Room for Creativity

NEWSWEEK

From the magazine issue dated Nov 9, 2009

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Those bursting with artistic talent but short of cash needn't abandon their travel dreams. A handful of hotels make special accommodations for the creative. Sweden's three new Creators Inn hotels offer artists short-term accommodation free of charge.

The hotels—one in Stockholm and two in Göteborg—were launched over the last two years by the clothing company Elvine as a gesture to the arts community. Any traveler who can prove his visit is associated with creative activity is eligible, says hotel spokesman Jesper Larrson: "It's not what's on your business card that matters, it's the reason why you are in town." The five-star Camelot Castle Hotel, close to the supposed site of King Arthur's court in western England, has ocean views dramatic enough to satisfy any artist.

Over the last two years more than 350 have enjoyed free accommodations under the hotel's "artist in residence" scheme. And the La Muse Inn in the hills of southwestern France provides six bedrooms—as well as two studios and a library—for writers and artists. Rates are modest and the truly cash-strapped can sometimes barter work for the cost of a room.