Literary Speaking | Charming Hotels & Experiences Book Addicts Will Love

Editorial Team
Jun 1
4 min read

Updated: Jun 4

There are places in the world where fiction slips into the folds of reality — where the scent of old books lingers in the air and the rooms seem to hum with the voices of beloved characters. For the well-read traveller, certain hotels offer more than just a bed for the night. They offer an invitation into the worlds of Woolf, Hemingway, Murakami, Márquez and beyond.

From cosy bars for writes and dreamers to opulent suites in luxury hotels once favoured by literary greats, these stays are steeped in story. Whether you dream of waking up where your favourite novel was penned or sipping tea in a room lined with first editions, this journey uncovers the hotels where literature comes alive — not just on the shelves, but in the atmosphere, the architecture, and the soul of the place.

Let’s check in where the chapters never end.

The Bookhouse Hotel, USA - Book Club Membership

Housed in a charming historic building that once served as a beloved bookstore, The Bookhouse Hotel in Kennett Square carries forward its literary legacy with over 5,000 books left behind by the original shop. Today, the hotel offers cosy, book-lined rooms that invite guests to curl up and lose themselves in a story, preserving the spirit of the building’s past while offering a warm, bookish escape.

Expanding on its literary ethos, The Bookhouse Hotel now offers an exclusive book club membership designed for passionate readers. Members receive quarterly book boxes delivered right to their doorstep, each featuring the book of the quarter along with thoughtfully curated gifts that bring the story to life.

The benefits extend far beyond the page. Membership includes lifetime discounts on hotel stays, official merchandise at both hotel locations, and coveted priority access to tickets for the hotel’s annual themed Book Ball: a festive celebration of literature, imagination, and community.

Book your stay: www.thebookhousehotel.com

Flemings Mayfair, UK - Oscar Wilde Luxury Suite

Flemings Mayfair, set in one of London’s most prestigious addresses, has unveiled the complete transformation of its elegant three-bedroom townhouse, drawing creative inspiration from Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. This landmark property, part of the hotel’s historic collection, now offers a renewed take on classic luxury with a distinctly literary twist.

The reimagined three-bedroom suite resides within The Townhouse, one of the 13 Georgian townhouses that make up Flemings Mayfair. Guests here enjoy the rare combination of a private Mayfair residence with seamless access to the hotel’s refined services and amenities – a blend of privacy and indulgence at the heart of London.

Interior designers Tully Filmer Ltd have masterfully reinterpreted 18th-century charm through a contemporary lens, using bold palettes, sumptuous textures, and thoughtful literary touches. The design pays tribute not only to Wilde’s razor-sharp wit but also to the cultural heritage of the neighbourhood. In a fitting nod to the suite’s muse, guests will receive a copy of Wilde’s play at turndown, offering a charming invitation to engage with the story behind the space.

Book your stay: www.flemings-mayfair.co.uk

Hôtel Belles Rives, France - Piano Bar Fitzgerald

A proud member of Europe’s prestigious Historic and Heritage Cafés association, the Bar Fitzgerald at

Hôtel Belles Rives has been reimagined with a renewed elegance that remains faithful to its storied past and distinctive character. Carefully restored, antique, and bespoke furnishings blend seamlessly, while the striking black marble countertop and original oak floors and windows, preserved from the building’s earliest days, anchor the space in timeless authenticity.

This meticulous revival celebrates the bar’s unique identity, offering an atmosphere that is both refined and deeply evocative. Every detail, from the soft curves of the furnishings to the warm glow of the lighting, nods to the glamour and grace of the Art Deco era, capturing the spirit that has long defined this iconic family residence on the Riviera.

An intimate haven of charm and history, the Bar Fitzgerald invites guests to step into another era, one of literary echoes, elegant soirées, and Riviera sophistication. It’s a setting where past and present converge, making it the perfect place to linger over a cocktail and bask in the golden age of style.

Book your stay: www.bellesrives.com

Pera Palace Hotel, Türkiye - Agatha Christie Room

The Agatha Christie Room of Pera Palace Hotel offers an immersive step back in time, with its spacious living area, elegant antique furnishings, and a private library featuring the famed author’s works published in multiple languages. At the heart of the room sits a replica of Agatha Christie’s own typewriter: a tribute to the craft behind her enduring mysteries.

Legend has it that one of her most iconic novels, Murder on the Orient Express, was conceived within the very walls of this bedroom, adding a layer of intrigue to an already captivating space. Every detail, from the period decor to the literary touches, reflects the timeless spirit of Christie’s world.

Perfect for lovers of crime fiction and vintage charm alike, the Agatha Christie Room is a retreat where the elegance of a bygone era meets the thrill of storytelling. It awaits guests ready to lose themselves in suspense and imagination, just as the great author once did.

Book your stay: www.perapalace.com

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Cambodia - Writers Bar

Raffles Hotel Le Royal’s iconic Writers Bar stands as a tribute to the legendary writers, poets, and journalists who have journeyed through Southeast Asia, finding inspiration in its rich tapestry of history, culture, and allure. Tucked just off the grand lobby of the 96-year-old hotel, the bar honours these literary figures whose words have helped shape the narrative of the region for generations.

Evoking the golden age of writing, Writers Bar blends timeless elegance with nostalgic charm. Vintage typewriters and carefully curated books adorn the space, offering subtle yet evocative reminders of the craft and its enduring legacy. The ambience invites guests to step into a world where literature and conversation intertwine, surrounded by echoes of stories past.

More than just a bar, it has evolved into a cultural hub for Phnom Penh’s literary scene. Writers Bar hosts book launches, author talks, poetry readings, and storytelling evenings, establishing itself as a welcoming retreat for contemporary writers and literary enthusiasts alike, in the spirit of those who came before.

Book your stay: www.raffles.com/phnom-penh