Europe is a literary lover’s slice of alphabet heaven. From the world’s coolest book clubs, wildest characters and famous settings – often put on the map by the even more notorious authors who conjured them up, it’s time to turn the page to some wonderfully words-worthy hotels and experiences.
Ever fancied yourself as a beret-wearing literary intellectual? One place you’d feel right at home is the Hotel Lutetia in Paris, where Saturday literary salons feature great lectures and courses including a specific event devoted to young readers. Situated in the ultra-cool Saint Germain district, the hotel’s Belle Epoque theme will have you talking until all hours of the night with fellow creative creatures or kicking back listening to some fellow beret-laden folk playing jazz at the bar.
Across the channel to Ireland you can explore the world of famous poet, Yeats, on a walking tour of Dublin, including Trinity College, where you’ll be astounded by one ridiculously massive single library chamber stacked with over 200,000 old books. Then ramble along to Merrion Square Park to see the statue of a very laid back Oscar Wilde. Get those creative juices flowing at the Writer’s Bar in Ireland’s oldest hotel, The Gresham with fine art, muted lighting and deep comfy sofas to recline into centuries past.
Can you imagine a book costing the equivalent of a farm? In the 15th century, a book was unattainable for most people – until the printing press was developed in the 1430s in Nuremburg. From Munich, take a tour of this city, rich with history from the Nazi era back to gothic times with churches and medieval fortifications. Enjoy the modern age at the Renaissance Munich Hotel with its jacuzzi to warm you up as you contemplate a night of poetry or prose.
He was a womaniser, gambler, officer, captive… and a writer. Find out about the Venice years of Casanova with a tour of the Doges Palace – its sumptuous design and decorations contrasting with the squalor of Casanova’s cell. The guide tells of his legendary escape, shows the torture chamber and takes you to the lavish chambers filled with artworks by Titian, Tintoretto and more. Live life like Casanova (in his dandy days) with a room overlooking the canal at the Atlanta Augustus Hotel housed in an Art Nouveau villa dating from the 1920s on the Lido of Venice (the island facing St. Mark’s square).
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