Your Guide to Cultural and Creative Escapes
This summer, unleash your inner artist and dive headfirst into a world of creativity and culture. From coast to coast, Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts are your gateway to adventures full of art and historical wonders. Let these handpicked locales be your muse, paired with a stay to ignite your creativity and fan your visionary flames.
The Rittenhouse Hotel: Philadelphia’s Cultural Gem
Philadelphia captivates with its historical grandeur and artistic spirit, and The Rittenhouse Hotel is your sanctuary of luxury wellness in the midst of it all. With artfully designed accommodations and a city rich in history, The Rittenhouse is an ideal destination for those who love the arts with a touch of five-star luxury.
This summer, The Rittenhouse has partnered with the Philadelphia Museum of Art to highlight the works of Mary Cassatt, a pioneering American painter and printmaker whose exhibition, running through September, features over 130 pieces. As the first major showcase of Cassatt’s work since the 1990s, it’s a must-see!
But the experience doesn’t end at the museum. Back at the hotel, take in curated art, sip on art-inspired cocktails at The Library Bar, or toast to a day well spent with a visit to the Mary Cassatt Tea Room, where the menu takes inspiration from Cassatt’s masterpieces. Try the chocolate truffle recipe, borrowed from the artist’s own archives. The Rittenhouse also offers unique programming, like the Chef’s Table dinner which demonstrates the art of culinary dining, and the intimate Candlelight concert series that celebrates the art of music.
Philadelphia itself is a treasure trove for art aficionados, and The Rittenhouse serves as your portal to a world brimming with artistic wonders and historical marvels. Beyond the hotel’s doors, you can explore the galleries of the Barnes Foundation and the Rodin Museum, or marvel at historical icons, like Independence Hall and City Hall. Each spot offers a unique slice of Philly’s history and vibrant cultural scene, ensuring your artistic journey is marked by depth and diversity.
NU Hotel Brooklyn: NYC’s Artistic Heartbeat
Welcome to the city that never sleeps, where every corner pulses with energy, imagination, and a kaleidoscope of cultural experiences. Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, NU Hotel Brooklyn is your creative urban retreat. With stylish accommodations and a collection of mural-painted rooms, every detail of your stay reflects the cultural and creative spirit of the area. Located in one of NYC’s most vibrant neighborhoods, NU Hotel is perfectly situated for those itching to conquer New York City’s top landmarks and artistic offerings.
For a true taste of the city, start by watching a show on Broadway, a performance at Theater for a New Audience, or catch your favorite artists at Barclays Center. Whether it’s theater, ballet, or a lively concert, the city’s performance scene will leave you spellbound. But that’s just the opening act; drumroll, please!
Tour iconic locations like the Brooklyn Museum and the New York Transit Museum, taking in the wonder of Brooklyn’s inspiring and cultural attractions. Just a five-minute walk away from NU Hotel, visit The Invisible Dog Art Center, a space that is known for hosting breathtaking performances, exhibitions, and public events. If you’re looking to take a day trip closer to the city center, explore The Met, Carnegie Hall, MoMA, and The Guggenheim and immerse yourself in some of the world’s most prized art collections.
Then, take an afternoon stroll along Prospect Park — a verdant retreat to unwind and feel inspired. Featuring unique programming year-round, this locale is an opportunity to explore the city’s creativity outdoors. You’ll find yourself surrounded by both the beauty and infectious energy of New York City.
Craving a dining experience to complement your New York adventure? Near your NU Hotel stay, you’ll find Gage & Tollner, a historic oyster and chop house, outfitted with retro decor. If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian cuisine, head to Rucola, a neighborhood favorite serving mouthwatering dishes every day of the week.
From dawn to dusk, NYC is an art lover’s playground, bursting with dazzling experiences for the artistically inclined traveler. So, lace up your walking shoes and let NU Hotel be your stylish base camp.
The Plaza: El Paso’s Artistic Junction
El Paso, a city brimming with deep-rooted traditions, invites you to traverse its lively streets and artistic expressions. At The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, history and craft come alive from the moment you walk in. The hotel is decked out with curated artwork that reflects the eclectic styles of West Texas Surrealism, making your stay as visually stimulating as it is comfortable.
The Plaza’s accommodations are top-notch, offering scenic rooftop views and on-site dining that seamlessly blend the flavors of New Mexico and Texas. Overlooking San Jacinto Plaza, this hotel provides the perfect starting point for a cultural unveiling of El Paso.
Take a leisurely stroll through San Jacinto Plaza, a historic park where you can soak in the local history, unwind at a café, and enjoy the playful atmosphere (ping pong in the park, anyone?). Venture further to scout historic landmarks like the Ysleta Mission, Socorro Mission, and San Elizario Mission, the oldest missions in the U.S. In the summer, be sure to catch Viva! El Paso, a four-decade-old production that celebrates the region’s heritage through a dynamic performance of history and art, unique to El Paso.
For a truly unparalleled experience, set your sights on a day trip to Marfa. Get ready to snap some selfies at the iconic Prada Marfa installation or admire contemporary masterpieces at the Chinati Foundation. If your visit falls in May, don’t miss the chance to lose yourself in the Marfa Invitational, an annual art festival that brings world-class contemporary art, including design, music, film, and fashion, right to this charming town.
Don’t forget to add White Sands National Park to your itinerary, a jaw-dropping natural wonder in nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico. Discover the endless dunes of glistening white gypsum sand, hike scenic trails, or just kick back and soak in the surreal beauty of this other-worldly landscape.
Pack your bags and prepare to plunge into the eclectic world of El Paso and its surroundings. Explore historic missions, relax in artistically curated spaces, and marvel at dreamy desert landscapes. The Plaza Hotel marries comfort and culture, making it your ideal retreat for unforgettable adventures.
Hotel Dena: Pasadena’s Creative Haven
Designed for the bold visionary, Hotel Dena is the ultimate artist’s getaway. Perfect for fostering personal artistic practices like photography and performing arts, Hotel Dena reflects Pasadena’s vibrant creative scene with amenities to match.
A curated space crafted to inspire, the hotel features a recording room and a ring light for aspiring creators, ensuring you have the tools you need to bring your artistic visions to life. The entertainment spaces, from the screening room to live performances by local musicians, comedians, and poets, offer endless inspiration.
The accommodations are as bold as the common spaces, showcasing creations from local LA street artist WRDSMTH. Just as inspiring, dining at Hotel Dena is an artistic experience. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Lyric or visit Agents Only Bar & Lounge, both offering menus as colorful as their names.
Beyond Hotel Dena, Pasadena’s Old Town makes for a creative escape. The area is dotted with shops, galleries, and dining options that celebrate the city’s artistic spirit. Explore Pasadena’s historic architecture, visit the Norton Simon Museum, and catch a show at the Pasadena Playhouse. For those who love rare vintage finds and treasured antiques, the Rose Bowl Flea Market is a top-tier choice. Browse from over 2,500 vendors, discover one-of-a-kind antiques and artisan crafts, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
Every corner of Pasadena is infused with energy, making it the perfect site for the culturally curious traveler. At Hotel Dena, let your creativity run wild in a space that is sure to energize.
Be the Artist of Your Own Escape
Stay inspired this summer by exploring some of the country’s most iconic destinations for art and culture. Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets of Philadelphia, soaking up the energy of New York City, unpacking the history of El Paso, or immersing yourself in the artistic spirit of Pasadena, there’s a world of creative charge waiting for you.
With Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts as your chic hideaway, roam lively destinations teeming with artistic flair and rich histories. Make new memories with family and friends while discovering each city’s artistic treasures. Wherever you hang your hat, may your summer vacation be filled with creativity, culture, and unforgettable escapes!