba Park, this particular book-themed hotel has a lot to recommend it aside from offering a unique literary experience. Its occasional Zen sense of style also lends it a lot of charm, as it’s often a treat for the eyes.
That being said, Shiba Park Hotel will be of special interest to bibliophiles everywhere, thanks to its curated library spread throughout the guest rooms and common areas. It’s a great way to discover a new favorite title by pure happenstance.
Hotel Not Hotel (Amsterdam)
Though this particular hotel is more art-focused than anything else, it still has a lot to offer book lovers (and mystery lovers in general), thanks to the rooms hidden behind bookshelves in its lobby library.
Hotel Not Hotel in Amsterdam touts itself as something of a combination of museum and hotel, and prides itself on its unique design throughout the buildings. Its individual guest rooms, especially, are like works of art, each with its own creative spin.
The Ned NoMad NYC (USA)
Set in a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts building with decor inspired by the Roaring ’20s, the Ned NoMad in New York City is a luxury boutique hotel featuring a rooftop terrace and multiple restaurants sure to please any weary traveler.
For book lovers, it offers the additional bonus of a library bar in the back of one of the restaurants. With lush furniture, dark wooden shelving, and ambient lighting, it’s a great place to relax and escape the bustle of the city while still enjoying its creature comforts.
La Réserve Paris (France)
Just off Paris’s famous Champs-Élysées stands La Réserve Paris, a meticulously restored mansion from the 1800s. Though not large, it makes the most of its space by decking out its 40 guest rooms and suites in silk, oak, and marble. The interior design is a loving mix of historic architecture and modern convenience, topped with stellar service.
The highlight is, of course, the Duc de Morny Library, a lounge lined with a curated selection of 3,000 books, including rare first editions. Here, guests can read, dine, or enjoy a quiet drink amidst rich woodwork and velvet furnishings.
Maxwell Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection (Singapore)
Talk about opulence, this century-old Colonial-style hotel makes some royal palaces look modest. This place is adorned with vintage rugs, velvet seating, mahogany furniture, and luscious Western bathrooms.
The hotel’s literary flavor comes in one of its restaurants, Cultivate Cafe, which specializes in plant-based, vegan food in an elegant setting. The mirrored ceiling reflecting the bookshelves and chic hanging lamps is also a very nice touch.
L’Escape Hotel (South Korea)
If you’re hoping for a bit of Paris while in South Korea, you’re in luck with L’Escape Hotel. Designed by a French architect, this hotel offers a one-of-a-kind pocket of 19th-century France in the heart of Seoul (complete with modern amenities, of course.)
One of its most lovingly designed rooms is a French salon-style lounge where you’re surrounded by books in luxurious Belle Époque decor. With a grand piano and gilded chandeliers, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time to another country for a quick literary escape.
Santo Mauro Hotel (Spain)
While not strictly speaking a literary hotel, this former ducal home in Madrid, Spain, boasts an impressive library-turned-restaurant, La Biblioteca. With tall bookcases and intricate detailing, it’s truly an elegant spot to eat while being surrounded by vintage, leather-bound volumes.
It’s also just an all-around beautiful hotel, with historically preserved architecture, gorgeous common areas with high ceilings, and a private garden featuring fountains and terraces.
La Siesta Classic Hang Thung (Vietnam)
For an authentic taste of Vietnamese culture mixed in with literary flair, look no further than La Siesta Classic Hang Thung. This 12-story hotel has an interior that blends traditional Vietnamese design with modern elements, making for a space that’s both timeless and beautiful.
Fellow bookworms will be excited to visit the Library Lounge, the hotel’s very own book bar, which has a wall lined with books and contemporary art pieces that are sure to catch the eye.
Torel Palace Porto (Portugal)
Torel Palace Porto takes a bit of a different approach. This palace, built in 1861, commemorates Portugal’s literary culture by naming its 24 rooms and suites after famous local writers and poets. Each guest room is also decorated according to its assigned writer, often with a portrait in their honor.
In addition, Torel Palace has an on-site patisserie lined with books and knick-knacks. It has a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere sure to make any bookworm feel at home.
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K Lou
K. Lou is a writer born in the U.S. who found her way to Japan through a spiritual calling—or, more precisely, better access to tea. She writes about travel, culture, and the occasional creative piece, inspired by her enduring love of books. This love began in high school when K. Lou carried books around to avoid seeming odd while lost in thought. Once she started reading, she never stopped. With zero regrets, she continues to explore the written word and invites others to join her in celebrating its varied forms.
