Designer hotels are a dime a dozen these days, so how do you distinguish the authentically designer hotels? It’s easy you simply look for a luxury hotel that has actually been designed by a designer. The trend of designers lending their expertise to hotels is becoming a popular one, and as a customer I’m not complaining. The attention to detail that a designer offers cannot be matched by traditional hoteliers. Below is a list of some of the top designer luxury hotels in the world.
Schlosshotel im Grunewald by Karl Lagerfeld, Berlin
Nobody is more famous or infamous for that matter as a designer than Karl Lagerfeld, the visionary designer transforms any item he puts his mind to. So why would hotels be any different? In March 2012 Lagerfeld was invited to redesign the outside premises of the Hotel Metropole in Monte Carlo. This included the pool, terrace, gardens and the third and newest Joel Robuchon restaurant. Opened in the summer of 2012 the hotel will feature a fresco style installation that will represent Ulysses famous journey, chronicled by Homer. Another stunning example of Lagerfeld’s prowess as a designer is the Schlosshotel im Grunewald, which is an authentic designer hotel, located in Berlin. The hotel has it’s roots in history, having been built in the early 20th century and then redesigned in the 90’s by Lagerfeld. He used his expert eye to combine the grandeur of the turn of the century with uniquely contemporary features. The pinnacle of this hotel has to be the Lagerfeld designed Grunewald suite, which includes a living room, hall, a large bedroom and a romantic bathroom made using French handmade tiles and white marble floors. The entire suite spans 106 sq. – 1141 sq. and contains extravagant furniture reminiscent of the romantic Art Deco era. Located in Berlin The Grunewald suite costs a cool $2,650 a night.
Four Seasons Hotel Milano
Four Seasons Hotel Milano unveiled last month a beautiful new look for its Fashion Suite refurbished in collaboration with interior designer Pierre-Yves. Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. From elegant surroundings of the finest quality, to caring, highly personalized 24-hour service, Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best. The deeply instilled Four Seasons culture is personified in its employees – people who share a single focus and are inspired to offer great service. Founded in 1960, Four Seasons has followed a targeted course of expansion, opening hotels and residences in major city centres and desirable resort destinations around the world. With 92 properties in 38 countries, and more than 60 projects under development, Four Seasons continues to lead the hospitality industry with innovative enhancements, making business travel easier and leisure travel more rewarding. 2014 accolades include 40 properties included on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List and 44 properties included on the Travel + Leisure T+L 500 list. 2013 Accolades include 22 AAA Five Diamond Awards, 31 properties included on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, 17 spas recognized on the Condé Nast Traveler Top Spas list, 32 U.S. The brand is also one of Robb Report’s Luxury’s 25 Most Innovative Brands and the winner of the Best Hotel Group in the Telegraph’s 2013 Travel Awards.
Armani Hotel Milan by Giorgio Armani, Milan
Armani is a brand name synonymous with high fashion under it’s many brands ranging from Emporio Armani to Girogio Armani. Giorgio Armani is one of the best designers to ever come out of the world’s fashion capital, Italy. Starting with Armani Casa, Giorgio Armani started to branch out into the world of Interiors; from there designing hotels was a natural progression. The two luxury designer hotels in the Brand’s portfolio currently are the Armani hotel in Milan and Dubai. The Armani Hotel Milano features 95 hotel rooms including 31 suites ranging from Armani Executive suites to Armani presidential Suites. The Dining experience is an ethereal one with floor to ceiling glass windows giving you a panoramic view of the rooftops of Milan. Located on the top floor the Spa is a 1000sqm of pure tranquility, as it has been designed to relax you as you look out onto the bustling city of Milan. The Armani Hotel in Dubai has 160 rooms including several suites; each room has been designed with Armani’s signature understated elegance. The dining experience at the Armani hotel Dubai has been designed exclusively by Giorgio Armani to reflect his personal taste level. What’s quite fantastic about a stay at this Dubai hotel is the exclusive retail experience you get; explore the world of Armani with three boutiques namely Armani Dolci, Armani Fiori and Armani Galleria. Both the hotels in Milan and Dubai represent Giorgio Armani’s personal style aesthetic. The Armani Ambassador suites at this exclusive Milan hotel will set you back $2,700.
Hotel Okko by Patrick Norguet
Paris designer Patrick Norguet created this minimalistic lobby interior of the hotel Okko in the French city of Nantes. This four – star hotel, located in the heart of the city, lays its day-to – day functions on the principle of unlimited hospitality. Stylish and modern, the rooms in this hotel represent the ideal size and functional interior for the purposes of hospitality and comfort. The architect wanted the interior of the hotel to be simpler and elegant, distant from current trends and fashions, with an emphasis on comfort and intimacy. To create an innovative concept the designer used beautiful chairs by ARTEK, textiles from Kvadrat and Benjamin Hubert lighting objects.
Cheval Blanc Courchevel by LVMH, France
LVMH famous hotel The White 1921, in St.Tropez is all set to reopen it’s doors on 17th May 2013. Named for the year 1921, which was a fantastic year for champagne, the hotel houses 8 enormous rooms. One of the most opulent hotels in LVMH’s portfolio is Cheval Blanc, located in the exclusive ski resort of Courchevel 1850, the hotel is owned by LVMH C.E.O Bernard Arnault.
The tone of the hotel is set as soon as you see the enormous glass stalilion displayed outside. 34 rooms and suites are divided over 5 floors with each featuring either a terrace or a balcony. Each room has a separate dressing room, independent toilet and a large bathroom with bathtub and a separate hammam shower Equipped with luminotherapy. The White, The1947, The Table de Partage and The White Bar all offer ample restaurant and bar options. Guest can choose to relax at the Givenchy Snow Spa or choose another form of therapy with the Christian Dior and Louis Vuitton boutiques. Located in Corchevel, France, rates are available on request.
Luxury Hotel Infante De Sagres by Boca do Lobo, Portugal
Situated in Porto’s UNESCO Heritage city centre this five-star hotel features a spa centre with massage facilities and a fine dining restaurant. The soundproofed rooms of the Hotel Infante De Sagres combine neo-baroque and custom-made furnishings. The Well-appointed rooms and suites at Infante de Sagres offer the perfect urban retreat in Porto, combining original antiques, a superb collection of modern works of art and custom-designed furniture. Throughout the hotel, a classic Europeans sensibility mixes with the best contemporary design – a harmonious blend that results in a comfortable, luxurious and unforgettable stay. No surprise why Boca do Lobo took their chance to leave one more “signature” in this luxury design hotel – design “Boca do Lobo suite” – a unigue concept suite where hotel visitors will be able for feel and touch the spirit of Boca do Lodo design pieces. Despite that this projects is still under the development Design Contract gives you opportunity to take a glance to this amazing project visualizations and present you some furniture pieces and hand made vintage lamps ob Boca do Lobo partner Delightfull that the final visitors will be able to find there.
Design Contract will continue to share with you fantastic ideas for your office design, interior design, corporate interior design (see article “10 Best hospitality design projects: Restaurant & Bar Design Award Winners” here), commercial interior design, luxury hotel design (see article “Luxury Hotel Design- International Hotel Awards Winner Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow” here), top design events (see article “North America’s Premier Show- Architectural Digest Home Design Show 2014. Best exhibitors”) and best design projects (see article “The 2014 Architectural Digest 100 top talents in architecture and interior design” here). Don’t forget to subscribe this blog and to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Pinterest.