For artists and travelers alike, few things are as satisfying as sitting quietly with a sketchbook and capturing the beauty of your surroundings. Europe is home to some of the world’s most stunning hotels, where architectural splendor and intricate interiors provide endless inspiration. These five beautiful hotels are the perfect blend of charm, history, and design to bring your creativity to life. So, take your materials and let’s explore some of Europe’s most sketch – worthy hotels!
Btw, I have a great tutorial how to start your sketch from line. You can find it here.
Hotel Danieli – Venice, Italy
Overlooking the Grand Canal, Hotel Danieli is a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. Its exterior features ornate pointed arches, delicate stone carvings, and beautifully aged façades that are a joy to study and sketch. Inside, the hotel dazzles with grand staircases, marble columns, and glittering Murano glass chandeliers, and endless complex details to capture. Sitting in the lobby or by the windows that frame the canal, you’ll find yourself surrounded by centuries of history and craftsmanship, perfect for detailed interior or exterior drawings. More information about this hotel here.
Hotel Lutetia – Paris, France
Located in the heart of Paris’ Left Bank, Hotel Lutetia is an icon of Art Nouveau design, with graceful curves and decorative elements that practically beg to be drawn. The building’s façade boasts complex stonework, wrought-iron balconies, and elegant sculptures that challenge and reward sketch artists with their fluid lines. Inside, the hotel you can find a unique blend of classic and contemporary styles, with wide staircases, modern artwork, and luminous spaces perfect for interior sketching. The combination of old-world charm and modern sophistication makes it a versatile subject for any artist. More information about the hotel find here.
Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo – Taormina, Italy
Nestled on a hillside with panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo offers a stunning setting for outdoor sketching. The building’s classic Sicilian design, with its warm-colored walls, elegant columns, and beautiful terraces, provides a timeless subject for architectural drawings. The lush gardens, complete with fragrant flowers and towering cypress trees, add an extra layer of charm and serenity to your sketching experience. Whether you focus on the sweeping landscapes or the refined details of the hotel’s exterior, this location is pure inspiration. More information about the hotel find here.
Hotel Alfonso XIII – Seville, Spain
Hotel Alfonso XIII is one of Spain’s most luxurious and visually rich hotels, making it a dream location for artists. Built in a stunning blend of Moorish, Andalusian, and Castilian styles, its façade is adorned with horseshoe arches, intricate tile work, and ornamental towers that are a joy to sketch. Inside, the lavish interiors feature carved wood ceilings, colorful ceramic details, and grand courtyards filled with light and shadow. This hotel offers endless opportunities to practice drawing intricate patterns and capturing the unique character of Spanish architecture. More information about the hotel find here.
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel – St. Moritz, Switzerland
Perched above Lake St. Moritz, Badrutt’s Palace is a fairytale-like structure with its castle-style architecture and iconic tower. The grand, symmetrical exterior with its stone walls and steep roofs makes it a striking subject against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Inside, the hotel’s lavish décor includes grand chandeliers, sweeping staircases, and wood-paneled rooms that transport you back to a time of old-world elegance. Whether you’re sketching the dramatic exterior in winter or the warm interiors by the fireplace, this hotel offers beauty in every season. More information about the hotel find here.
Each of these European hotels tells a story through its architecture and design, inviting you to slow down, observe, and translate their essence onto paper. So pack your sketchbook on your next European adventure, and discover the joy of capturing these beautiful places, one line at a time. Happy sketching!
