How Hotels Integrate Music and Art for Memorable Guest Experiences

“Music and the arts have always been powerful ways to connect with guests on a deeper emotional level. In the world of luxury hospitality, we believe these elements offer not just ambiance, but memorable, shareable moments that truly distinguish a stay.

At Smiling House Luxury Group, we’re passionate about integrating live music into the guest experience, especially within our chalets. Whether it’s an intimate dinner accompanied by a local singer, the timeless elegance of a pianist, or a vibrant, curated set from a funky DJ, we believe music creates a unique emotional resonance. What excites us further is the opportunity to champion local talent—by sourcing artists from the surrounding area, we not only support the local arts community but also offer guests an authentic connection to the destination’s cultural pulse.

Looking ahead, we see tremendous potential to extend this approach beyond live performances. Imagine offering guests curated access to local music events, exclusive concert tickets, or personalised playlists crafted by local musicians. This thoughtful touch not only enhances the stay but creates a bridge between the traveller and the locale—leaving guests with a lasting impression of having truly lived the destination, rather than simply visiting it.

From a marketing perspective, these experiences can be positioned as part of the brand’s broader story: one that champions creativity, celebrates local culture, and curates unforgettable moments. Highlighting these offerings through visual storytelling, guest testimonials, and collaborations with artists can create a powerful narrative that resonates both with potential guests and with the broader travel community.

Ultimately, integrating music and the arts into hospitality is more than just entertainment—it’s about crafting immersive, multi-sensory experiences that linger in the memory, long after the journey ends.”

“Hotels that seamlessly integrate music and the arts create deeper emotional connections with guests. Be it Ushuaia in Ibiza, the large casino-resorts at Vegas or UMusic Hotel in Madrid, they manage to fully transform the experience. Hotel with show, or show with rooms? Either or, they are another way of creating and optimising new ancillary revenue streams.

That leads to an increased SRevPOR multiplier, when sensory immersion leads to greater emotional value, driving up spa, F&B, and room revenue per occupied room. It’s about selling a feeling, not just a bed.

Marketing these experiences requires storytelling: content should emphasise how art and music evoke emotion and enrich memory. To achieve that, they use guest-generated content, behind-the-scenes creation videos, and partnerships with local artists to build authenticity. A sort of Netflix docuseries vibe.”

“Music and art can certainly be part of the experience to target all senses. Here are some examples:

• Mindblown Toledo offers a compelling example of how architecture itself can become part of the art, turning a building into a living, evolving canvas where a large-scale digital mural projected nightly onto the façade of the Renaissance Hotel in downtown.
• The Flamingo Resort & Spa took a 60’s motel and rehabbed it to have the entire 60’s feel back, complete with a nightclub themed to the era with resident bands and artists. Everything revolves around the “retro-futuristic” experience of the art and music.
• The EDITION Hotels have a curated playlist for the lobby and their other venues, including the spa that has a relaxing setlist with a citrus smell to make the guest feel awakened and calm as they enter the space.
• Hard Rock Hotel Orlando has a program called “Sound of Your Stay” where you’re able to check out a Fender guitar and rock out in your room (don’t worry – it connects to headphones so you don’t disturb the rest of the hotel guests!), download a curated playlist, or even check out a record player & some records to listen to in-room! They also have underwater speakers in their pool so that you can hear the music being played – even when you’re swimming!”