Hotels are the best place to experience specific design and this is why “Design Hotels” are top totty in the world of luxury. One is temporarily living in the space, so the function becomes as prominent as the look - which feeds into the true the meaning of ‘design’, as both a force for usability and aesthetic. Additionally, in this space, designers are on the world stage – potentially accessing people from all over the globe. And their stay is most often a novelty, so the wow factor may prevail.

There are a few ways in which hotels make it into the Design Hotel arena: being designed by a celebrated architect does of course generate heat, whilst also being cutting edge, one of a kind, and having a narrative, personality, character. We have picked out a few faves.

Tadoa Ando renovated an art museum into a breath-taking boutique hotel in Japan – Setouchi Aonagi. The concept of nature and ‘stripping away the unnecessary’ just hits you when you look at the external shots. Meanwhile the rooms ceiling height are 8 metres, which is enough in itself to get us incredibly excited.

Following that is a more conservative choice. Foster + Partner transformed an iconic and listed government building into The Murray, in 2018. It is characterised by it’s distinctive pattern of the white façade making up a grid of square windows. We love its dialogue between old and new.

No one could say that the Hotel marques De Riscal is not one of a kind, so this sits firmly on many Design Hotel lists since its birth in 2006. Created by the legendary Frank Gehry, the photos speak for themselves…

On a recent trip to Sydney, I sadly did not stay in the SKYE Suites at The Arc by Crown Group, however I did watch ‘Married at First Sight’, a trashy but wonderful programme that is huge over there. And a lot of it is filmed in this incredible hotel. Two glass steel towers stand so proud on the stunning harbour, and the glass and views are so modern and stylish.

Considering an interior focused choice for the list, we choose a favourite designer - Kelly Wearstler’s interior spaces at the masterpiece, Santa Monica Proper. Clashing colour, texture, patterns and vintage furniture - this hotel is swoon central. Unlike so many bourgeois hotels, the eclectic design lends itself to a space to relax.

Lastly lets bring ourselves down to earth to somewhere we have stayed and will stay at again, albeit not strictly a Design Hotel. The Pig on The Beach manages to feel so homely in all its luxury……if your home is beautifully designed and the food is infallible. The signature shabby chic style works so well.

Now off to visit all these ;-)

Design Hotel Dreams

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