At a time when literature is often confined to screens, Radisson Hotel Group is bringing back the joy of holding a real book, says ABHI SINGHAL

Literature in the Luxury

Literary Escapes redefines what it means to travel well. By offering curated book lounges, author interactions, and the immersive literary settings, it now turns hospitality into a journey of thought. It recognises the timeless comfort of reading and the joy of storytelling. For the modern travellers seeking more than just comfort, it offers  intellectual engagement and inspiration.

When minds are increasingly dominated by screens and fleeting digital content, the simple joy of holding a paper book, the quiet crackle of turning a page, the scent of ink and binding remains a deeply personal and a nostalgic pleasure. Books have long offered more than entertainment; they provide reflection, connection, and a gateway into different worlds. Yet, in the modern race towards digitisation, this tactile experience risks being sidelined.

However, a new initiative is breathing life back into the joy of printed literature, bridging the gap between travel and timeless storytelling. Radisson Hotel Group, in a first-of-its-kind partnership with Simon & Schuster India, is reimagining hospitality through the lens of literary engagement. Aptly titled Literary Escapes, the initiative seeks to transform hotel stays into culturally immersive journeys — where reading is not a solitary act, but a shared, enriching experience.

The launch was graced by Vikas Swarup, a retired Indian diplomat and writer. He emphasised on how reading a book can never lose its charm. He also focused on how reading a book teaches you so much and helps you mind work as you imagine rather than watching a television or mobile phones.

Where the hotels are just transitory spaces for the people while they travel or are just the places to rest upon, this partnership will not just about stocking hotel shelves with books; it is about creating a haven for the mind within the comforts of travel. The hotels will offer pop-up libraries, intimate author sessions, book signings, and literary lounges — spaces where guests can connect with the written word in meaningful ways. Whether it’s discovering new fiction while lounging by the pool or attending a talk by a celebrated author over afternoon tea, the initiative offers travellers more than just a room, a narrative.

“Literature has always been a trusted companion for travellers,” notes Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, Radisson Hotel Group South Asia. “Through Literary Escapes, we aim to rekindle that bond, combining our world-class hospitality with the enduring power of books. This collaboration with Simon & Schuster India creates a platform where creativity, rest, and intellectual curiosity can coexist.”

At its heart, this initiative is about creating moments that slow time — a rarity in today’s hyper-connected world. The presence of a thoughtfully curated book lounge in a hotel lobby invites travellers to pause, to reflect, and to engage. It elevates the hotel from a place of transit to a sanctuary of thought.

Beyond luxury, travellers today are seeking deeper engagement — experiences that nourish both the spirit and intellect. With the Literary Escapes, Radisson Hotel Group is positioning itself as a connection hub, blending hospitality with the transformative essence of books. It’s a welcome reminder that while the world changes, the value of a good book — one you can hold, underline, and remember — remains timeless. In the soft corners of a Radisson suite or the quiet comfort of a literary lounge, a new chapter begins — one where travel meets thought, and stories find a new stage.

Booked for the Soul

Literary Escapes offers a rare pause in today’s world, inviting travellers to slow down and reconnect with the written word. By integrating books into hospitality, it turns a simple hotel stay into a cultural experience. It’s more than reading — it’s about reflection, imagination, and emotional connection, making every journey creatively fulfilling.