Looking for a cheap hotel room? How about a free one? Well get out your paint brushes and watercolors and get to work!
A hotel in Stockholm, Sweden understands the life of struggling artists, so they allow guests to stay at The Clarion Hotel in exchange for a piece of self-made art.
The idea was inspired by New York's Chelsea Hotel, which had the same art-for-stays agreement with guests. The Chelsea Hotel closed down in August 2011, but the manager of The Clarion was attracted to the idea and decided to continue the tradition in Sweden, The Local reported.
Public relations and marketing manager for the Clarion Hotel, Tess Mattisson, said "It all started with the fact that our general manager's grandfather was an artist... He actually had some of his work hanging in the Chelsea Hotel, and now that their hotel has closed down, the manager was so inspired that our hotel will continue the tradition."
The Clarion's terms are a bit different than The Chelsea Hotel's. The Clarion is more liberal when it comes to what sort of art is acceptable in exchange for a hotel stay. They accept paintings, poetry, and other works of art that can fit on paper. Although it's not preferred, even doodles will be accepted as payment.
The idea has had an overwhelming response, so there are some limits about stays. Artists are only allowed to stay at the hotel for two nights a year. Even though the stays are free, guests are also required to leave a credit card at the front desk, according to Swedish law.
"We want to build an atmosphere for artists to meet, and ... be the number one art choice for people who come to Stockholm-and even Sweden!"
For a hotel that offers free stays for artwork, The Clarion is not a rundown motel. The 532-room building with suites with spectacular views of Stockholm and the hotel is decorated with, of course, art.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
