If odd is your thing, and you have no qualms about comfort, then maybe this is the place to stay. Being that I can get poor pillows, uncomfortable beds, and a very noisy air conditioner for a fraction of the price I will not be staying at the Artisan again, even if I were going to ignore the bizarre decor and creepy ambiance.
My wife and I stayed for several nights, luckily a busy schedule kept us away for most of the time. booking the room as part of a package deal. Having no real expectations, good or bad, I went in with an open mind. Waiting in the lobby as we checked in reminded me of being in a bastardized version of Interview with a Vampire; darkly gothic and vaguely erotic, but neither in the hip nor sexy sort of way. Maybe Disney's haunted masion, with a little sprinkling of soft porn, is a more fitting description.
On our floor, the black carpet, black trim, against a cream and fish-net wall was amply decorated with lusty style of "art". With none of the grace of a muesum, the paintings on the wall left an impression of a cheap immitation... probably because it was. At best I can only say the motif of the room was no better.
The comfort of the room was even less impressive than it's visual aspects. The pillows lacked even enough substance to be called lumpy. The bed was more comfortable than the floor, but only barely. The air conditioner, which I admit kept the room nice and cool, was so loud that it made getting up in the morning easy (you know, the "I'm so tried from being woken up all through the night I can't even sleep in" feeling).
I must confess, however. There was always adequate parking in the front. Even on the last night when a police car was blocking several spots, we were always able to park. Was it because of the other guests got scared and left, I can't not say.
All and all, we didn't walk away and leave... but only because the room was prepaid and we lacked the energy in dealing with the hassel. Would I recommend this hotel? Only if I don't like you.
