LPs, Vitamix blenders and potted plants: How hotel libraries are getting creative

Although the words “lending library” may initially bring to mind books, more hotels are getting creative with loaner programs, offering musical instruments, movies, houseplants, outdoor gear and more. It’s a move they hope will create buzz about their property, provide novel ways to explore the local community and appeal to guests who aren’t as keen on hanging out at the hotel bar.

One of the most common hotel lending programs involves vinyl LPs and record players. The Elizabeth Hotel, as well as the Saint Kate in Milwaukee, the Hutton Hotel in Nashville, the Ace Hotel in Portland, Ore., the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City, the Kimpton Alton in San Francisco and the Edgewater in Seattle, are among the myriad accommodations to offer that style of library.

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