Tag: Hotel Architecture
View All TagsHotel Concepts / Hotel Architecture / Glamping / Eco-Hotels / → All Tags
Meet DROP, The Next Generation Mobile Eco-Hotel
With glamping still on trend, we see a lot of attempts to marry hotel-room comforts with Mother Nature, all wrapped up in an environmentally sensitive package. We’re totally on board with this, whether up in an English treehouse or out in the African bush.
So, it’s no surprise then that we’re a little in love with the DROP eco-hotel concept, the brainchild of Barcelona's In-Tenta Creative Design Group. A fully mobile “micro-architecture” project, DROP is specifically designed to be installed with a minimum amount of impact on its environment.
We know, a little brain cramp might be happening now, but we'll explain more.
GEM Hotels / Hotel Openings / Hotel Construction / Atelier and Company / Hotel Architecture / → All Tags
A Sneak Peek at The Facade of The GEM Hotel Union Square
Yesterday, we reported that the GEM Hotel Union Square aka The Jade Hotel would be opening in late 2012. Now today, we've been blessed with some renderings of what the hotel's exterior will look like.
Brooklyn-based Atelier and Company, not Gene Kaufman, is apparently handling the architecture for the facade of the hotel and they've given a "cleaner, richer and more authentic approach" to the hotel's entrance.
You can scroll through renderings here or you can skip over to the company's Facebook page for updated photos (from yesterday) of the construction progress. Wheee!
Given how much we loved our stay way back when at the intimate GEM Hotel in Chelsea, which sports a similar authentic facade, we're getting mighty excited for the GEM Union Square. Or is it the Jade? Hopefully, they'll get a website going up soon so we can settle this once and for all.
Singapore Hotels / Hotel Architecture / Unlisted Collection / → All Tags
Old and New Singapore in One Affordable Spot: The Hotel 1929
On Keong Saik Road, in the end of Singapore's Chinatown district, sits the Hotel 1929.
Despite its name, the hotel hasn't been around since 1929; it's the old shophouse building itself that has the history. Instead, the Hotel 1929 only opened as recently as 2003, part of the Lion City's little blow-up of boutique hotels, and it's actually only a block over from a far more famous, sister boutique property in the Unlisted Collection: The Hotel New Republic.
Although we didn't sleep here (yet), what we love about the 32-room Hotel 1929 are its low rates for such a chic property—from around 150 SGD per night ($118)—and its easy walking distance to both the cultural awesomeness of Chinatown and modern Singapore, as evidenced by the photo above.
Oh yeah, and the lobby and the hotel rooms feature modern designer furniture you're more used to seeing at the Museum of Modern Art than in a place you're only spending so much for. We're such fools for fancy furniture and architecture, let's face it.
[Photo: HotelChatter]
Hotel News / Westin Hotels / Manhattan Hotels / Hotel Renovations / Hotel Design / Ugly Hotels / Hotel Architecture / → All Tags
Whatever They're Planning, It Better Not Be Another Westin Times Square Eyesore
Two weeks ago, we learned that Host Hotels had purchased the New York Helmsley and was planning on re-making it into a Westin. Now, we find out that $65 million is being poured into the building for what they're calling an "extensive re-branding initiative."
Fine. The part that gets us, though, is when they mention that the entire facade of the building is gonna be transformed as well. Ah, real monsters! We desperately hope Westin isn't sketching out a repeat of their purple-and-blue stripey Times Square mess (which we once upon a time dubbed one of the ugliest hotels alive). For a 774-room hotel in midtown Manhattan, we're not sure what kind of "statement" Westin will be going for, but hopefully nothing big. A nice scrub-down and maybe some window replacements should do the trick nicely.
Singapore Hotels / Historical Hotels / Raffles Hotels / Photo Gallery / Hotel Architecture / Raffles Hotel Singapore Series / → All Tags
At the Raffles Hotel Singapore: Inside the Lobby and a Courtyard Suite
Walk right into the multi-story, Victorian era lobby of the Raffles Singapore and you won't get very far. There's a "residents only" velvet rope reminder, though that doesn't halt half the curious travelers who wander in to either hit up brunch in the Tiffin Room or just snap a photo to say, "I was here."
To be honest, we immediately fell into the same awe from the moment we scratched our name into the heavy registration book at reception. To really be at the Raffles—it's an experience from another time, as anyone will say. However, being actual "residents," we just as quickly snapped into eagle-eyed guest mode. Sure, the Raffles is pretty but is it functional too?
Hotel Restaurants / Hotel Bars / Singapore Hotels / Historical Hotels / Raffles Hotels / Photo Gallery / Hotel Architecture / Raffles Hotel Singapore Series / → All Tags
At the Raffles Hotel Singapore: Foie Gras and Long Bar Slings
Raffles Grill
What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think Raffles? Besides luxury and expensive digs, we mean.
The Singapore Sling, right? More specifically, the first thing usually comes to mind at the thought of the Raffles is a fruity, red Singapore Sling from The Raffles Singapore's Long Bar. Of course a visit to the Raffles isn't quite complete without a Sling, no matter how touristy it's become, but there are plenty other dining and drinking options underneath the victorian roof of this historical hotel. Here's a few of our favorites:
Sweet Suites / Singapore Hotels / Historical Hotels / Raffles Hotels / Photo Gallery / Hotel Architecture / Raffles Hotel Singapore Series / → All Tags
At the Raffles Hotel Singapore: Inside a Grand Hotel Suite
Two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a parlour, a private verandah and butler service—it must be a suite. Indeed it is, but the Raffles Singapore is exclusively comprised of suites, and this Grand Hotel Suite is but one of the higher categories.
What distinguishes the Grand Hotel suite from the others below it (Courtyard suite, Palm Court suite, Personality suite) is its location just up the Raffles' grand lobby staircase, in the main hotel building. The others, you see, are located in a neighboring wing, around a private "residents only" courtyard.
Okay, it also boasts far more original art, more antique furniture, the extra bedroom and bathroom, a separate office and living area. Add to that the fact that it costs an extra zero from the lowest category suite ($750 SGD for a courtyard suite versus $7500 SGD/$6000 USD for a grand hotel suite), and we are dealing with serious lodgings here.
Singapore Hotels / Historical Hotels / Raffles Hotels / Photo Gallery / Hotel Architecture / Raffles Hotel Singapore Series / → All Tags
At the Raffles Hotel Singapore: Getting Bearings
If you want to talk about hotels with storied pasts, the Raffles Hotel Singapore simply can't be left out. Today, its 103 suites (yes, all suites) command over $500 per night and those who can't afford to splurge for a stay still find their way to the hotel's famous Long Bar for a Singapore Sling. Raffles is just one of those places you must hit, and it's been that way since the early 1900s.
All this week we'll be taking you inside the Raffles, beyond the keyed "residents only" entrance gates and into the inner sanctum enjoyed by everyone from Ava Gardner and Charlie Chaplin to modern heads of state. And there will be opium beds.
First, to get our bearings, a look at the Victorian architecture that so clearly identifies the place as the Raffles. All of the hotel suites are located in a period wing, complete with original paintings (as a result, no rooms have the same decorations) and even the newer wings—housing the upscale shops—have been constructed to seamlessly blend with the iconic white structure of the original building.
Hyatt Hotels / Abu Dhabi Hotels / Hotel Architecture / Hotel Openings / → All Tags
The Leaning Hyatt of Abu Dhabi Has Finally Opened!
While we once thought that the Leaning Hyatt of Abu Dhabi, or, The Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, would open by the end of 2010, it turns out the hotel needed an extra year to get things tilted just so.
But now the hotel, which is located on the top floors of the purposely 18 degrees leaning Capital Gate Building, is officially open for guests. The hotel has 189 rooms and suites, all featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows with killer views of the Arabian Gulf and the city.
Even crazier than spending the night in a leaning tower is because of the way the building is constructed, guests cannot actually see the ground below them, making them feel as if the hotel room is floating in mid-air. We're guessing the vertigo-challenged might have some issues staying here. However, guests can see the ground below them from the hotel's inner atrium.
Hotel Architecture / Chicago Hotels / Doubletree Hotels / → All Tags
How Do You Wash theWit?
How do you wash theWit? Very carefully...or rather gracefully as if it's a dance, if you're one of the window washers we watched prance across the glass of theWit Hotel in Chicago earlier today. No, they weren't messing around; they were just doing their job, which involves the very cool combination of walking and washing a piece of stunning modern architecture, while rappeling down it at the same time.
No awkward window washer carts here, which is a good thing considering what can sometimes happen if a cart goes rogue in the wind.
One more thing: let this be a reminder to always yield those warnings about window washing happening while you're staying in a hotel. Typically a little note will be placed on your pillow or desk regarding washing times, along with advice to keep your curtains closed. We know these guys probably have some great stories...
Photo Gallery / Virgin Hotels / Chicago Hotels / Hotel Construction / Hotel Architecture / → All Tags
The Virgin Hotel Chicago Building from Every Angle
More than one year ago, Virgin Hotels launched a website. It was real, it was happening, it was the first step toward Virgin Hotels becoming a solid thing. At the time, there was a list of potential US cities for the first location—New York, Miami, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, DC and Boston. Notice what's missing? CHICAGO, the newly announced winning location for first Virgin Hotel in the world.
The site at 203 North Wabash sits on the very northeast border of the Loop; in fact it's catercorner to a bend in the El tracks (here's hoping for good soundproofing) and just one block south of the Chicago River. Enough about the ideal location. Let's look at it:
London Hotels / Renaissance Hotels / Hotel Architecture / Historic Hotels / Hotel Renovations / London Hotel Scene / Hotel Reviews / London Hotel Reviews / → All Tags
London's St. Pancras Renaissance Gets Another Cringe-Worthy Review
File this story under "Ouch": London's much vaunted and hyped St. Pancras Renaissance has received a less than stellar review by The Telegraph, whose reviewer describes rooms in the sprawling property as "bland" and "overpriced," with "lacklustre service" to match.
Among writer Fiona Duncan's main gripes: loud street traffic, curiously absent employees to answer questions, non-functioning internet, and no business centre for guests' use.
The first complaint comes as no surprise to those of us on the ground in London; anyone that's emerged above ground from King's Cross International Station, site of the Eurorail link and a major tube station, can attest to the constant swarm of travelers, buses, and horn honking taxi drivers around the area and the headache-inducing cacophony they produce.
Additionally, the noise complaint was brought up just after opening by The Daily Mail who mentioned that the "room shakes gently" when a train pulls out of the station. The non-functioning internet is new, however, and such a shame as it costs £6 an hour or £15 pounds for 24-hour access. Ugh.
