Book List : Hotel Design

Written in 1998, Hotel Design by Otto Riewoldt includes case studies of designer & art hotels, new business hotels, resort & theme hotels, and new grand hotels. At the end of the book is a directory of architects and interior designers with biographies or firm profiles. Here is a preview of some of the properties and commentaries available in the book. 

 

 

'Early History of the Hotel'

From America's Grand Resort Hotels by Jeffrey Limerick, Nancy Ferguson and Richard Oliver is the 'Early History of the Hotel'. The book was published in 1979 and is a record of historically grand hotels around the world.

Book List : Hotel Spaces

This book focuses on each part of a hotel, including facades, pools & terraces, lobbies & lounges, bars & restaurants, suites & bedrooms. Each section talks about the function of that piece of the hotel and provides photos of successful examples of each. In reading the section on facades, I find that the author talks about each part as it relates to whole... a Gestalt paradigm. the facade serves as the first impression of the hotel. it is the designer's goal to ensure that the facade sets the tone for the guest's experience. It must be unique and break the mold. The problem is that there is a preconception of what modern design looks like. Successful designs use tradition, technology, or vernacular forms to challenge these notions. The rest of the book breaks down each part of the hotel in a similar way.

Book List : New Hotel Design

'New Hotel Design' by Otto Riewoldt was written in 2001. I chose to review this book to compare what was 'new and innovative' in hotel design ten years ago versus now. As I read through some preview pages, I picked out a few key points. 

-"Price and brand glamour still matter, but don't necessarily eclipse connoisseurship."

-The latest developments in design reflect four themes : ascetic modernism, nostalgic opulence, extravagant fantasy, and exotic exclusivity.

-Three common trends in design strategy : 1. "self-referential interiors of designer hotels have been softened and skillfully reinterpreted with an emphasis on comfort." 2. "designer and business hotels make a significant contribution to urban regeneration." 3. hotel design embraces opportunities offered by ethno-cultural diversity, incorporating local styles and cultural traditions into luxury hotel design.

-intensive (small, expensive hotels with very high quality services and facilities) versus extensive (larger and more lavish self-contained leisure venues)

-Hotels must fulfill two functions : function effectively as a workplace, and provide a range of relaxation opportunities.

-"Leisure is becoming synonymous with entertainment, and entertainment value is the key to consumer behavior." 

Thinking about the hotel industry now, I feel that all of these points still ring true. Hotel design is about creating a unique experience for the users while meeting the same needs as their homes and workplaces. People still champion comfort and convenience over anything else when it comes to hotel experience. Hotels then and now strive to fulfill those desires.

Book List : Contemporary Hotel Design

Here is a book I ran across about hotel design. Its called 'Contemporary Hotel Design' by Joachim Fischer. Here is a brief description an sneak peek of what awaits you between the covers... 

More than just another hotel picture book, this title introduces many striking and unusual new establishments of recent vintage. From small and rustic country inns to trendy metallic city hotels and fashionable luxury resorts, the modern and sleek lodgings within will appeal to all who wish to keep up with the latest in hospitality chic.

Richly illustrated with an innovative and individual design, the book also carries full address and contact details of its chosen scratch cribs, and hence serves as an up-to-date, round-the-world hotel guide.

Book List

Here are some books about hotel and resort design that are worth taking a look at: 

Resort Design : Planning, Architecture, and Interiors by Margaret Huffadine

[This book breaks the resort down into components and discusses multiple aspects of each. The result is a well-rounded introduction into all the elements necessary for a successful resort, from guest rooms to back of the house. Contents : an introduction to resorts, brief evolution of resorts, environment and planning, architecture and interior design, operations, health and sport, residential properties, timeshares, and clubhouses]

Hotel Design, planning, and development by Walter A. Rutes, Richard H. Penner, and Lawrence Adams

[This book discusses hotel types and subcategories for each, including trends, planning and design considerations, and examples.]