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Hot Openings: Curio debuts in Europe at Reichshof Hamburg

by Jeff Weinstein

July 20, 2015 - Categories: Hospitality News,

JOI-Design’s extensive renovation of the Reichshof Hamburg’s architectural structure and interiors not only reinstates the grandeur of the city’s beloved but worn landmark, it also launches the European debut of Curio – A Collection by Hilton.

The lobby of The Reichshof is the largest and longest in Hamburg as well as having one of the tallest ceiling heights. In a total reconfiguration, a mezzanine level that had been added decades after the hotel’s initial opening was demolished, thus restoring the intended effect of the building’s original design.
The lobby of The Reichshof is the largest and longest in Hamburg as well as having one of the tallest ceiling heights. In a total reconfiguration, a mezzanine level that had been added decades after the hotel’s initial opening was demolished, thus restoring the intended effect of the building’s original design.

The building’s original Empire and Art Deco aesthetics have been bridged with modern comforts and local cultural references. The hotel first opened in 1910 with a design inspired by the city’s rich maritime history and reputation as a Hanseatic mercantile center. Founder Anton Emil Langer wanted to reveal “the world of travel” to Hamburg residents and fused this notion into the hotel’s original cosmopolitan concept.

Led by head chef Frank Bertram, Slowman has been conceived to immerse diners in a grand culinary experience and prides itself on artisanal specialties of the region prepared from fair trade, sustainably produced ingredients sourced from local suppliers according to rhythms of nature.
Led by head chef Frank Bertram, Slowman has been conceived to immerse diners in a grand culinary experience and prides itself on artisanal specialties of the region prepared from fair trade, sustainably produced ingredients sourced from local suppliers according to rhythms of nature.

A century later, JOI-Design has inverted Langer’s idea for the restoration of this designated historical monument, instead taking guests on a journey through Hamburg’s heritage.

Bar 1910, formerly called M&M Bar, has been sensitively renewed. A low ceiling height, clusters of leather tub chairs and marble cocktail tables, soft illumination from the wall lamps and recessed soffit lights help create the handsome, clubby feel of a private members’ bolthole.
Bar 1910, formerly called M&M Bar, has been sensitively renewed. A low ceiling height, clusters of leather tub chairs and marble cocktail tables, soft illumination from the wall lamps and recessed soffit lights help create the handsome, clubby feel of a private members’ bolthole.

For the revamp of the public areas and guestrooms, the studio was entrusted with a flexible brief guided only by overall budget, essential brand standards and the opportunity to freely translate Curio’s premise into something memorable.

In order to provide a more spacious feel, JOI-Design reduced the room count from 300 to 278 guestrooms, six junior suites and three one-bedroom suites, all refreshed with discreet allusions to the Art Deco era. Flooded with light, the taupe-colored rooms have been designed with comfort in mind.
In order to provide a more spacious feel, JOI-Design reduced the room count from 300 to 278 guestrooms, six junior suites and three one-bedroom suites, all refreshed with discreet allusions to the Art Deco era. Flooded with light, the taupe-colored rooms have been designed with comfort in mind.

The designers aimed to highlight the hotel’s beautifully preserved Art Deco-era details like its impressive marble columns, timber paneling and brass detailing, restoring them as needed in a manner suitable for this listed building. At the same time, they have modernized the infrastructure to international standards by discreetly integrating the latest technologies.

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