Hotel Lobby Design: Lobbying For Looks
Striking hotel lobbies set the tone and create buzz for hotels.
By Derek Gale, Senior Editor -- Hotels, 6/30/2009 11:00:00 PM
What makes a great hotel lobby? The overall atmosphere created by the size of the space, its layout, the lighting, the furniture, the use of materials and the use of color and texture. These elements must work together in harmony for a lobby to stand out from a design perspective. Be it grand or intimate, minimalist or comfortable, a well-designed lobby gets noticed by guests and lends itself to positive word-of-mouth marketing for the hotel.
There's no single recipe for an eye-catching lobby, but dramatic lighting (think floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, chandeliers, pendants or oversized floor lamps) and other works of art—whether functional, like furniture, or simply visual—tend to be key elements.
What follows is a collection of beautiful and interesting lobbies from around the world, many in newly opened properties, and at least one that was transformed as part of a renovation.
Radisson Blu Sandton, Johannesburg
Maria Vafiadis of London-based MKV Design set out to bring Europe to Africa in designing the Radisson Blu Sandton with clean lines and a modern European feel. Within the fifth-floor lobby, Vafiadis takes a playful approach, appealing to a "younger generation of well-traveled business people who expect new experiences and visual stimuli in their hotels, but without the loss of familiar contemporary references and comforts." Exaggerated and vivid furniture in primary colors and a variety of occasional tables catch the eye.
One & Only Resort Cape Town
One & Only Resort Cape Town's elegant and contemporary lobby design, by Adam D. Tihany, reveals subtle hints of Africa throughout. Minimal, clean architecture is complemented by calming tones, and expansive windows overlooking the landmark Table Mountain create an entirely Cape Town impression. Over-scale floor lamps balance the high ceilings and a custom chandelier with molded crystals floats above the center bar. African-inspired metal balustrades separate the lounge from the back-lit, oak-topped bar a few steps below, and inlaid rugs provide pops of color.
Park Hyatt Maçka Palace Istanbul
The lobby of the Park Hyatt Maçka Palace Istanbul—designed by Randy Gerner of New York-based GKV Architects—is a shining example of minimalist, modern design working in conjunction with the historical elements of a hotel. Stylish, dramatic skylights channel natural light into the lobby, highlighting the use of classic, regionally acquired limestone on the floor. And an oversized mosaic stone wall, which sits outside the elevator banks, is a modern interpretation of a classic Turkish Iznik tile.
InterContinental Bangkok
A THB890 million (US$25.9 million) refurbishment program at InterContinental Bangkok (below) has transformed the hotel, starting with the lobby, where clean lines and subtle textures are carried throughout, anchored by a contemporary crystal chandelier, pleated sculptural columns and rich wall features inspired by traditional Thai motifs. Designed by Bangkok-based P49 Deesign, the new lobby also features an adjoining glass-enclosed concierge lounge.
JW Marriott Shenzen
Santa Monica, California-based Hirsch Bedner Associates eschewed the more traditional chandelier lighting in favor of 18 gigantic floor lanterns that shoot upward for two levels toward the ceiling to light the JW Marriott Shenzen's lobby (above) and create intimate spaces within a larger space. The effect is profound, as a reflection pond mirrors the scene, creating an expanded sense of dimension. As if this design element were not enough, silver-leaf metal screens wrap the entire two-level, atrium-style lobby, and a ripple impressionistic glass wall with concealed shimmering fiber-optic lights serves as a background to guest check-in.
Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Huanghe
Guests entering Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Huanghe's lobby should immediately feel the influence of the outside surroundings through Hong Kong-based Cheng Chung Design's use of natural materials. A contemporary fireplace, modern seating, pendant lighting, interesting sculptures and other objets d'art come together to give a clear sense of place in harmony with the hotel's locale.
Direct comments to: derek.gale@reedbusiness.com
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