Music hotels: Hi-tech gramophones, instrument room service, and treble clef lamps

The Big Six

Aria Hotel, Budapest

Aria Hotel, Budapest

At one time a bank, this 19th-century palazzo in Pest has been transformed into a 49-room hotel themed on a "love of music". Music runs through the hotel's veins, from the note-perfect décor to the musical library, accessible via complimentary iPads and televisions. Bedrooms are decorated with cartoons depicting musicians from John Lennon to Louis Armstrong. A piano-tiled path leads guests to the entrance of the hotel, which also houses the Stradivari restaurant. On the roof is the High Note Skybar, which claims to be Budapest's first year-round rooftop garden.

Budapest, Hercegprimas 5, Hungary (00 36 1 445 4055; ariahotelbudapest.com). Doubles from €195, B&B.

Hotel da Música, Porto

A classical theme is at play in this boutique hotel in Portugal's second largest city. Clean and polished interiors take precedence over bold colours: more of an elegant symphony than a pop concert. The 85 rooms are modern and neutral; the treble clef lamps and the sheet music painted on the walls above the bed are about the only hints at the hotel's tuneful theme. But the more you look, the more you see. Violins decorate the front desk and music stands act as menu holders.

Largo Ferreira Lapa 21, Porto, Portugal (00 351 22 607 6000; hoteldamusica.com). Doubles from €89, B&B.

Nhow, Berlin

Situated on the banks of the Spree, Nhow not only has its own recording studio with panoramic views of the city, it also offers a music-themed room service, whereby guitars and keyboards can be delivered to guests at any moment, should inspiration strike. And, if you're lucky, you may be overheard by a producer at Universal Music, whose German headquarters is just next door. The décor is flamboyant, with psychedelic patterned floors and curtains.

Stralauer Allee 3, Berlin, Germany (00 49 30 290 2990; nhow-hotels.com). Doubles from €135, B&B.

The Evelyn, New York

Until its recent rebirth as The Evelyn, this chic little hotel was known as the Gershwin. Its musical credentials have been retained. It is themed to honour its location, not far from Manhattan's Tin Pan Alley, which was once the centre of the American pop music industry. The bedrooms come equipped with hi-tech gramophones that you can sync up with your smartphone, plus chandeliers shaped like trombones. The bathroom tiles, meanwhile, are decorated with musical notes and famous song lyrics.

7 East 27th Street, New York, US (001 212 545 8000; theevelyn.com). Doubles from $174 (£118), room only.

Backstage Hotel, Amsterdam

This laid-back bolthole in the centre of Amsterdam is the perfect spot for travelling musicians. More hostel than hotel, it offers private and shared bedrooms sleeping up to five people. As the name suggests, the hostel is decorated to resemble an off-stage hangout for rock bands: the place is decked out with saxophones and guitars and the bar's piano is graffitied with the signatures of performers who have visited. An extended breakfast service is available to accommodate after-show parties.

Leidsegracht 114, Amsterdam, Netherlands (00 31 20 624 4044; backstagehotel.com). Doubles from €199, room only.

Hard Rock Hotel, Palm Springs

Make like a rock star and have a guitar delivered to your suite at this California hotel, which has 20 classic options available to borrow. The plush Rock Star suite, which comes with black-out curtains and surround sound, is perfect for musicians who plan to party hard. Guests can even rent decks from the concierge, to turn their rooms into mini-nightclubs. And if that's still not "celeb" enough, book in to the spa to have your ego massaged.

150 South Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, California, US (001 760 325 9676; hardrockhotelpalmspring.com) Doubles from $197 (£134), room only.