Hotels Offer Music Experiences Beyond the Room

From secret DJ sets to intimate songwriter showcases, these properties are creating memorable musical moments for guests.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:22am

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Hotels across the country are transforming their spaces into dynamic platforms for music, hosting exclusive events and programming that allow guests to discover new artists and experience music in unexpected settings. Properties like the Austin Proper Hotel, Cloudland at McLemore Resort, and the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach are offering everything from rooftop DJ sets and songwriter rounds to jazz performances and vinyl listening parties, positioning themselves as cultural hubs that go beyond just providing a place to sleep.

Why it matters

By integrating music so deeply into the guest experience, these hotels are creating a new model for hospitality - one that positions the property as a social and cultural destination, not just a place to rest. This helps the hotels stand out, attract new visitors, and foster a sense of community, all while giving music fans access to intimate performances and unique experiences.

The details

The Austin Proper Hotel recently hosted an exclusive, one-night-only DJ set by Major Lazer's Walshy Fire, drawing in curious guests and longtime fans alike. This was part of the hotel's "Proper Presents" programming, which aims to transform the property's spaces into "dynamic platforms for creativity, community, and cultural exchange." Other Proper Presents events have featured artists like Leon Thomas, Maren Morris, and Questlove. Meanwhile, the Conrad Nashville offers a monthly "writers round" featuring local songwriters, the Cloudland at McLemore Resort has a summer Songwriter's Series, and the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach celebrates its 100-year history with jazz performances and DJ nights on its rooftop.

  • The Austin Proper Hotel hosted Major Lazer's Walshy Fire for an exclusive DJ set in March 2026.
  • The Conrad Nashville holds a monthly "writers round" featuring local songwriters.
  • The Cloudland at McLemore Resort hosts a Songwriter's Series in the summer months.
  • The Fairmont Breakers Long Beach is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Walshy Fire

A member of the electronic music group Major Lazer, who performed an exclusive DJ set at the Austin Proper Hotel.

Casey Dolkas

The VP of Activations and Experiences at Proper Hospitality, who explains the company's goal of positioning their hotels as "living cultural spaces."

Brian De Lowe

The President and Co-Founder of Proper Hospitality, who believes music is "part of the architecture of the experience" at their hotels.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Casey Dolkas, VP of Activations and Experiences at Proper Hospitality

“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. It is part of the architecture of the experience.”

— Brian De Lowe, President and Co-Founder at Proper Hospitality

What’s next

Proper Hospitality plans to take over a former Frank Sinatra property in Lake Tahoe, restoring the original theater and adding a recording studio and Hi-Fi listening lounge to the hotel.

The takeaway

By integrating music programming so deeply into the guest experience, these hotels are positioning themselves as cultural hubs that go beyond just providing a place to sleep. This helps them stand out, attract new visitors, and foster a sense of community, all while giving music fans access to intimate performances and unique experiences.