Hotel review: A by Adina – redefining premium ‘hotel-living’ in Vienna

Violino d’Oro, a five-star boutique hotel unveiled by Collezione Em from the Maestrelli family, is situated a short walk from St. Mark's Square in Venice. This property aims to offer an immersive experience into Venetian culture, blending tradition with contemporary design, sustainability, and an authentic Venetian spirit. The hotel reflects the Maestrelli family's over three decades of experience in hospitality, emphasizing respect for cultural heritage and excellence. It has been recognized by The Leading Hotels of the World, signifying its status among exclusive global destinations. The hotel is housed within three meticulously restored 17th-century buildings. The interior design prioritizes silence, texture, and natural light. Every detail, from the materials to the subtle scents, contributes to a unique atmosphere. Sara and Elena Maestrelli have guided the reimagining of Venetian hospitality with a focus on sophistication and human connection. The decor features fabrics by Rubelli, lamps by Venini, artisanal Venetian terrazzo floors, and a curated collection of Italian art and design, all harmoniously integrated. The 32 rooms and suites balance elegance and comfort, showcasing a blend of clean-lined Italian furniture, Oriental pieces, Venetian antiques, and contemporary elements. Canal views, high ceilings, and a soft color palette contribute to a serene and sophisticated ambiance. Sara Maestrelli describes the hotel as an “artisanal Italian project designed like a home,” with everything from glassware to headboards crafted locally in Venice and Tuscany, using noble materials and skilled craftsmanship. Velvets, brocades, and damasks from Rubelli, Carrara marble inlays, and hand-blown Murano glass lamps are prominent features, each with a unique story and tactile quality. Sustainability is a core philosophy at Violino d’Oro, extending beyond a marketing label. This commitment is evident in the use of local materials, support for artisan economies, and mindful resource management, reflecting a dedication to environmental responsibility and the future of luxury travel. The hospitality is characterized by warmth, attentiveness, and personalized service, with staff trained to anticipate guest needs, offering a balance of professionalism and approachability. Breakfasts are served in a sun-drenched dining room, featuring fresh, seasonal, and organic produce, artisanal pastries, and made-to-order coffee, catering to various dietary preferences. The serene atmosphere is designed to promote a sense of well-being. The hotel's culinary highlight is Il Piccolo, an intimate, Michelin-recognized restaurant with nine tables. It offers a contemporary, plant-forward menu based on local and seasonal ingredients, complemented by creative cocktails from head bartender Francesco. The menu evolves with the seasons, combining innovative techniques with traditional respect for ingredients. Violino d’Oro offers unique experiences connecting guests to the soul of Venice. These include Venetian cooking classes, yoga by the canals, mixology workshops, and private visits to artisan ateliers like Rubelli or Micheluzzi. Cultural tours provide access to lesser-known parts of the city, operas, or private palaces. Tailor-made experiences such as sunrise photography walks, guided strolls through Dorsoduro, private lagoon cruises, and food tours through traditional Venetian bacari are also available, aiming to foster a deep connection with the city. Excursions to Murano and Burano are also arranged, offering insights into glassmaking and lace-making traditions, respectively. Murano provides opportunities to observe glass artisans at work and purchase unique pieces, while Burano captivates with its colorful houses and the delicate craft of handmade lace. The hotel aims to provide a new way of experiencing Venice—authentic, sophisticated, and deeply emotional, a sanctuary that makes guests feel at home while offering an exceptional and unique stay. #VenetianLuxuryHotel #BoutiqueHotel #VeniceTravel #ItalianDesign #SustainableHospitality #CulturalImmersion #ArtisanCraftsmanship #MichelinRestaurant #HistoricRenovation

Hôtel Parister, located in Paris, France, distinguishes itself with a strong emphasis on wellness, offering more than just a conventional gym. The hotel boasts a 20-meter indoor pool and a comprehensive mind, body, and soul program, managed by the local fitness start-up Conquer Your Day (CYD). This program is available for both individual guests and small groups, catering to the growing global wellness trend, particularly prominent in Paris. Beyond its wellness facilities, the hotel provides a luxurious and comfortable environment for its guests. The hotel's communal areas are designed for relaxation and socializing. Guests can unwind at the cocktail bar, which features one of France's most extensive selections of distilled whiskies. Adjacent to the bar is Les Passerelles, a lunch spot renowned for its chic ambiance. The restaurant's interior is adorned with elegant walnut wall panels, round marble table tops, and plush velvet green banquettes that complement the abundant plant life, creating a sophisticated and inviting dining experience. The menu at Les Passerelles offers a range of dishes, from sea bass ceviche to traditional French foie gras. Architect and designer Aldric Beckmann meticulously separated the hotel's communal spaces from the private accommodations. The design consists of two cuboid buildings: the first, a street-facing block, houses the restaurant, bar, and reception area, forming the public face of the hotel. The second building, accessible via outdoor walkways, contains the majority of the 45 guestrooms. Beckmann's design aesthetic in the guestrooms is characterized by a pared-down, minimalist style with a subtle retro twist. Each guestroom is thoughtfully appointed with walnut paneling and headboards that are elegantly inlaid with brass, creating a sense of understated luxury. These rich wooden elements are balanced by plush neutral carpets, providing a soft and comfortable base for the room's decor. To infuse warmth and character, mustard yellow and petrol blue velvet cushions are strategically placed, adding a vibrant dash of color and texture to the otherwise refined and serene atmosphere of the rooms. This combination of classic and contemporary elements ensures a stylish and welcoming retreat for guests. #HotelReview #ParisTravel #LuxuryHotel #WellnessTourism #HotelDesign #InteriorArchitecture #FrenchHospitality #AldricBeckmann #BoutiqueHotel

The increasing amount of time spent at home, largely due to remote work and restricted travel, has profoundly altered the relationship individuals have with their living spaces. This shift necessitates residences that offer greater flexibility and foster creativity. Responding to this contemporary need, K.O.T Architects undertook the design of an apartment in Tel Aviv, specifically conceptualizing it as an ideal 'home-base for the new urban lifestyle.' Kfir Galatia Azulay, the architect and interior designer at K.O.T Architects, approached the project with the vision of creating a hotel-like apartment. The design aimed to achieve a meticulous balance between public and private zones, illuminated and shaded areas, and transparent versus concealed elements. Galatia Azulay drew inspiration from a quote by poet Rupi Kaur, 'I am not a hotel room. I am home,' to infuse the apartment with a perpetual vacation-like ambiance. This aesthetic was tailored for the young bachelor owner, and the apartment is situated in the Florentine neighborhood within a modernist residential building. Initially, the apartment's layout suffered from insufficient natural light due to numerous enclosed rooms. To remedy this, the renovation involved the removal of all interior walls, allowing for a complete redesign. The newly conceived space now encompasses an open-plan living room, dining area, and kitchen, alongside a private bedroom, bathroom, and a covered terrace. This extensive demolition and reconstruction facilitated a more open and fluid spatial arrangement. The apartment's functional design begins with a compact entryway that transitions into a hallway. This hallway is equipped with custom-built, floor-to-ceiling cabinets, ingeniously integrated to provide ample storage. The utility of these cabinets adapts to the adjacent room; for instance, the closet is positioned opposite the bedroom, while the laundry area is situated across from the bathroom. This continuous cabinetry extends along the wall, seamlessly leading into the open kitchen, maximizing both storage and spatial efficiency. At the core of the apartment, a new bathroom has been installed. This central placement is notable for its use of two corrugated glass panels, which introduce a degree of transparency, allowing for visual connections from both sides. The bedroom, though inherently compact, gains a sense of spaciousness and openness through the inclusion of sliding glass doors, enhancing the overall flow and luminosity of the apartment. #apartmentDesign #TelAvivArchitecture #urbanLifestyle #modernInteriorDesign #flexibleLiving #openPlanLiving #customCabinetry #hotelInspiredHome #KOTArchitects

The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, reemerged in 2013 as a premier destination in Venice following an extensive 15-month, $55 million restoration. This historical palazzo, boasting more than 500 years of history, is strategically positioned along the Grand Canal, offering guests unparalleled views and access to Venice's iconic waterways. The renovation meticulously preserved the building's rich heritage while integrating modern luxury, cementing its status as one of the city’s most distinguished hotels. The hotel now encompasses 82 exquisitely designed rooms, each a testament to Venetian artistry and grandeur. These rooms are appointed with a curated collection of centuries-old antiques and priceless artworks, reflecting the property’s deep connection to Italian culture and history. Luxurious fabrics, specifically miles of Rubelli silks, are prominently featured throughout the interiors, adding to the opulent and authentic Venetian atmosphere. Every detail, from the furniture to the decorative elements, has been carefully selected to immerse guests in a bygone era of Venetian aristocracy, blending historical charm with contemporary comfort. Among its many luxurious offerings, the hotel introduces the Redentore Terrazza Suite, a new addition situated on the top floor. This expansive suite provides a private and lavish retreat, offering panoramic views of the surrounding canals and the vibrant Venetian landscape. The interior of the Redentore Terrazza Suite is a masterpiece of design, featuring polished terrazzo floors that lead into a living room adorned with intricate frescoed walls, evoking the grandeur of historical Venetian palaces. The transition to the bedroom reveals a softer, yet equally luxurious, aesthetic with handwoven rugs laid over elegant parquet floors. The walls are covered in silk-damask, complemented by Venetian mirrors that reflect the suite's sophisticated ambiance. The suite's design is further enriched by carved-wood antiques, richly hued upholstery, and elegant marble and gilded accents. These elements collectively create an authentic 19th-century-salon atmosphere, providing guests with an immersive experience of Venetian luxury. The meticulous attention to detail ensures that the suite feels both historically resonant and supremely comfortable, offering a serene sanctuary amidst the bustling city. A standout feature of the Redentore Terrazza Suite is its extraordinary 2,700-square-foot rooftop terrace. This private outdoor space is accessible via a spiral staircase and is designed for ultimate relaxation and entertainment. The terrace includes a pool, providing a refreshing escape with breathtaking 360-degree views of Venice. This elevated vantage point allows guests to admire the city's iconic architecture, intricate waterways, and vibrant life from a unique and exclusive perspective. The terrace serves as an ideal setting for private gatherings, sunbathing, or simply savoring the beauty of Venice in unparalleled privacy and luxury. The Redentore Terrazza Suite offers an unparalleled Venetian experience, with rates starting from approximately $16,200 per night. #LuxuryHotel #VeniceTravel #HistoricRenovation #GrandCanal #LuxurySuite #RooftopPool #VenetianDesign #ArchitecturalHeritage #FineInteriors

Villa F, a luxurious hotel in Venice, Italy, transformed from a 16th-century palazzo, stands on Giudecca Island, offering views of St Mark's Square. Italian hotelier Francesca Bortolotto Possati oversaw its renovation, opening the property in 2011. The hotel became notable when it housed Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt during the filming of 'The Tourist' in 2010. The property is characterized by its extensive and exquisite gardens. Villa F comprises 11 suites, each uniquely named, with Residenza F being featured in the final scene of 'The Tourist.' Guests are provided with personal butlers, and the suites boast antique furniture, original frescoes, and Venetian terrazzo floors. The gardens are accessible to all guests, with the exception of the meditation pool, which is restricted to individuals over 18 years of age. While each suite includes a kitchenette, most guests opt to dine outside at the various establishments within Bortolotto Possati's Bauer group. These dining options include De Pisis, an establishment located beside the Grand Canal that serves Mediterranean/Asian cuisine under the direction of chef Hiraki Masakazu. Another option is L'Ulivo, situated at the Palladio Hotel, which offers a seasonal organic menu with seating either by its open kitchen or on a secluded garden patio. For a more elevated experience, Settimo Cielo, a rooftop lounge, provides panoramic views of the city and lagoon, making it a popular choice for breakfast. For drinks throughout the day, Bar Canale offers a lively atmosphere, with bartenders crafting bellinis as various crafts traverse the adjacent waterway. The B Bar is rumored to attract celebrities such as Daniel Craig, Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, and Sting on weekends. To facilitate guest transportation, Villa F operates a solar-powered shuttle boat, available at all hours. #LuxuryTravel #VeniceHotel #VillaF #BauerGroup #CelebritySpotting #BoutiqueHotel #GiudeccaIsland #HistoricRenovation #FineDining

The Park Hyderabad is noted for its unique design approach, which integrates art and fashion to create distinctive structures. Each of The Park hotels in India is designed with a specific narrative, with the Hyderabad location being the first to feature a metallic finish on its exterior. The building's curvaceous outer structure draws inspiration from the Nizams' Jewels, incorporating a trillion design that glows with lights reflecting various precious stones such as Ruby, Coral, Amethyst, Emerald, and Sapphire. The hotel's interior design extends this theme to its guest floors, where each floor is assigned a unique jewel-inspired color, such as red for the fourth floor (Ruby), orange for the fifth (Coral), icy green for the sixth (Peridot), dark green for the seventh (Emerald), and blue for the eighth (Sapphire). The carpets throughout the hotel feature designs inspired by traditional Mehendi (henna) patterns. The Enmeshed Suites, including Room No-5055, are designed as self-sufficient units spanning 800 sq feet. These suites, created by Rajiv Saini, feature distinct areas for lounging, dining, working, sleeping, and dressing. A notable design element is the industrial steel meshing that separates the lounging and sleeping areas, a modern reinterpretation of the 'bamboo chicks' found in traditional Hyderabadi havelis. Dining experiences at The Park Hyderabad are also characterized by thoughtful design. The Verandah restaurant, for example, hosted a festive brunch with floral decorations. The Pearl Garden, a private dining room within Verandah, offers curated meals by Chef Arnob Roy. This room features subtle white furnishings and an elegant view of the lake. The table in Pearl Garden, designed by Gunjan Gupta from New Delhi, incorporates mother of pearl inlay. The buffet area is separated to maximize guest space, and a multi-legged table, also by Gunjan Gupta, is a central feature. Overhead, Romeo Louis lights illuminate the space, complemented by Link Easy chairs, Little Globe chairs, and Pendant lights, enhancing the restaurant's ambiance. The hotel's spa, Aura, located on level 2, provides a tranquil environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Designed by Sandeep Khosla, Aura's aesthetic is inspired by the sheen, transparency, and whiteness of the Golconda Diamond, utilizing shades of blue and white. Therapy rooms and suites are distinguished by silver foil embossed doors and curved walls padded with diamond-shaped pearl white fabric. Aish, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, is a creation of Indian fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani. Its interiors are designed to evoke the opulence of ancient Indian palatial houses, featuring silver doors and marble work crafted by artisans from Jodhpur. The restaurant also incorporates crystals and glass mirrors, and guests are traditionally welcomed with pearl garlands and Ithar (essential oils). The flooring in Aish showcases mother of pearl inlay, with chrome and amber colors dominating the decor. Swarovski crystal chandeliers are designed with inverted bulbs, echoing the candlelit ambiance of the Nawabi era. This design aims to transport guests to the dining extravagance of the Nizams. The restaurant's regal atmosphere is further accentuated by elements such as a Mother of Pearl Bowl, a marble jar crafted from a single piece of marble, a crystal fountain, and first copies of photographs by Lala Deen Dayal, the official photographer of the Court of Nizam. In addition to these venues, the hotel offers Aqua Bar, Carbon, The Sicca Bar, and Kismet. The comprehensive design, coupled with superior food and service, contributes to a distinct and enjoyable guest experience. #HotelReview #LuxuryHotel #Hyderabad #India #HotelDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryTravel #ArchitecturalDesign

Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá, located in the hills near the Vatican, offers an urban resort experience in Rome, blending cultural immersion with relaxation. The property, part of The Leading Hotels of the World, maintains a monastic past, evident in its serene ambiance and architecture, while also belonging to Meliá Hotels International. It provides a quiet escape from the bustling city, with amenities catering to both families and couples seeking tranquility. The hotel is currently undergoing a room refresh, with select suites being redesigned to feature a contemporary, wellness-oriented aesthetic. These updated rooms incorporate rich woods, clean lines, and midcentury-inspired furniture with deep green and navy velvet accents, aiming for an airy and curated feel with enhanced natural light. Meanwhile, some suites retain an original Italian Deco style, characterized by moody grays, luxurious fabrics, and a bold, opulent design reminiscent of 1990s Versace or Miami mansions. Both room styles are designed with family comfort in mind, offering separate living areas and dressing spaces to ensure privacy and comfort for all guests. Dining options include Gala, a Mediterranean eatery known for its garden-and-poolside patio, ideal for aperitivo and dinners featuring dishes like octopus. Follo serves as the fine dining establishment, offering multi-course tasting menus. The bar at Gala is noted for its innovative cocktails, such as the Mezcalgroni, and provides a social atmosphere for guests to interact. The service at Villa Agrippina is described as classic luxury, characterized by attentive and efficient staff. Many team members have long tenures, contributing to a welcoming and personalized guest experience, including impromptu mixology classes for departing guests. The hotel's spa offers a comprehensive thermal circuit, including a steam room, sauna, warm pool, and cold showers, utilizing Clarins products for treatments. Massage services are highlighted for their quality and personalized approach, with therapists extending sessions as needed to ensure thorough care. The location is advantageous, being a short walk from the Tiber River and a 20-minute stroll to the Vatican, with a convenient Metro stop nearby. However, the hotel's elevated position means the return walk can be challenging after a day of sightseeing. While suitable for families due to spacious rooms, the on-site entertainment for children is limited primarily to the pool. The hotel emphasizes a "Sauna. Pool. Aperitivo. Repeat." wellness philosophy, encouraging guests to embrace a relaxed Roman lifestyle. #RomeHotel #LuxuryTravel #VillaAgrippina #VaticanProximity #ItalianHospitality #SpaExperience #FineDining #HotelDesign

Tina Norden, the Interior Designer of the Year at The Brit List Awards 2021 and a partner at Conran and Partners, recently discussed her career and design philosophy. Norden's consistent presence and influential voice in the industry throughout the pandemic, addressing emerging trends, the impact on hospitality, inclusive design, and quality craftsmanship, earned her this prestigious recognition. Her dedication extended to mentoring junior team members and managing large-scale projects remotely, maintaining a positive and productive environment. Norden's passion for interior design and architecture stems from both her upbringing and personal interests. Her father, a landscape architect, and her formative years in Hamburg, Germany, a city known for its creativity, significantly shaped her career path. At 18, she moved to London, drawn by its vibrant music scene, and pursued higher education in architecture and design. A pivotal year-out placement at Conran and Partners solidified her belief that it was the ideal environment for her. During her time at the Royal College of Art (RCA), where she completed her Part II, Norden further developed her interest in interior architecture through a course that uniquely combined design and architecture. She continued her involvement with Conran and Partners throughout her studies and beyond, relishing the creative freedom and collaborating closely with Sir Terence Conran on notable projects. Her design approach emphasizes enduring style over fleeting fashion, a principle she attributes to Sir Terence Conran himself. This philosophy ensures that her projects are both aspirational and long-lasting. Over her career at Conran and Partners, Norden has revitalized numerous projects and led her team with an empathetic style. Her impressive portfolio includes the German Gymnasium, Skylon, South Place Hotel, Finsbury, and the Maximilian Hotel in Prague. More recently, she completed the new Park Hyatt hotel in Auckland, FEAST within Hong Kong’s EAST hotel, a new dining destination and members’ club at London’s Taj Hotel, and the Peninsula Boutique and Café in Hong Kong. Norden and her team also played a significant role in the HIX Event 2021, where they designed the WFHotel installation. This collaborative project explored how changing consumer attitudes towards working from home/hotel could reshape conventional lobby designs. Norden’s contribution focused on fostering community-focused interactions within these spaces, reflecting her commitment to human-centric design. This interview is part of an editorial series sponsored by GROHE, the Broadcasting Partner of The Brit List Awards 2021. #InteriorDesign #HotelDesign #Architecture #ConranAndPartners #TinaNorden #BritListAwards #HospitalityDesign #DesignTrends #LuxuryInteriors

Hotel Hotel, a new boutique accommodation offering in Canberra's New Acton precinct, is the result of an extensive collaboration involving over fifty designers, architects, and artists. Located within Nishi, a mixed-use building, the hotel aims to transcend the sum of its individual design elements by engaging with complex urban systems, emphasizing diversity, sustainability, urbanism, arts patronage, and community development. The dramatic entry experience features a staircase designed by March Studio, constructed from more than 2,150 pieces of recycled timber. This intricate design element provides a striking contrast of rustic and baroque, high-tech and low-tech, and represents the project's multifaceted approach. The developer, Molonglo Group, intentionally fostered a pluralistic design process, believing that multiple voices and creative input, even if initially messy, lead to a richer and more challenging outcome. The hotel lobby, described as vaguely subterranean, showcases custom-developed furniture and objects by Broached Commissions and designers like Lucy McRae, Adam Goodrum, and Charles Wilson, alongside curated mid-century pieces by room designer Don Cameron. While Fender Katsalidis Architects and Japan’s Suppose Design Office designed the Nishi building, and March Studio was responsible for the lobby, the various design strands successfully integrate into a cohesive guest experience. Molonglo Group and Don Cameron collaborated to establish a sensibility for the hotel, drawing inspiration from the romantic ideal of the Australian shack. This concept translates into a focus on authenticity and sustainability through the use of enduring, quality materials and vintage furnishings. The aim was to create hotel rooms that feel like a home – inviting, tactile, and designed to age gracefully, similar to a cherished leather jacket or pair of shoes. The lobby features expressed materials like lightly finished timber and raw concrete, while the rooms offer textured surfaces, autumnal colors, and carefully tempered lighting to evoke a sense of being transported. Beyond its interior aesthetics, Hotel Hotel's genius lies in its holistic understanding of urban ecology. Situated above 220 private apartments, the hotel's lobby functions as a semi-public arcade with a cafe-bar and retail tenancies, supporting the amenity for both hotel guests and permanent residents. The Nishi building also houses a cinema and a 6-Star Greenstar office, providing recycled water and other services to its neighbors, further integrating the hotel within a broader sustainable and community-focused environment. The Molonglo Group emphasizes breaking down traditional boundaries of development to create truly great places that benefit the entire neighborhood. Through the work of numerous skilled individuals, Hotel Hotel is characterized by meticulous design and subtle details. However, it is the Molonglo Group’s deep appreciation for the intricate systems that define successful urban environments that truly elevates the project, allowing it to surpass the individual excellence of its components and contribute significantly to Canberra’s burgeoning New Acton precinct. #HotelDesign #Hospitality #InteriorDesign #SustainableDesign #UrbanDevelopment #ArchitecturalCollaboration #CanberraArchitecture #RecycledMaterials #BoutiqueHotel

The Venice Venice Hotel, housed in the historic Ca’ da Mosto palazzo on Venice’s Grand Canal, is undergoing a significant expansion project. This Byzantine palace, believed to be the oldest structure on the Grand Canal, offers unparalleled views of the Rialto Bridge and has a rich history, having once been home to one of Europe's first hotels, the Campiello del Leon Bianco. Throughout centuries, it hosted notable figures including kings, czars, emperors, Voltaire, Mozart, and Shelley within its frescoed walls. The hotel, which opened in 2022, is the brainchild of Alessandro Gallo and Francesca Rinaldo, founders of the sneaker brand Golden Goose. Their vision for the Venice Venice Hotel transcends typical hospitality, aiming to integrate art, design, food, and Venetian culture. The couple acquired the palazzo in ten separate pieces over five years, initially as a real estate investment. A historical study revealed the building's past as a significant hotel, leading them to embark on a meticulous five-year restoration process. This involved reinforcing the ornate Byzantine façade and sealing lower-level floors, which had sunken due to rising water levels, to preserve every historical detail. The initial 25 rooms of the hotel, opened in 2022, are individually inspired by various artists or art movements, reflecting Gallo and Rinaldo's extensive art collection and their desire to create a hotel where art is integral to the space, rather than an afterthought. Examples include a canalside suite dedicated to Christo and Jeanne-Claude, featuring original sketches, and an attic room celebrating the Fluxus movement with a looping video of Joseph Beuys' performance art. Another room offers side-by-side soaking tubs for guests to meditate on a John Cage score, and one space is devoted to pieces that debuted at the Venice Biennale, such as Enzo Mari’s 1973 ‘Falce e Martello’. The second phase of the hotel's development, gradually opening in 2023, is even more ambitious. It introduces larger, more elaborate rooms, incorporating masterpiece works from renowned 20th-century artists and site-specific installations by contemporary artists. Romanian artist Victoria Zidaru, for instance, designed the Felix Anima spa's treatment room with woven fabric tubes filled with fragrant herbs and flowers from her farm, creating an immersive, aromatic experience. The hotel also features works by masters such as Jannis Kounellis, with a large 1985 painting from his private collection adorning a suite on the piano nobile, celebrating Arte Povera in a space where Canaletto once painted. The crowning jewels of the expansion will be two waterside suites, each approximately 200 sq m, set to become Venice's largest. One will offer direct water access, functioning as an apartment for extended stays, while the other will feature Venice's only private indoor pool. The owners are currently seeking the perfect artist to curate the pool suite, with David Hockney being a prospective choice. The Venice Venice Hotel stands as a testament to the seamless integration of historical preservation, contemporary art, and luxury hospitality, offering a unique and deeply culturally immersive experience. #Venice #LuxuryHotels #ArtHotels #HistoricalArchitecture #GrandCanal #HotelExpansion #ArtCollection #InteriorDesign #VenetianCulture

Budapest, often referred to as the 'Paris of the east' due to its architectural grandeur and vibrant cultural scene, offers a wide array of distinctive and well-priced accommodations. The city is bisected by the Danube River, creating two distinct areas: the lively Pest on the east bank and the more tranquil, green Buda on the west. Pest is known for its artistic Palace District and fashionable bars, while Buda features cobbled streets leading to the Buda Castle, thermal baths, and traditional eateries. The accommodation options reflect this diversity, ranging from opulent hotels housed in former palaces to cozy guesthouses in renovated artist studios, all while maintaining affordability compared to other major European cities. The article highlights ten standout hotels, each catering to different preferences. Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is recommended for fine dining. Originally commissioned in 1902 and meticulously restored after World War II, it reopened as a luxury hotel in 2021. Its Spago restaurant, led by chef Wolfgang Puck, serves haute-Hungarian cuisine, and its 130 rooms are characterized by refined elegance. Kimpton BEM Budapest by IHG appeals to design enthusiasts, featuring the playful vision of Marcel Wanders who transformed a 19th-century neoclassical palace with oversized stag sculptures, handmade tiles, and whimsical illustrations. The Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, a former office building for the New York Life Insurance Company, is a haven for maximalists, boasting an extravagant Belle Époque design, especially evident in its courtyard lobby and the famous New York Cafe. Its 185 guest rooms offer a subdued contrast with chocolate tones. For those seeking old-world luxury, the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, located on the Pest side next to the Chain Bridge, retains its original Art Nouveau features and offers amenities like an indoor infinity pool and rooftop spa. Half of its rooms provide stunning views of the Danube and Buda Castle. Music fans will appreciate the Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection, a 49-room boutique hotel where musical themes are integrated throughout, from signed walls by famous musicians in the bar to rooms themed around classical, jazz, modern, and opera genres. Its High Note SkyBar offers cocktails with resident DJs. D8 Hotel in Pest is an excellent choice for families, offering an enviable location, fresh interiors, and budget-friendly rates. It includes a buffet breakfast and has family suites, with attractions like the Chain Bridge just minutes away. Kozmo Hotel, converted from a telecommunications building, provides a tranquil retreat with generously proportioned, monochrome rooms and a labyrinthine spa featuring a 52-foot lap pool. Hotel Noble, an adults-only boutique hotel near Pest’s Jewish Quarter, is ideal for couples, known for its cinematic aesthetic, antique lighting, and rooms like room 14 with an onyx-black claw-foot bathtub and city views. It also features a small bar and serves traditional Hungarian breakfast. For an escape from the city bustle, Bagatelle Gardenhouse in Buda’s Hegyvidék district offers access to city hikes and features six individually styled rooms in a renovated villa. Its highlight is the garden where breakfast is served, with some rooms offering verandas. Finally, Brody House in Pest, a former artist commune, celebrates creativity. Each room is named after an artist and features original artworks and handcrafted elements, maintaining Budapest’s bohemian energy with a lively bistro and bar serving inventive cocktails and local beverages. These hotels collectively underscore Budapest's reputation for offering diverse and high-quality lodging experiences that cater to a wide range of tastes and budgets. #BudapestHotels #LuxuryTravel #BoutiqueHotels #HotelDesign #BudapestArchitecture #TravelGuide #FineDining #FamilyTravel #RomanticGetaway

The article presents the T&C; Hotel Awards 2024 for the best new high-design hotels, recognizing establishments that opened no earlier than 2023 and were nominated by a panel of well-traveled editors and globetrotting travel advisors. This curated selection highlights six distinct properties, each embodying a unique blend of historical preservation, modern luxury, and exceptional design. The first featured hotel is Villa Mabrouka in Tangier, the former residence of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Purchased by British designer Jasper Conran in 2019, this 12-room hotel offers an airy, light-filled retreat with restaurants, extensively redesigned gardens by Madison Cox, and a new pool lined with local emerald tiles. Conran's additions complement the original 1940s modernist villa, maintaining the aesthetic vision established by Jacques Grange, who previously renovated the property. Next is 1 Place Vendome in Paris, a 15-room hotel developed by the Scheufele family of Chopard. This 18th-century mansion, transformed over six years, exudes understated luxury. Guests are led directly upstairs without a traditional front desk, and public spaces are exclusive, enhancing privacy. Each room, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, is uniquely decorated, some featuring artworks by Chagall and Warhol, and offers anytime-anywhere dining services. In Dubai, The Lana, Dorchester’s first Middle East property, offers a sophisticated take on luxury. Designed by Foster + Partners (Sir Norman Foster), the building, while not overtly flashy, holds 225 rooms and suites designed by Gilles & Boissier. The hotel includes amenities such as Riviera, a Mediterranean restaurant by Jean Imbert, a wraparound infinity pool on the rooftop, a cigar lounge, and access to a Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost, alongside a soon-to-open Dior spa. Manna Arcadia in Greece is a luxurious 32-room refuge crafted from a 1929 sanatorium on Mount Mainalo in the Peloponnese. Restored by Athens’s K-Studio, the hotel emphasizes healing and tranquility. Its earth-toned interiors provide a soothing contrast to the mystical mountain views, offering guests opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, river rafting, and wellness activities at its dedicated hub. Vermelho in Melides, Portugal, is Christian Louboutin’s new hotel, described as a "jewel box." The hotel features textiles by Carolina Irving, frescoes by Konstantin Kakanias, and a facade hand-sculpted by Giuseppe Ducrot. Each of Vermelho's 13 rooms celebrates color and print, with subtle touches of Louboutin’s signature red woven throughout the design, from pillow embroidery to floor tiles, and even in the hotel's name. Finally, the Bulgari hotel in Rome, the fashion house's ninth and flagship property, is an ode to imperial Rome. Located in a 1930s rationalist building by Vittorio Ballio Morpurgo near the Ara Pacis, it features an original statue of Emperor Augustus, extensive use of stones, mosaics, and marble in various shades. The Bulgari Suite overlooks the Mausoleum of Augustus, and the hotel boasts a magnificent spa pool and golden-lit rooms, providing an immersive experience of Roman grandeur. #HotelAwards2024 #HighDesignHotels #LuxuryTravel #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #BoutiqueHotels #TravelDestinations #HospitalityDesign

The Brecon, a newly opened design hotel in the Swiss mountain village of Adelboden, offers a unique blend of understated luxury and local charm, moving away from the typical glitz of other Alpine destinations. Located in a tranquil, bucolic valley, the hotel provides a serene escape with world-class winter sports, hearty food, and cozy evenings. Upon arrival, visitors navigate a scenic mountain pass before the picturesque setting, reminiscent of a scene from 'Heidi,' unfolds. The village itself, with its 15th-century church and chalet-style cafes, maintains a laid-back atmosphere, a stark contrast to the luxury shopping and Champagne-fueled après-ski found in nearby Gstaad. Designed by the Dutch interior design studio Nicemakers, The Brecon's open-plan ground floor, dubbed the "living room," showcases a muted mid-century chic aesthetic. It features Jean Gillon lounge chairs, boucle Vitra sofas, and Futurist-inspired abstract paintings curated by Amsterdam's Bisou Gallery. Shelves adorned with design and fashion monographs contribute to the sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. The hotel's owner, Welsh financier Grant Maunder, aimed to create an interior deeply rooted in a sense of place, incorporating elements like reupholstered antique dining chairs from the building's previous occupant and flagstone floors installed by a Welsh specialist. The hotel's name itself, "The Brecon," pays homage to a mountain range in south Wales, reflecting this commitment to its origins. Maunder's vision was for guests to feel completely at ease, akin to staying in a generous friend's home rather than a conventional hotel. This objective has been successfully achieved, with guests experiencing a seamless check-in process and finding comfort in the thoughtfully designed rooms. The loft-style top-floor suites boast enormous, plush beds covered in patterned Welsh lambswool blankets, offering stunning views of the jagged mountain peaks. Special nooks with desks and small windows provide ideal spots for relaxation or catching up on emails. Even the bathrooms are meticulously designed, featuring salmon-pink tiles, sleek circular mirrors, and lavish Aesop products, offering a luxurious and visually appealing experience for design enthusiasts. Dining at The Brecon is an all-inclusive yet sophisticated affair, eschewing buffets for a curated culinary journey through Alpine cuisine. The focus is on seasonal, local produce, starting with freshly baked bread and rich local butter, followed by a four-course meal. Dishes might include smoked salmon with pickled cucumbers, hand-twisted farfalle with Italian sausage and fennel, and perfectly cooked veal with salsa verde. The tiramisu is highlighted as a must-try dessert. The hotel’s bar, stocked with an impressive selection, invites guests to enjoy cocktails on the outdoor deck or within the convivial indoor spaces, fostering conversation and camaraderie. Beyond the hotel, the Adelboden area offers rich rewards for adventurous travelers, with the Brecon team providing recommendations for exploration. The hotel operates year-round, making it suitable for both summer "coolcations" and winter sports enthusiasts, with access to numerous ski routes. A notable highlight is Oeschinensee, an Alpine lake known for its dazzling lapis lazuli blue mineral-rich waters, perfect for hiking or rowboating. The hotel also features a spa with an outdoor heated pool, sauna, and steam room, all offering views across the valley, ensuring guests can unwind and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings. The Brecon is poised to attract a new type of discerning traveler, coexisting with the existing crowd of hikers, skiers, and lake swimmers, and is anticipated to become a favored weekend getaway for fashion and design enthusiasts from cities like Milan. #SwissAlps #Adelboden #LuxuryHotel #BoutiqueHotel #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #AlpineCuisine #TravelSwitzerland #WellnessTravel

Rome is preparing for a significant year, marked by a Catholic jubilee, which occurs every 25 years. This event, commencing on December 24 with the opening of the holy door in St Peter’s Basilica, is expected to draw millions of pilgrims seeking plenary indulgence. Coinciding with this momentous period, a new luxury establishment, the Romeo Roma, has opened its doors on Via di Ripetta, near Piazza del Popolo, after over a decade of development. This is the second hotel from the family-owned Romeo Collection, situated within an elegant 17th-century palazzo. The Romeo Roma is among several ultra-luxury hotels that have recently launched or are under development in Rome, including the Bulgari, the W, the Edition, the Rosewood, a forthcoming Four Seasons, and a Nobu. The Six Senses, an IHG-owned wellness brand, also opened its first European hotel in Rome in early 2023. The Romeo Roma distinguishes itself with a starting rate of approximately £2,000 per night, positioning it as one of the world's most expensive hotels. This price point surpasses that of competitors like the Bulgari, a detail the hotel seems to emphasize. Key to the Romeo Roma's extraordinary appeal are its high-profile collaborators: Zaha Hadid, who designed the interiors, and Alain Ducasse, responsible for the culinary offerings. The hotel's design is characterized by avant-garde elements, featuring lacquered Macassar ebony and Carrara marble. The restoration of Palazzo Capponi, originally a government office, began in 2012 and uncovered an ancient workshop in the basement. The construction involved the careful integration of tons of wood, marble, and steel, all while preserving the historical integrity of the building, which includes a rotating head of Livia Drusilla in a glass case in the lobby. The lobby itself, formerly the palazzo's inner courtyard, now boasts a retractable glass roof, a vaulted steel lattice ceiling, a red Schulze Pollman grand piano, Rubinacci floor cushions, and an uplit waterfall that spells out “ROMEO” in rainbow-colored water. The rooms continue the space-age aesthetic, with Hadid’s signature curves evident in the ebony beds, mirrored TV stands, and sinuous white spa baths. Some rooms even feature original 17th-century frescoes discovered during renovation. The owner, Alfredo Romeo, expressed the challenge of merging historical heritage with innovative contemporary architecture and sustainability. Culinary experiences at the Romeo Roma are a major draw. Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse offers a ten-course tasting menu for £232, featuring dishes such as charred puntarelle and pink venison. Breakfast by Alain Ducasse, included in the room rate, provides an extensive spread and the Monégasque chef’s signature hot chocolate. The slightly less extravagant Il Cortile offers a Roman menu with pasta, pizza, and fish amidst Carrara marble columns and a shimmering ebony ceiling. The hotel also includes a Sisley spa with treatment rooms, a hammam, an infrared sauna, and a Sicilian salt relaxation room. The hotel caters to a distinguished clientele, as evidenced by the attendance of ambassadors from various countries at its opening. Despite its opulent nature, the hotel considers micro-level details, such as staff remembering coffee orders and personalized amenities like silk eye masks and branded toiletries. The owner, Alfredo Romeo, personally approved many details, including eclectic artworks and custom furniture. While some minor issues, like a lack of bathroom hooks or temperamental lighting, were noted, they are attributed to opening jitters. The article concludes by highlighting Rome's attractions during the jubilee year, including pedestrianized areas, renovated historical sites, and new cultural experiences, affirming the city's appeal beyond the hotel's luxury. #LuxuryHotel #RomeTourism #ZahaHadid #AlainDucasse #HotelDesign #JubileeYear #ItalianHospitality #ArchitecturalInnovation #HistoricalPreservation

Life House, a tech-driven hotel brand, distinguishes itself through a core philosophy of celebrating neighborhood heritage and identity through design, a strategy evident in its new Denver Lower Highlands (LoHi) property. This marks Life House's first expansion outside the eastern seaboard, following locations in Miami and Nantucket. The company’s in-house studio manages all creative aspects, from interior design to branding and digital content, ensuring a cohesive and thoughtful narrative. VP of Design Jenny Bukovec outlines their three-part approach: developing a locally rooted architectural story, creating a local character as a protagonist, and incorporating spirited cultural references to define the property’s personality. For the Life House Lower Highlands, the design draws inspiration from a 19th-century pioneer’s dwelling, juxtaposing Victorian-era opulence with contemporary industrial elements, mirroring LoHi's historic character. The hotel's exterior, a five-story building, leads into an interior that exudes a homey ambiance. The color palette features muted dusty grays, mustards, rusty reds, and saturated bluebell hues. To further evoke the homestead theme, the design incorporates honey-hued leathers and cowhides, parquet flooring, textured amber glass, and subtle nods to Colorado wildflowers. Throughout the hotel, vintage objects add whimsical touches. A notable piece is a Victorian three-panel leather screen from the late 1890s, hand-painted with motifs of the American Wild West frontier. Bukovec emphasizes the effort to infuse soul into the space, noting that some millwork and furniture, such as banquettes and bed frames, are custom-produced in Colombia. Walls are adorned with illustrative textiles, including wallpapers and murals hand-drawn by Lei Xing, an artist within the Life House team. A salvaged Victorian-era walnut armoire in the lobby features a curated selection of goods from Colorado vendors and candles with the hotel’s signature scent. The bespoke fragrance, a blend of bergamot, fig, vetiver, and cedar, permeates from the lobby and bar to the guest rooms. The 17-key hotel offers various room configurations, many specifically designed for group stays. Options include full-sized bunk chambers, king suites, and combined rooms accommodating up to eight guests. This innovative bunk layout, unique to Life House, provides privacy curtains and staircases instead of ladders, catering to adult travelers seeking communal yet personal spaces. Wildflower, the on-site restaurant and cocktail bar on the ground floor, offers a seasonal, vegetable-forward menu that blends Italian and Mexican flavors in tapas-style dishes, reflecting LoHi's history as an immigrant enclave. Desserts are presented on Victorian trolleys, accompanied by homemade lavender limoncello, amaro, and Colorado meads. Although indoor dining was restricted at the time of publication, Wildflower provided delivery, takeout, and in-room service. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel implemented safety protocols, including temperature checks for guests and staff, mandatory masks in public areas, and socially distanced seating, aiming to enhance Lower Highlands' hospitality scene. #HotelDesign #BoutiqueHotel #DenverTravel #InteriorDesign #Hospitality #ArchitecturalNarrative #VictorianEra #ColoradoCulture #GroupTravelAccommodation

The W Prague, a newly unveiled hotel in the Czech capital, occupies a meticulously refurbished and restored heritage building from 1905, a significant example of Art Nouveau architecture on Wenceslas Square. The hotel's development follows a nearly decade-long refurbishment, breathing new life into the historic structure which had been shuttered since 2013. The facade retains its original grandeur with refreshed verdigris and gold on swirling ironwork balconies, candy-red window mullions, and renewed gilding on the pediment's sculpture, while a subtle golden 'W' signifies its new identity. The property, formerly known as Grand Hotel Europa, now blends historical preservation with contemporary design. Marriott International and W Hotels spearheaded the redevelopment of the 19,380-square-foot property, which also includes an elliptical, nine-story extension. Benoy, a London-headquartered firm, designed the architecture for the new wing, based on concepts by Czech studio DAM.architekti. Chapman Taylor, an international firm with a Prague office, managed the restoration of the historical areas, collaborated with Czech heritage authorities, oversaw the design of the spa and standard guest rooms, and acted as the project’s architect of record. AvroKO, a U.S. firm recognized for its work on Marriott properties, was tasked with unifying the design, curating key public spaces and premium suites, and cooperating with Chapman Taylor on lighting, tilework, and dining and bar areas that seamlessly merge old and new. AvroKO's design approach centered on creating original contemporary elements that authentically interact with the historical fabric, avoiding mere replication of Art Nouveau details. The team, led by Alex Reed from AvroKO's London office, drew inspiration from three core pillars: Art Nouveau's organic foliate and floral forms, particularly influenced by Czech artist Alphonse Mucha; "the fantastical garden" concept, embodying whimsicality, magic, and escapism; and the historical context of elixirs and alchemy prevalent in 16th-century Prague, symbolizing transformation and healing. These visual narratives are integrated throughout the hotel, from the atmospheric lobby to the guest rooms. In the lobby, restored Art Nouveau lighting, plasterwork, and mosaic flooring are complemented by AvroKO-designed shimmering brass check-in desks set against an arched niche of colorful square tiles from Preciosa, a Czech glass company. These radiant gold and jewel-toned tiles establish the hotel's color palette. Preciosa also crafted the grand pendant fixtures in the atrium and the main staircase, where crystals cascade between ironwork balustrades, symbolizing a fusion of modern design with Czech heritage. Other spaces, like the Bisou lounge, feature custom sofas and faceted mirror cocktail tables inspired by Czech Cubism. The transition between the historic and new buildings is marked by a dramatic emerald and gold corridor, draped in velvet curtains embroidered with botanical motifs, evoking the fantastical garden theme. The new building houses the W Lounge, an all-day space with a mid-century chic aesthetic, featuring poured terrazzo flooring, groovy fireplaces, and curvilinear furniture. A 30-foot-long serpentine bar with a sculptural bottle display serves as a focal point. Guest rooms include 14 suites primarily in the new extension, such as the 1,000-square-foot E-Wow suite, which showcases richly veined stone countertops and expansive city views. The original building's top floors feature two loft-like Wow Bohemia duplexes, characterized by deep reds and golds, sumptuous furnishings, and exposed timber beams, honoring the hotel's history while embracing a luxurious contemporary feel. #HotelDesign #ArtNouveau #PragueArchitecture #HistoricalRestoration #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHospitality #AvroKO #CzechHeritage #AdaptiveReuse

Dorothée Meilichzon, founder of the Paris-based studio Chzon, has designed Il Palazzo Experimental, a 32-key boutique hotel housed within a centuries-old palazzo in Venice. Meilichzon established her firm in 2009, following industrial design studies at Strate School of Design and RISD, and early career experiences at creative agencies Dragon Rouge and Landor. Her inaugural solo interior project was the speakeasy-style Prescription Cocktail Club, and she was later recognized as Maison & Objet Paris designer of the year in 2015. Her extensive portfolio predominantly features hospitality projects across Europe, including the Henrietta Hotel in London and Hotel Menorca Experimental in Spain. Il Palazzo Experimental marks Meilichzon's first venture in Italy and her fifth collaboration with the Experimental hospitality group. Her design philosophy emphasizes creating distinct settings deeply rooted in their local environments. For this Venetian project, she incorporated local flair through hand-painted tiles and columns, curved furnishings and arches, and a color palette featuring salmon and terra-cotta hues, inspired by the city's unique aesthetic. The hotel's Ristorante Adriatica features a striped canopy and utilizes local materials such as terrazzo and marble. These elements, combined with the color scheme and custom furnishings, also serve as a tribute to Italy's Memphis movement. The surrounding Venetian lagoon significantly influenced the design, reflected in the prevalence of blues and greens in the walls and window treatments. The project integrates custom headboards in guest rooms, Venetian terrazzo flooring in the reception area, and existing ceiling beams in some suites. Throughout the hotel, arches are incorporated to echo historic Venetian design elements, creating a cohesive and authentic atmosphere that respects the building's heritage and location. #HotelDesign #VenetianStyle #BoutiqueHotel #DorotheeMeilichzon #ChzonStudio #HospitalityDesign #InteriorArchitecture #MemphisMovement #CustomFurnishings