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3 years ago
Sumptuous sojourns for literary lovers
Bookworms, feast your eyes on these decadent hotel libraries, featuring open fireplaces, resident bars and compelling tomes aplenty, in the UK and beyond.
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What could be better than cosying up by the fire with a good book? Bowood encourages exactly that, with its homey library which features a cosy open fireplace. Designed by the Marchioness of Lansdowne, the interiors have been inspired by the historic country estate, featuring an imposing portrait of the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne and a selection of books from the impressive Bowood House, which dates back to 1754. bowood.org
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Also designed by Kit Kemp, London’s Soho Hotel features a beautiful library adorned with light wood panelled walls, quirky artworks, and bookcases and shelves stacked with an array of decadent leather bound books. Alongside reading, the library can also be enjoyed as an afternoon tea or drinks setting. firmdalehotels.com
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An ideal spot for those who don’t intend to leave the library once the lights go out, Gladstone’s is ‘the UK’s only residential library’ – and with that, a bibliophile’s dream. The ideal writing or reading retreat, take advantage of the library’s 150,000 publications, peaceful reading rooms and cosy accommodation. gladstoneslibrary.org
Indulge in afternoon tea whilst surrounded by a plethora of books within this historic hotel’s library, where classical tomes – from the likes of Milton and Shakespeare – are aesthetically housed in a series of grand oak bookcases. Guests will be charmed by the spectacular views overlooking Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. marriott.com
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A library in our room? Yes please. You might have to travel further afield to get your hands on this hotel’s book collection, but the bespoke floor-to-ceiling library featured in each room – comprising classics, current titles and tomes in an array of different languages – is most definitely worth the plane ride. hotelmontefiore.co.il
Library by day, bar by night, Stanbrook Abbey’s book collection caters to those who love to accompany their tomes with a tipple. Comprising of cosy mismatched chairs, an old-world piano and of course plenty of books, this inviting library lends itself to the 16th century establishment’s traditional charm. handpickedhotels.co.uk
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New York‘s The Library Hotel is a must-visit for bibliophiles, where over 6,000 books are housed spanning 10 guest room floors. Organised by the Dewey Decimal Classification®, each floor of the hotel is home to a different category, from languages to philosophy, history and the arts, where guests can choose accommodation based on their reading interests. There’s also a dedicated Reading Room, Writer’s Den & Poetry Garden for budding novelists, poets and literary fanatics. libraryhotel.com
Designed by award-winning interior designer Kit Kemp, the Ham Yard Hotel library is a dream for lovers of both design and literature. Kemp’s interior creations reign throughout, from walls adorned with her Christopher Farr Ozone fabric to the sumptuous Suzani curtains lifted from her Chelsea Textiles collection. As for the books, categories span travel, history and world affairs, along with a section dedicated to London – its literature, arts, politics and more. Cosy up with a cuppa (or cocktail) from the library’s honesty bar and delve into the eclectic collection. firmdalehotels.com
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Formerly the Camden Council Library, The Standard now boasts its very own Library Lounge, including a resident librarian. No ordinary hotel library, titles have been organised into an array of alternative and eccentric categories, from Romance & Technology to Politics & Tragedy, whilst an abundance of plants and plush leather sofas make this less ‘stuffy library’ and more high-toned, cosy hangout – where you can even order a cocktail or two. What’s more, there’s also a Sounds Studio fit for hosting podcast recordings, DJ sets, live streams and more.  standardhotels.com
