London

As summer spreads good vibes and rays of sunshine across the northern hemisphere, it means it’s time to dust off the trusty outdoor furniture and fire up the barbecue. One welcome trend we’ve observed in 2017 is the growing number of hotels promoting remarkable, one-of-a-kind patio experiences. This week on the blog, we take a look at nine hotels that are decked out.

More than ever, travelers desire immersive experiences. To satisfy that craving, hotels are curating cultural environments, with art as a significant ingredient. Many local artists, galleries and museums now partner with hotels as a way to create a dialogue between destination and traveler. Whether it’s waking up to a celebrity portrait by the legendary Andy Gotts or a conversation with an artist-in-residence, guests depart with a resounding connection to place that goes beyond the traditional hotel experience.

As crime and austerity swept through the Big Apple in the early 1970s, New York City’s Mayor John Lindsay took to a podium to declare a “War on Graffiti.” During this time, the city’s subway system was creaking at the seams, barely functioning and covered in graffiti tags from the city’s burgeoning street art scene. Over the coming years, New York City Hall spent an estimated $300 million in an attempt to keep subway trains and stations free of graffiti, forcing artists to work under the cover of darkness while creating ever more elaborate works.

Last week, as much of North America shivered under a blanket of snow, thoughts of spring seemed distant and remote. Fortunately, this was likely winter’s last blast and spring will soon make an appearance, bringing with it a pink and white welcome party in select cities.

Cherry blossom trees are native to Japan, but can also be found blooming in some lucky locales over the next few weeks. Blossom season is a clear sign winter is at a close, prompting festivals and celebrations around the world. This week, we’ve picked out eight cities where cherry blossoms form a spectacular backdrop, highlighting some of the events that come with them.