It all began with a bet: artist Martin Kippenberger made a bet with the boss of Chelsea that Germany would make it into the next round at the 1986 World Cup. The prize was a week free of charge at Chelsea. Kippenberger won and was at the entrance of the hotel the very next day with his suitcase in hand. Kippenberger stayed and paid for his room in art – an idea taken up by other artists who also paid their way with paintings.

But if you think that you too can get away with a discount by handing over a quick scribble with the room key, then you are mistaken. Hotel Chelsea is almost overflowing with art and therefore can only exhibit just a selection of its collection, which includes work by David Robbins and Joseph Zehrer. Less creative guests will have to pay the EUR 91 for a double room in good old fashioned money.

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