I kissed a penguin and I liked it, plus other reasons to visit hotel lobbies

Checking out hotel lobbies is one of my favorite free activities. During our stay in Durham, we stopped into the 21C Museum Hotel where I met this fine fellow and toured its museum of contemporary art. 

In just about every place I visit, I look for unique, historic or quirky hotel lobbies. I’ve seen lobbies converted from former fire stations, banks and train stations. The public spaces and gift shops of hotels are generally open to the public, although I never linger long.

In some cities, like Las Vegas, Paris and New York, you could spend days just touring lobbies. 

– Jan Schroder, Editor-in-chief