The Coolest Design Hotels Have One Detail in Common

The author has observed a recurring design element in their favorite hotel rooms: the fabric four-poster bed. This feature is highlighted as transforming a room from merely chic to memorable, attributing its appeal to the sense of cocooning and a blend of structure and comfort. The article posits that this specific type of bed is a key component of a 'tailored bedroom' aesthetic, characterized by precision and softness. Historically, fabric four-poster beds served practical purposes, providing warmth and reducing noise due to their enclosed design. Over time, these beds evolved to include more elaborate styles with chintz and heavy drapery. The author notes a contemporary resurgence of this classic style, with modern interpretations moving away from fussiness towards cleaner lines and updated fabric choices like crisp linens, graphic stripes, or bold prints with neat trims. This reinterpretation is presented as maintaining the drama and cocooning effect while exuding modern confidence and structure. Several examples are provided to illustrate this trend. Martin Brudnizki’s Le Grand Mazarin in Paris is cited for its theatrical fabric four-poster beds that anchor the space and set the overall tone. Rachael Gowdridge’s The Netty, a recipient of a Design Award, is also mentioned for her refined approach to the classic tester bed, which creates a chic and cocooning retreat, further enhanced by a rich color palette. These examples demonstrate how the fabric four-poster bed can be a focal point in a well-designed space. The article extends the discussion to residential applications, arguing that fabric four-poster beds are not overly fussy for homes. Rachel Chudley, a designer, is featured for her innovative use of fabric in her own bedroom. Instead of a traditional frame, she created a grand effect by hanging Schumacher’s Jennie Velvet from the wall and over the bed, combining it with a bamboo-stalk repeat on the headboard. Chudley’s intention was to honor traditional tapestry bed hangings while giving it a contemporary feel, effectively creating a canopy without a physical frame but retaining the dramatic impact. Another designer, Stephanie Barba Mendoza, utilized Jean Monro’s Fern Stripe fabric and wallpaper to design a fully enveloping canopy bed for a chintz-filled bedroom outside Antwerp. Mendoza emphasizes the warm and inviting atmosphere created by being completely surrounded by soft florals and foliage, likening the experience to a dream. These diverse applications, from luxurious hotels to private residences, underscore the versatility and enduring appeal of the fabric four-poster bed. The unifying theme across all these instances is the ability of fabric four-poster beds to combine structural definition with the softness of textiles. This creates a balance of precision and comfort, resulting in a luxurious and timeless aesthetic. The article concludes by asserting that the fabric four-poster bed is the ultimate expression of a tailored bedroom, serving as a statement piece that anchors the room, influences the mood, and contributes to a thoughtfully designed space. #InteriorDesign #BedroomDecor #FabricFourPoster #TailoredBedroom #LuxuryInteriors #HomeDecorTrends #HotelDesign #CocooningEffect #ClassicStyle #ModernRevival

The article showcases 17 of the most luxurious hotel bathrooms globally, highlighting their unique design elements and amenities that elevate them beyond mere functional spaces into private sanctuaries. These bathrooms are presented as a significant status symbol for high-end hotels, offering spa-like experiences, cutting-edge design, and breathtaking views. Among the featured hotels, The Chedi Andermatt in Switzerland offers a private spa experience within its Furka Suite, equipped with a hot tub, steam room, and sauna, making extended bathroom stays a natural part of the guest experience. The Silo Hotel in Cape Town emphasizes its prime location with window-adjacent tubs that offer expansive views, complemented by Tiffany-blue cabinetry and black-and-white striped floors. Virgin Hotels New Orleans embraces a flamboyant design aesthetic, with its Richard's Penthouse Suite featuring a bright aqua-green bathroom adorned with mahogany walls, velvet ottomans, and a distinctive marble floor. For an unparalleled underwater experience, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island's Muraka suite includes a bedroom and bathroom situated 16 feet underwater, providing 360-degree ocean views during a relaxing bath or sleep. VIK Chile, surrounded by vineyards, offers window-lined bathrooms in its Vik Suite, featuring a hammock-shaped tub designed by Splinterworks Studio with foam insulation for extended warmth, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the scenic views. Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, designed by Philippe Starck, boasts industrial-chic bathrooms entirely covered in mirrors, providing a trippy yet sophisticated ambiance across all room types. Aman Tokyo exemplifies sleek minimalism with its Aman Suites' all-slate bathrooms, which serve as a tranquil backdrop to panoramic Tokyo skyline views, complemented by stone furo soaking tubs. The Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam, housed in a 19th-century bank, integrates original wood beams into its I Love Amsterdam suite bathroom, offering a cavernous bathtub with views of the Rijksmuseum. El Fenn in Marrakech features 42 uniquely colored rooms and suites, each with deep soaking tubs and contemporary art, creating an artistic and comfortable atmosphere. Lion Sands Game Reserve in South Africa provides an extraordinary experience with its Kingston Treehouse, offering an open-air bedroom and a glassed-in bathroom with a rain shower and double vanity, perfect for stargazing. The 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge emphasizes integrating nature, with its Riverhouse Suite offering a granite bathtub overlooking the East River and Manhattan skyline, alongside triple-filtered rain showers and organic bath products. Nay Palad Hideaway in the Philippines introduces unique open-concept rain showers in its deluxe villas, where water cascades onto a bamboo mat surrounded by gravel, complemented by organic bath products and aromatherapy. Ponta dos Ganchos in Brazil presents the Especial Esmeralda suite, which includes a private spa-like bathroom with a hot tub, en suite sauna, sun loungers, and an attached deck with an infinity pool. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla offers Kelly Wearstler-designed suites, with its four-bedroom Beachfront Villas featuring spa-like bathrooms with private terraces and outdoor showers. Shangri-La Hotel, Paris, within the former apartments of Prince Roland Bonaparte, showcases bathrooms decorated in the opulent 18th-century Directoire style, finished in marble with crystal fixtures. Finally, Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill, New York, provides a wellness retreat experience with Japanese bath products and wooden soak tubs, inviting guests to spend leisurely hours in its zen-inspired bathrooms. #LuxuryHotels #HotelDesign #BathroomDesign #SpaExperience #TravelInspiration #GlobalTravel #InteriorDesign #UniqueAccommodations #Architecture

The article presents a curated selection of nine hotel bedrooms from various global locations, highlighting their distinctive design elements and unique guest experiences. It emphasizes the allure of hotel rooms as spaces for relaxation and escape from daily routines, a perspective that guides the selection of each establishment. The featured hotels are chosen for their ability to blend local culture, historical context, and contemporary design to create memorable and inspiring interiors. The first hotel, Palazzo Daniele in Puglia, Italy, exemplifies a fusion of 19th-century Italian neoclassicism with modern minimalism. Its ten suites showcase original frescoes and mosaic floors complemented by contemporary furnishings, creating an atmosphere of low-key charm that extends to its location in Gagliano del Capo and its locally-sourced cuisine. Patina in the Maldives offers a tranquil and pared-down luxury experience, with bedrooms featuring earth tones, smooth lines, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that provide direct views of the ocean. Many villas include private landscaped gardens and pools, enhancing the connection to the natural surroundings. The Fife Arms in Scotland, located within the Cairngorms National Park, boasts 46 individually designed rooms and suites. These rooms are rich in color and personality, with themes ranging from royal history to Scottish culture and nature-inspired poetry. The interiors, masterminded by Russell Sage Studio, combine characterful design with British eccentricity and local Scottish artistry. Chateau de Rosa Bonheur in Ile-de-France, France, offers guests the opportunity to stay in the former residence and studio of 19th-century French painter Rosa Bonheur. The chateau has been meticulously restored, blending historical grandeur with modern comforts, providing a unique experience for art and design enthusiasts within a picturesque setting. In Kolkata, India, the Glenburn Penthouse features nine suites with dramatic solid-wood four-poster beds, polished parquet floors, and elegant arched windows. The design incorporates eclectic fabrics and marble-accented bathrooms, with an infinity pool on the terrace offering views of the Kolkata skyline. Life House in Little Havana, Miami, USA, occupies a historic 1920s building that has been refurbished to reflect the diverse cultures of its neighborhood. The hotel's interiors are an explosion of patterns and colors, incorporating local art and ceramics, while its dining options provide an elevated take on Latin American street food. Arijiju Safari Lodge in the Kenyan highlands provides a unique safari experience with an unobtrusive, leveled architectural structure that blends into the natural landscape. The interiors, designed by Maira Koutsoudakis, combine modern minimalism with touches of colonial style. Suites and cottages feature freestanding copper baths and arched windows, offering secluded views of the equatorial environment. Cuixmala in Mexico, a former private residence of billionaire James Goldsmith, has been transformed into a high-end hotel within a vast estate. The accommodations, including suites, bungalows, villas, and casitas, are characterized by bright white walls contrasted with bold, colorful soft furnishings and artwork, emphasizing space, height, and light. Finally, Hotel Particulier Montmartre in Paris, France, is a hidden five-suite hotel known for its intimate setting and refreshed interiors by Pierre Lacroix. The suites, such as the "Lazy Leopardess" and "Grand Tralala," feature distinctive wallpapers and velvet accents, creating a stylish and irreverent atmosphere. #HotelDesign #BedroomInspiration #LuxuryTravel #InteriorDesign #GlobalHotels #ArchitecturalStyle #BoutiqueHotels #CulturalImmersion #ModernBedrooms

The final Hotel Designs roundtable of 2023, sponsored by Kohler, brought together leading interior designers to discuss the evolving landscape of bathroom design within the hospitality sector. The discussion centered on integrating bathrooms and bedrooms in hotel settings, exploring current trends, challenges, and future innovations. The expert panel included Corinna Galdies of G.A Group, Tom Thorogood of Studio Moren, Dimos Giorgou of Tara Bernard & Partners, Fiona Thompson of Richmond International, Sophie Borel of Cheval Collection, Mark Henderson of YOTEL, Henning Schmidt of Six Senses Hotels, Resorts & Spas, and Kevin Miles of Kohler. One of the primary topics addressed was the merging of bathroom and bedroom spaces while maintaining practicality and guest experience. Henning Schmidt highlighted the need for merging elements in luxury properties, often using consistent surface materials to create a shared design language, though preferring separation for privacy. Dimos Giorgou pointed out that location, building type, and overall design scheme significantly influence the approach, with urban hotels often requiring more privacy than resort-style properties. Glass and sliding doors are increasingly used to open up spaces while still offering the option for seclusion. Tom Thorogood noted the growing trend towards open-concept bathrooms in lifestyle and resort hotels, emphasizing that dynamic elements like moving screens or obscured glazing can provide necessary privacy without sacrificing an airy feel. He stressed the importance of seamless design transitions, including consistent flooring, color palettes, and artwork, to create a harmonious and luxurious guest experience, especially in hotels with limited space like a new project in Tokyo. Sophie Borel added that designers face challenges with shrinking spaces and diverse demographic needs, noting that guest expectations for bathrooms vary significantly across different regions, such as the Middle East versus Europe. The conversation also touched upon enhancing bathrooms in budget-conscious brands like YOTEL. Mark Henderson explained that guests, increasingly knowledgeable about design and construction from social media, expect quality products even in more affordable hotels. He emphasized the importance of getting the basics right and selecting durable, quality brands, particularly for operational longevity. Fiona Thompson reiterated this point, highlighting that the bathroom is the most expensive and least frequently renovated part of a guestroom, necessitating careful consideration of materials and fittings that will endure for two decades or more. The role of technology in bathroom design was another significant point of discussion. Sophie Borel expressed concerns about technology's rapid evolution contrasting with the need for long-lasting design schemes, suggesting that advanced tech might be better suited for larger suites as a differentiator. Corinna Galdies confirmed this, noting that tech showers are often reserved for suites, and some projects prioritize technology-driven experiences while others focus on traditional bathing rituals. Tom Thorogood observed that the sophistication of bedroom technology is extending into bathrooms, with features like digital shower controls and integrated speakers enhancing functionality and guest experience. Mark Henderson clarified that while YOTEL utilizes technology for efficiency, such as air quality control and BMS systems, they avoid incorporating tech for its own sake, prioritizing simplicity and functionality. Kevin Miles of Kohler addressed designers' concerns about integrating technology, explaining that digital showers, which Kohler has developed for years, are now expected by guests who use them at home. He highlighted the user-friendly interface, haptic response, and iconography of Kohler's smart showers, as well as their sustainability features that track water usage. He also pointed out the customization options that make smart showers appealing to brands. Fiona Thompson expressed a pragmatic view, supporting technology only when it genuinely enhances the design and experience, while acknowledging the importance of sustainability. Tom Thorogood raised a pertinent question about the longevity of digital showers compared to analog fittings, suggesting that while software can be updated, the hardware might age faster than traditional, durable fixtures, underscoring the ongoing challenge of balancing innovation with timeless design in hotel bathrooms. #HotelDesign #BathroomDesign #InteriorDesign #HospitalityTrends #LuxuryHotels #TechnologicalIntegration #GuestExperience #SustainableDesign

The Mr. C Coconut Grove Hotel in Miami, Florida, is a luxury boutique hotel designed by Arquitectonica and Martin Brudnizki. The hotel is a creation of Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani, who drew upon their family's extensive history in the hospitality industry to establish a new upscale destination in Miami. The design concept for the hotel is deeply rooted in nautical aesthetics, influenced by coastal Italian culture and the sleek, sophisticated interiors of yachts. This thematic approach is evident throughout the property, from its architectural details to its interior furnishings. Key design elements include the prominent use of high-gloss timber and lacquer detailing, which evoke the polished finishes often found on marine vessels. These materials are seamlessly integrated with mid-century Italian furnishings, creating a blend of classic elegance and modernist architectural style. The hotel's architecture and interior design work in harmony to transport guests to a setting reminiscent of luxurious Italian coastal living, infused with a contemporary Miami sensibility. The six-story structure houses 100 meticulously designed guest rooms, each reflecting the hotel's distinctive nautical and Italian-inspired theme. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, The Mr. C Coconut Grove Hotel also features a range of premium amenities. A notable highlight is the rooftop pool area, which offers private cabanas, providing an exclusive and relaxing retreat for guests. The hotel also boasts two signature Italian dining establishments, further enhancing the immersive culinary experience aligned with its Italian heritage. These restaurants are designed to offer a taste of authentic Italian cuisine within a refined atmosphere. Sustainability is a significant aspect of the hotel's construction and operation. The property has achieved gold-level LEED certification, indicating its commitment to environmental responsibility. This certification highlights the hotel's efforts in implementing sustainable practices, including the use of green energy-efficient lighting throughout the premises. The focus on sustainability demonstrates a forward-thinking approach, combining luxury with ecological consciousness. Overall, The Mr. C Coconut Grove Hotel stands as a testament to sophisticated design, drawing inspiration from rich family history and specific cultural influences. Its blend of nautical aesthetics, mid-century Italian design, and modernist architecture creates a unique and luxurious experience for visitors, complemented by high-end amenities and a dedication to environmental sustainability. #HotelDesign #NauticalAesthetics #MiamiArchitecture #ItalianDesign #LuxuryHospitality #SustainableDesign #BoutiqueHotel #MidCenturyModern #InteriorDesign

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 increasing pursuit of bathing pleasure has led hotels to create exceptional bathroom spaces, transforming them from mere amenities into luxurious sanctuaries. These new 'personal pleasure palaces' often feature lavish materials like marble, ranging in style from minimalist onsen-inspired designs to technologically advanced setups. Santa Clara 1728 in Lisbon, Portugal, a hotel with just six rooms, features bathrooms that blend modern design with ancient architecture. The walls are covered in hand-cut white tiles, complemented by pinewood flooring and shelving. A large freestanding tub and cylindrical wash basins, both carved from Portuguese Lioz limestone, are central features. Each bathroom also includes an adjacent wet-room with an industrial-sized shower overlooking the hotel's gardens. The Four Seasons in Kuwait City showcases bathrooms designed by Yabu Pushelberg. These spaces are characterized by grey and white striped marble, meticulously aligned, and screened from bedrooms by sliding doors. Australian luxury bath makers Apaiser provided standalone tubs, walk-in showers, and twin sinks. Bronze fixtures, in-mirror televisions, and concealed lighting add dramatic accents, while mosaic tiling or contemporary mashrabiya screens subtly interrupt the marble expanses. Elements of Byron in Byron Bay, Australia, situated amidst 50 acres of wilderness, offers cabins with private walled decks for outdoor bathing. The bathrooms reflect a Japanese simplicity-meets-Australian informality, with an onsen vibe achieved through wooden bath stools and ladder towel racks. Potted cheesecloth plants, rattan armchairs, and shell chandeliers nod to the area's bohemian aesthetic. Barcelona's Almanac hotel, designed by Jaime Beriestain Studio, features cinematic, contemporary art deco interiors. Its immaculate bathrooms include double sink vanities with individual mirrors, walk-in showers, and full-length tubs, all adorned with marble and glass. Muted metal fixtures, hovering between copper and gold, and bespoke bath products from Scottish-Catalan perfumer Jimmy Boyd soften the opulent feel. Hotel Bocage in Hua Hin, Thailand, is a concrete-centric design by Akaradej Pantisoontorn, with interiors by Duangrit Bunnag. The bathrooms are separated from the main room by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, offering dramatic views of the Gulf of Thailand. Sculptural sanitary ware by Antonio Lupi and bamboo charcoal-based toiletries from Charcoalogy complete the minimalist design. Le Mount Stephen in Montréal, Canada, a former private members' club, features resolutely contemporary rooms and marble-minimal bathrooms in its new annexe. These bathrooms are technologically advanced, boasting Japanese Toto toilets with heated seats, Cura chromatherapy showerheads in walk-in rain showers, and toiletries by Italy’s Comfort Zone. Practical additions like window-defoggers and heated floors are crucial for the Canadian climate. The Sofitel Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia, occupies the top 35 floors of a skyscraper. Designed by Dreamtime Australia Design and the A+ Design Group, its sandstone bathrooms are spacious, with some featuring twin basins and twin walk-in rain showers. Freestanding tubs offer panoramic views of the bay and city skyline. Lanvin toiletries are provided. Verride Palácio Santa Catarina in Lisbon, Portugal, a converted 18th-century townhouse, features eclectic bathrooms designed by Teresa Nunes da Ponte. Some, like the Queen's Suite, have parquet floors, standalone tubs, and refurbished 18th-century Azulejo panels. Others are open-plan beige marble spaces with wet-room style overhead showers and trough-like sinks, often with a view. Aesop toiletries are a consistent offering. Amanbagh in Ajabgarh, India, designed by Ed Tuttle, offers sumptuous, light-filled bathrooms in a re-imagined campsite setting. The design incorporates Indian minimalist elements with warmth from wooden door panels, Mughal arches, and cappuccino-coloured stone flooring. A large, sunken green Udaipur marble bath is a central feature, ideal for relaxation after a day at the private pool or ayurvedic spa. 137 Pillars in Bangkok, Thailand, located in a skyscraper, has sparkling interiors by P49 Deesign. Its jazzy marble bathrooms include glass-walled rain-showers and deep, circular standalone tubs, perfect for watching TV or enjoying the expansive city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. #LuxuryHotel #BathroomDesign #InteriorDesign #HotelArchitecture #TravelAccommodation #SpaExperience #ModernDesign #SustainableDesign #GlobalHotels

Los Angeles boasts a diverse and vibrant hotel scene, making it challenging to categorize its design aesthetic into a single style. The city offers a wide range of accommodations, from historic grand dames reminiscent of Hollywood's Golden Age to contemporary boutique hotels and relaxed seaside properties embodying West Coast living. This variety ensures there is a hotel to suit every traveler and design enthusiast, whether their preference leans towards midcentury modern interiors or authentic Art Deco finishes. A consistent element across these establishments is a strong, distinctive point of view in their design. For those who prioritize compelling design in their travel accommodations, a curated selection of Los Angeles's most design-forward hotels is essential before booking a stay. These establishments are located in iconic neighborhoods, including the Sunset Strip and the coastal towns of Malibu and Santa Monica, offering aesthetic getaways in the perpetually sunny and stylish city. The Sunset Tower Hotel, an Art Deco landmark since 1929, maintains its historic spirit blended with mid-century modern elements. Hotelier Jeff Klein and designer Paul Fortune revived its interiors, ensuring its Tower Bar exudes a sleek, sultry ambiance, and guest rooms feature a dusty pink palette with Donald Robertson wallpaper. The Chateau Marmont, nearly a century old, is famed for its architecture inspired by France's Château d'Amboise and its historic, eclectic interiors, renovated by Shawn Hausman and Fernando Santangelo. It has hosted numerous luminaries and is immortalized in culture. The Georgian Hotel, originally opened in 1933 and recently restored by BLVD Hospitality and Fettle Design, is recognizable by its bright turquoise exterior. Inside, it offers a Golden Era grandeur with playful vignettes and a vibrant personality, located a short distance from the Santa Monica Pier. Downtown L.A. Proper Hotel, a creation by Kelly Wearstler, provides a compelling retreat with a lively interplay of color, print, and texture, blending Mexican modernism with Moroccan influences. The property features artist commissions, including an Abel Macias ceiling mural and a stained glass doorway by Judson Studios. The Beverly Hills Hotel, known as "The Pink Palace" for its distinctive pink and green exterior, has maintained its iconic status for over a century. Guests can experience old Hollywood glamour in its gilded hallways, the famous Polo Lounge, or by the historic 1938 pool. The Surfrider Hotel in Malibu, once a roadside motel from the 1950s, has transformed into a luxury boutique accommodation with 20 rooms, offering complimentary surfboards and an exclusive rooftop bar. It embodies the relaxed pace of Malibu. The Charlie Hotel in West Hollywood, once owned by Charlie Chaplin, consists of Tudor cottages surrounding an English garden. Its 14 suites are named after famous former guests, offering a luxe pied-à-terre experience with amenities like in-unit laundry and a sun deck. Hotel 850 SVB, a residential-style property by Jeff Klein, features interiors by Rita Konig within a century-old bungalow. It offers 23 rooms, a lobby lounge, and a roof deck, providing a home-like feel in a prime location near the Pacific Design Center. Santa Monica Proper Hotel, another Kelly Wearstler-designed property, is celebrated for its Instagram-worthy lobby lounge, stylish suites, and a rooftop pool. It seamlessly integrates artistic details like Morgan Peck ceramics and 1970s Uchiwa bamboo sconces. Hotel Covell in Los Feliz, established by Dustin Lancaster, occupies a 1930s-era building with nine uniquely themed rooms, or "chapters," based on a fictional writer's life journey. Designer Sally Breer brought these interiors to life with details like Eileen Gray Bibendum chairs, offering a distinct hotel experience in a popular neighborhood with limited hotel options. #LosAngelesHotels #DesignHotels #InteriorDesign #ArtDeco #MidcenturyModern #LuxuryTravel #BoutiqueHotels #CaliforniaTravel #HotelArchitecture

The article explores how to bring the sophisticated and inspiring ambiance of a boutique hotel into a personal residence. It features insights from several renowned interior designers, including Kelly Wearstler, Kit Kemp, Elizabeth Lowrey of Elkus Manfredi, Kara Mann, Emma Goodwin, and the Curious Yellow team (Chloe Pollack-Robbins and Anna Cappelen). Each designer shares their perspective on what defines boutique hotel style and offers practical advice for homeowners to emulate this aesthetic. Kelly Wearstler emphasizes that a hotel experience extends beyond just a place to sleep, encompassing inspiration, local connection, and a blending of residential and commercial design. She highlights the importance of hyper-locality, drawing inspiration from surrounding environments, and integrating local artisans, artwork, and indigenous materials to capture a city's soul. Her design philosophy revolves around mixology—juxtaposing contemporary and classic, masculine and feminine, and raw and refined elements. Kit Kemp, founder of Firmdale Hotels, suggests treating hotel spaces as extensions of one's home, incorporating whimsical elements and playing with scale. Her tips for home application include scaling up features like mirrors and bold artwork, focusing on functional yet sculptural lighting, and mixing wood finishes. She also advises paying attention to details like contrast piping, luxurious fabrics, cashmere throws, colorful cushions, and vibrant rugs to ground a scheme. Elizabeth Lowrey of Elkus Manfredi views boutique hotel style as a unique point of view that tells a story inspired by its context, ownership, or history, much like residential design. She recommends personalizing spaces by displaying photos, collections, and art, creating beautiful vignettes, and emphasizing good lighting to make a lasting impression. Her design for the White Elephant Palm Beach aimed to create the feeling of a gracious home rather than a traditional hotel. Kara Mann notes that residential design has significantly influenced boutique hotels, which aim to offer the services of a large hotel with the warmth of a home. She suggests using design contrasts in color palettes and materials, finding synergy between vintage and contemporary pieces, and investing in high-quality bedding and mattresses for a luxurious feel. She also advocates for integrating a stylish mini-bar at home. Emma Goodwin, co-founder of The Surfrider Malibu, defines boutique hotel style by its ability to tell a story through quality materials and details, engaging all senses through elements like music, food, and scent. She advises curating all aspects of a space, from matching linens and robes to thoughtfully selected books and artistic rugs. Goodwin also stresses the importance of effective storage to maintain an organized and visually appealing environment. Chloe Pollack-Robbins and Anna Cappelen of Curious Yellow describe boutique hotels as eclectic, warm, and inviting spaces that feel like home while offering new inspiration. They recommend using vintage fabrics for upholstery and pillows, inexpensive sisal rugs for a natural feel, and rattan furniture to evoke a '60s aesthetic. They also suggest sourcing secondhand art and surf books to infuse personality and a sense of nostalgia into a space. Overall, the designers collectively emphasize personalization, sensory experiences, intentional curation, and thoughtful material selection as key to achieving boutique hotel style at home. #BoutiqueHotelStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerTips #LuxuryLiving #ResidentialDesign #DesignInspiration #HomeStyling #HotelInspiredHome

The article explores a growing trend in hotel design where bathrooms lack proper privacy, featuring transparent doors, frosted glass partitions that don't reach the floor, or even entirely open layouts. This design choice, often encountered in modern hotels, has led to discomfort and frustration among travelers, particularly when sharing a room with friends or family. The author recounts a personal experience in Punta Cana and highlights a social media movement, "Bring Back Bathroom Doors," initiated by Sadie Lowell, to raise awareness and provide resources for travelers seeking hotels with adequate bathroom privacy. Lowell's TikTok page, with over 36,000 likes, and her website, BringBackDoors.com, list hotels based on submitted guest experiences, categorizing them by their bathroom privacy standards. Several interior designers with experience in hotel projects shed light on the motivations behind this shift in design. Jaque Bethke, with four decades in hospitality design, attributes the trend, in part, to reduced construction and renovation budgets post-2008 market crash and the COVID-19 pandemic. She notes that today's budgets are leaner, impacting the quality and long-term design investments. Jon de la Cruz observes this issue more frequently in Europe, where rooms tend to be smaller and design standards differ, often lacking the clear separation of wet and dry areas and dedicated toilet enclosures that Americans typically expect. The designers identify several reasons for hotels prioritizing designs that compromise bathroom privacy: practicality, aesthetics, convenience, and cost-saving. From a practical standpoint, glass or barn-style doors are space-efficient, particularly in smaller rooms, as they avoid the large footprint of outward-swinging doors. Aesthetically, glass doors can make a bathroom feel brighter and larger, especially in historic buildings where adding natural light or extensive ventilation is challenging. These modern designs also tend to photograph well, aiding marketing efforts. Convenience plays a role as well, as sliding barn doors and glass doors are easier to standardize across numerous identical rooms, simplifying the construction process and reducing the need for precise doorway measurements. Financially, Bethke suggests that reduced budgets lead designers to use materials like glass as visual statements because they are relatively inexpensive and create the illusion of intentional, modern design. Lowell, through her "Bring Back Doors" campaign, argues that hotels are intentionally testing guests' willingness to sacrifice privacy, akin to how airlines have reduced space without lowering prices. She posits that by making shared bathroom experiences uncomfortable, hotels might encourage guests to book separate rooms, thus increasing revenue. Ultimately, the article concludes that as more travelers become aware of and actively avoid hotels lacking proper bathroom privacy, the hotel industry will be compelled to reconsider its design choices to prevent financial losses. For those seeking hotels with good bathroom privacy, the designers offer recommendations. Sarah Stacey points to The Menagerie in Fredericksburg, Texas, a hotel she designed, where every bathroom features a standard locked door. Jon de la Cruz recommends The Hotel de Russie in Rome for its separate toilets and bidets, while Jaque Bethke highlights Kimpton properties in Los Angeles and North Carolina as examples of thoughtful design on a smaller budget. Lowell's website also serves as a continuously updated resource for travelers to find privacy-conscious accommodations and to contribute their own hotel experiences to the movement. #HotelDesign #BathroomPrivacy #TravelExperience #InteriorDesign #HospitalityIndustry #DesignTrends #CostSavingMeasures #GuestSatisfaction #ConsumerAdvocacy

The Quoin, a newly opened minimalist boutique hotel in Wilmington, Delaware, represents a collaborative design effort between Method Co and Philadelphia-based Stokes Architecture + Design. This hotel is established within a historic former bank building, showcasing a unique blend of preserved architectural elements and contemporary design. The design philosophy embraces a subdued, earthy color palette and incorporates modern, handmade decor alongside vintage furnishings. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a thoughtfully designed reception area. This space features intricate floral wallpaper, highlighted with metallic gold accents, and is complemented by a custom-made credenza that combines contemporary hues with taupe mulled leather. Adjacent to the reception, a retail area provides a curated selection of boutique brands for guests to explore. To the right, an antique Malayer rug leads into the connected lobby and cafe spaces. The lobby itself is furnished with pieces like Lawson-Fenning sofas, Lina swivel chairs, and an Adnet-inspired Crillon chair crafted from hand-stitched leather. Lighting is provided by a cotton shaded lamp from Santa & Cole. These elements contribute to an atmosphere that balances historical charm with modern comfort and sophistication. The hotel's ground floor also houses a restaurant, accessible from the lobby, which specializes in wood-fired cuisine drawing inspiration from Southern France and Northern Italy, aiming to become a local culinary destination. Further enhancing the guest experience, The Quoin offers a rooftop area, providing a versatile space for various social occasions. This rooftop is designed for happy hours, gatherings, and light dining, offering views and an open-air ambiance. The hotel comprises 24 luxury guest rooms and suites, each meticulously designed to integrate restored original architectural details with the hotel's overarching minimalist and contemporary aesthetic. The design approach focuses on creating serene and functional spaces that honor the building's past while providing modern amenities. The aesthetic throughout The Quoin is characterized by its minimalist tendencies, emphasizing clean lines, understated elegance, and a calming material palette. The selection of furniture and decor reflects a commitment to quality craftsmanship and a sophisticated yet unpretentious style. The blend of vintage finds with newly commissioned pieces ensures that each space possesses a unique character while maintaining a cohesive design language. The lighting choices further enhance the hotel’s ambiance, creating warm and inviting environments. Overall, The Quoin hotel aims to offer a distinctive hospitality experience in Wilmington, Delaware. Its design seamlessly integrates the historical context of its bank building origins with a fresh, contemporary, and minimalist aesthetic. The combination of carefully chosen furnishings, a refined color scheme, and thoughtfully designed common areas and private rooms creates an environment that is both luxurious and welcoming for its guests. #HotelDesign #MinimalistInterior #BoutiqueHotel #HistoricPreservation #AdaptiveReuse #DelawareHospitality #ContemporaryDesign #LuxuryAccommodation #InteriorArchitecture

The ibis Styles hotel brand distinguishes itself in the hospitality sector by offering a unique blend of affordability and design-forward experiences across its portfolio of over 670 hotels worldwide. Each property is conceptualized around a distinct theme, aiming to provide guests with an inspiring and creative environment that encourages personal expression. This approach positions ibis Styles as a leader in boutique economy design, where every stay is intended to be a celebration of creativity and comfort. In Australia, the ibis Styles Hobart adopts a 'colour' theme, creating a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere through elements like an Asian parasol ceiling in its restaurant and colourful murals in guestrooms. The hotel extends this theme to various guest experiences, including break-out games and children's gifts during school holidays, ensuring an engaging stay for all ages. In Austria, the ibis Styles Klagenfurt draws inspiration from Mary Poppins, offering a whimsical and enchanting experience with design elements such as swinging chairs and roundtable setups that evoke a sense of magic. Brazil's ibis Styles Maceió Pajuçara celebrates the country's cultural heritage, specifically Cordel literature, with rooms designed to reflect the melodious verses and vibrant imagery of the Northeast region, offering sea views and thematic décor. The ibis Styles Lianyungang Ganyu in China is inspired by the mythical "Huaguo Mountain," the birthplace of Sun Wukong. Its 'Blessed Land - Cave & Heaven' theme is reflected in its design, mirroring the enchanting landscapes and indigenous mountain resorts, with a particular focus on the leisure reception area and a Sun Wukong model. The ibis Styles Copenhagen Ørestad in Denmark merges urban living with nature, featuring neon quotes, waterfall lighting, and graffitied walls alongside illustrated wallpaper and floral carpeting, creating vibrant public spaces. In France, the ibis Styles Montauban is inspired by the markets of the Southwest, offering a sensory experience that captures the essence of local culture and cuisine through its vibrant decor. The ibis Styles Tbilisi Center in Georgia celebrates Georgian culture and landscapes with a design inspired by sheep and mountains, featuring bright interiors, folk art, and a unique art installation of a cheerful sheep made of hanging lamps in the lobby. Germany's ibis Styles München Perlach transports guests to the 1970s disco era with popping colours, disco-themed decor elements, and nostalgic touches like rollerblades and glittering leopard statuettes. In Italy, the ibis Styles Roma Aurelia embraces a dynamic and colourful design concept inspired by Rome's vibrant culture and history, featuring informal atmospheres, dynamic lighting, and colourful accents. The ibis Styles St. Paul's Bay in Malta pays tribute to the island's natural beauty, with a design concept that draws inspiration from rugged rock formations, limestone, and Mediterranean vegetation. The ibis Styles Rotterdam Ahoy in the Netherlands offers an enchanted oasis with pastel colours, floating clouds, and lush greenery, creating a dreamlike ambiance. In Peru, the ibis Styles Lima San Isidro resembles a creativity factory, with vibrant murals and symbolic decor elements designed to inspire guests to dream and innovate. Poland's ibis Styles Krakow Centrum combines history and modernity, with a design that acts as a time machine, inviting guests to explore artifacts of the past and unique compositions, including hidden messages and Morse code decor. Finally, the ibis Styles Sevilla City Santa Justa in Spain draws inspiration from the oranges of Sevilla, with rooftop terraces and courtyard patios reminiscent of orange groves, capturing the essence of Andalusia. The ibis Styles Genève Carouge in Switzerland immerses guests in the playful world of comics with bold colours and graphic elements. The ibis Styles Bangkok Silom in Thailand, in collaboration with Thai artist Tikkywow, features an eye-catching mural at its entrance, reflecting the vibrant history of Silom and creating an oasis within the bustling city. The brand encourages guests to utilize 'Perfect Photo Spots' throughout its hotels to capture and share their experiences, emphasizing that every moment offers an opportunity for creativity and inspiration. #ibisStyles #HotelDesign #CreativeHospitality #BoutiqueEconomy #ThemedHotels #TravelInspiration #InteriorDecor #GlobalHotels #UniqueStays

This interview features Jason Holley and Paul Gulati of London-based Universal Design Studio, known for their bespoke approach to design that prioritizes user experience and sensibility over fleeting styles. Both designers recall early inclinations towards creation; Holley's interest in architecture emerged from a desire to make things, while Gulati's obsession with drawing led him to understand design as a practical endeavor. Holley recounts a childhood anecdote where he convinced his grandfather to tear down a built-in wardrobe to create a more effective bedroom space, much to his parents' dismay. Gulati remembers drawing on old engineering prints, which instilled in him an understanding of design's functional purpose. Holley pursued architecture at Kingston University and Westminster University, drawn to their experimental approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly under the influence of David Greene of Archigram. Gulati's university studies transformed his perception of space and the built environment. When discussing how they imbue projects with distinctiveness while maintaining their signature, Holley emphasizes understanding social implications and defining experiences that respond to user needs, aiming to uplift spirits. This process, he explains, creates a unique voice for each project that reflects their signature approach. Gulati highlights the importance of embedding hotels within their local creative communities. They cite challenging projects they are particularly proud of. For Holley, the At Six Hotel in Stockholm presented the challenge of integrating a world-class art collection into a luxury hotel within a Brutalist building in a lesser-known area, ultimately succeeding in creating a social space centered on engagement and storytelling. Gulati points to the Ace Hotel in Shoreditch as a rewarding project, their first hotel, which demanded success due to its proximity and the desire to create layered, convivial, and informal spaces. The intention was to deeply integrate the hotel into the local creative community, yielding results that exceeded their expectations. Looking ahead, Holley is enthusiastic about their newly established New York studio, viewing it as a natural progression given their existing projects in the city and the strong collaborative spirit they appreciate there. Both designers share inspirations beyond their immediate field. Holley admires the Dutch artist Constant Nieuwenhuys's architectural project, New Babylon, which explored a future city model that put people at the center of their environments, allowing them to design their own spaces and selves. Gulati continues to be inspired by the work of Alvar Aalto. Their dream projects reflect these inspirations; Holley dreams of realizing New Babylon, while Gulati envisions planning and designing a new city or sector as part of a wider team. He believes collaboration and applying human-centered design principles on a larger, city scale are crucial for promoting wellbeing and democratizing knowledge. When asked about dinner companions, Holley chooses novelist J.G. Ballard, expecting conversations on psychology, time, and technological fetishism. Gulati would choose his late father to share updates and stories. They would dine at Odette in Singapore, a Universal Design Studio project, or an Ottolenghi restaurant in London, respectively. If not designers, Holley would run a bakery specializing in one perfected type of bread, while Gulati would create soundtracks for films or spaces, drawing on his electronic music background. #UniversalDesignStudio #HospitalityDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHotels #CreativeProcess #DesignPhilosophy #UserExperience #HotelDesign

America's South is experiencing a significant surge in design-forward hotels, with several design firms expertly blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary design. This trend is producing impressive new hospitality projects that rival the best luxury hotels globally. Morris Adjmi Architects (MA) is at the forefront of this hospitality design boom, particularly in Atlanta and Charleston, where the firm is redefining southern hospitality for a modern context. One notable project is the FORTH Hotel & Social Club in Atlanta's Fourth Ward. Developed and designed in collaboration with Method Co., the hotel features a distinctive diagrid facade and rich, tailored interiors. Morris Adjmi Architects' modern interpretation of early American traditions is evident in the handmade wooden furnishings, layered fabrics, and curated objects that imbue each space with a sense of history. FORTH Atlanta, including its pool area, showcases a harmonious blend of historical inspiration and contemporary execution, aiming to offer an instant sense of belonging. In Charleston, The Pinch, a new luxury boutique hotel, also involves Method Co.'s in-house design studio, Method Studios, in collaboration with Morris Adjmi Architects. This unique development comprises a new three-story structure and three meticulously restored buildings dating back to 1843, located on lower King Street. The design of The Pinch, a luxury hospitality complex, incorporates two distinct facades for the new building: a contextually appropriate limestone facade for King Street and a brick facade for the mews. The property includes a bespoke ground-floor restaurant and a courtyard with an outdoor fireplace. The interior design draws inspiration from English craftsmanship traditions brought to Charleston, featuring timeless yet contemporary elements like velvet sofas, vintage rugs, custom décor, full kitchens, Italian marble farmhouse sinks, and hand-painted terracotta Moroccan floor tiles in the bathrooms. The lobby is designed to feel like a living room, complete with a reclaimed oxblood leather concierge desk, vintage McIntosh stereo, and a curated collection of vinyl, books, and artwork. Traditional details like walnut herringbone floors, classic trim, stonework, and clay plaster walls further reinforce the historical context. Another project by Morris Adjmi Architects is the Asher / ROOST Tampa, a Method Co. endeavor in Tampa's Water Street district. This LEED Gold-certified multifamily building, the largest residential structure in the area, features a grid of factory-style windows as a nod to Tampa’s industrial past, maximizing natural light. It offers a comprehensive package of indoor-outdoor amenities, including a lush rooftop pool. The building houses 501 units, from studios to two-bedroom apartments, along with unique co-living units featuring lockable bedrooms and communal spaces. The interiors balance modern living with timeless materials such as American oak, concrete, terrazzo, walnut, stone, brass, and Venetian plaster, in neutral tones accented by soft greens and living plants. MA also curated FF&E and artwork, including custom commissions, for the common areas. Future projects from Morris Adjmi Architects include the Four Seasons – Charleston and 529 King. The Charleston Hotel & Residences, a five-star hotel with for-sale condominiums, aims to be a modern reinterpretation of Charleston’s historic architecture. It will activate a new public courtyard with retail and gardens. Similarly, 529 King, an extended-stay 'apartment hotel' with amenities, features distinct arched windows and a fiber-reinforced concrete-clad canopy, which earned it architectural merit. This project includes a lush interior courtyard and a penthouse level with a restaurant and rooftop bar, contributing to the architectural renaissance in the American South, led by Morris Adjmi Architects. #HotelDesign #SouthernHospitality #LuxuryHotels #MorrisAdjmiArchitects #MethodCo #CharlestonArchitecture #AtlantaDesign #TampaDevelopments #BoutiqueHotels

This article identifies the best sheets favored by hotel insiders, considering comfort, quality, and durability. The recommendations are based on insights from approximately 25 hospitality professionals, including interior designers and hotel managers, who regularly deal with selecting and maintaining bed linens. Two brands, Frette and Comphy, are highlighted as top contenders for overall best sheets, with Frette being a luxury Italian brand renowned for supplying linens to high-end hotels globally since the 1860s. Many experts praised Frette for its exquisite quality, luxurious feel, and durability even after numerous washes. The article notes that while hotel-specific Frette products are not directly available to consumers, their Hotel Classic Collection offers comparable quality. Garnier-Thiebaut is presented as a strong alternative to Frette, offering 100% percale cotton sheets with a 320-thread-count at a lower cost, maintaining softness and resisting shrinkage. Comphy, an American brand initially developed for spas, is recognized for its ultra-luxurious touch, temperature regulation, quick-drying, and wrinkle-free properties, making it a popular choice among hotel and B&B owners. The article further delves into specific sheet preferences, detailing the best options for linen sheets, eco-conscious sheets, and sateen sheets. Matteo is recommended for linen enthusiasts, known for its lovely fabrics and slow-batch manufacturing in Los Angeles, with experts noting that their bedding improves with each wash. For a more budget-friendly linen option, FlaxLinens Belgian Linen Simple Sheets are suggested for their sustainability, hypoallergenic qualities, and breathable texture. Rivolta Carmignani sheets are highlighted as the best eco-conscious choice, made from high-quality Egyptian cotton and certified STeP by OEKO-TEX, offering a buttery smooth feel. For sateen sheets, Matouk Jackson Flat Sheets are praised for their durability and softness, boasting a 520-thread-count percale, and are a staple in luxury lodges. Kassatex 300-Thread-Count Sateen Sheet Set is offered as a high-end feel at a bargain price, made from 100% combed long-staple cotton, valued for its softness, coolness, and durability. The article provides a comprehensive guide for consumers seeking hotel-quality sheets, categorizing options by material, price point, and specific attributes. #HomeDecor #Bedding #Sheets #HotelQuality #LuxuryLinens #EcoFriendly #SateenSheets #LinenSheets #ProductRecommendations