Best Hotels with Music Programming: Concerts and Events
In a striking display of engagement and creativity, attendees of the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival had the opportunity to enjoy an intimate post-festival experience last month when Major Lazer’s Walshy Fire hosted an exclusive DJ set at the Austin Proper Hotel.
Performing from a makeshift DJ booth in the hotel's Japanese restaurant, Kappo Kappo, Walshy Fire's invite-only event attracted both curious guests and dedicated fans eager to enjoy a late-night set that continued into the early hours of the morning. For hotel guests, this gathering was a chance to experience the venue beyond their elegant suites, while for music enthusiasts, it offered a unique opportunity to witness one of the industry's most captivating artists in a cozy atmosphere.
This event was part of Proper Presents, the hospitality and events initiative affiliated with the Proper Hotel brand, which boasts numerous locations across the nation. Proper Presents was established to transform these properties into vibrant social hubs, cultivating spaces that foster creativity, community engagement, and cultural exchange.
Casey Dolkas, VP of Activations and Experiences at Proper Hospitality, articulated the brand's vision: “Proper has always cared deeply about design and experience, but we realized our cultural programming needed its own identity. We were already hosting great music, wellness events, dinners, and conversations. Proper Presents gave it focus and intention.”
A primary objective of Proper Presents is to enhance music programming, allowing hotel guests to interact with artists in a relaxed environment while organizing pop-up concerts for the local communities adjacent to their properties. Recent initiatives have included rooftop DJ performances, singer-songwriter evenings, and music-themed gatherings during significant events such as Frieze and Art Basel, alongside SXSW. This series of events has featured remarkable talents like Leon Thomas, Maren Morris, Phantogram, Cut Copy, Arlo Parks, and Questlove.
In addition to high-profile performances, music permeates the atmosphere at Proper Hotel locations daily. In Austin, for instance, the hotel has transformed a setting into a dedicated live performance venue referred to as the “Quill Room.”
Brian De Lowe, President and Co-Founder of Proper Hospitality, emphasized the significance of music in their environment: “We’ve never seen music as background. It changes how a room feels. It shapes memory. You can walk into the same space at 8 a.m. and at midnight and have two completely different emotional experiences because of sound.”
Looking ahead, Proper Hospitality plans to revive a Lake Tahoe property that was previously owned by Frank Sinatra, with intentions to restore its original theater while introducing a recording studio and a high-fidelity listening lounge. De Lowe made it clear that the vision is not to convert hotels into nightclubs but to create environments where music is experienced as a vital and dynamic element.
In addition to Proper Hotels, several other brands are embracing music-centered programming. The W Hotel introduced their “W PRESENTS” series in 2023, which is described as a "traveling series across W Hotels destinations." Previous events in the W PRESENTS series have featured renowned DJs and emerging artists, taking place in various locations from W Hollywood to Koh Samui, Thailand.
The true brilliance of music programming within the hotel industry often shines on the local stage, with countless properties nationwide tailoring their offerings to reflect the musical genres and artists that resonate most with their respective cities.
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