Some hotels, like the W in various locations, typically hire DJs on the weekends or host once-in-a-lifetime concerts for their guests to enjoy.
However, there is a new kind of music-heavy boutique hotel experience emerging. These properties have everything from in-room recording programs and basement music studios to entire floors paying tribute to artists or genres. In addition, there are also rooftop shows by musicians from all over the world who are making their mark one hotel stay at a time.
Some of our favorite cities around the world have their version of a music lovers’ hotel, making for a cooler-than-average experience that’s worth singing about. Below, four of our favorites.
El Ganzo Hotel in Los Cabos, Mexico
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—I love Los Cabos, especially its really charming boutique-style properties that have more to offer their guests than just a nice spa and an ocean view (those things are lovely, though, don’t get me wrong).
El Ganzo is really special for musicians and music-lovers alike. The marina-front property features unique lobby playlists (you’ll never hear the same song twice in a week) and live monthly musical performances at the rooftop pool. It even has an Underground Studio, where musicians can record their albums and ‘El Ganzo Sessions,’ which are unplugged versions of their greatest hits.
Art Ovation Hotel in Sarasota, FL
A new 162-room hotel inspired by Sarasota’s vibrant culture and arts scene, Art Ovation Hotel officially opened on Florida’s Gulf Coast earlier this year. The boutique property is an Autograph Collection Hotel—located in the heart of downtown Sarasota—and is surrounded by art galleries, theaters and restaurants.
Art Ovation prides itself in being a patron and partner for the arts and boasts an Artists in Residence program as well as curated artists’ collections spread around the hotel.
That’s not all, though. The property has one fun quirky perk I’ve yet to see anywhere else. Each guest room includes a ukulele and other instruments can be ordered through a ‘Check-in, Jam Out’ room service program. Ukulele lessons are also offered to interested guests on the property.
Andaz West Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA
At Andaz West Hollywood, you can live out all your rock ‘n roll fantasies on the infamous Sunset Strip. Formerly known as the Riot Hyatt (in the ‘60s and ‘70s) because of its epic rock concert after parties, Andaz WeHo not only boasts close proximity to some of the hottest music venues in town—like Whisky A Go Go and The Viper Room—but also allows guests to experience part of music history firsthand.
It’s rumored that the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards threw a TV over the balcony of room #1015. The Who’s Keith Moon did the same not long after. (Hotel TVs have since been securely mounted to the walls.)
Andaz Weho features photos of music icons throughout, including one of Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant, which was taken on one of the Andaz’s balconies in the 1970s.
Geejam in Port Antonio, Jamaica
Located on six lush acres of land, Geejam Hotel sits nestled between the John Crow and Blue Mountain Chains and the Caribbean waterfront in Port Antonio. It consists of just seven rooms that include three deluxe cabins, one suite and a self-contained three-bedroom villa.
What started as one state-of-the-art music studio and villa is now a luxe resort where musicians like Rihanna, Drake, Diplo, No Doubt, John Legend and Amy Winehouse have stayed and recorded albums. Even the cabins are named after music genres (Ska, Rocksteady, Mento, etc.).
The property has catered to musician’s for over 10 years and means business with an ongoing mission of developing “a unique haven for an ‘in the know collective’ of like-minded world citizens.” In high season, a villa can cost up to $1,575 per night.
