Take 3

Hotels with libraries

The Library Hotel, New York

299 Madison Avenue, libraryhotel.com

The novel interior of this hotel follows the Dewey book classification system, with suites named with library book numbers and each floor based on one of 10 subject categories, such as literature and philosphy. Each of the 60 rooms contains some of the 6,000 books in the hotel. On the top floor is a fireside den, and rooftop glasshouse to read in, and a poetry garden. Doubles from $200 (€151).

The Library, Thailand

Koh Samui, Suratthani , the library.co.th

The designer of this hotel took note of all the people reading on holiday and that this – along with good music and film – completes a vacation. Hence the beach-side library building with books, DVDs and CDs, plus plasma screen, and mattresses and cushions set around a red library-side pool. The book theme extends to sculptures and rooms, such as the Bookmark Suite. From THB9,800 (€244).

Ambassade Hotel, Amsterdam

Herengracht 341, ambassade-hotel.nl

The 3,000-strong library in this hotel grows all the time because many authors stay here and are asked to sign their latest novel as well as the guest book. Musicians, actors, painters, philosophers, architects and politicians also often stay in this hotel, which is a tome’s throw from some good bookshops. The hotel has even appeared in novels, including The Museum Guard by Howard Norman. Doubles from €105.