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.]

Firm Profile : Cooper Carry

Name : Cooper Carry
Founded : in 1960 by Jerry Cooper, FAIA, LEED AP. 
Locations : Atlanta, New York, Newport Beach, Washington
Disciplines : architecture, landscape architecture, graphics, planning, interiors, sustainable
Philosophy : "We believe that a high quality of design can create a high quality of life.We foster a work environment where professionals can challenge themselves creatively. We are a steward of the environment both natural and man-made. We balance creative passion and client service. We know that excellence in design emerges from the people and culture of a particular place."
Sample of Work :

Woodloch Resort & Spa. Hawley, PA

 

 

 

 

South Seas Resort. Captiva Island

 

 

Firm Profile : Cheryl Rowley Design

Name : Cheryl Rowley Design
Principal : Cheryl Rowley
Founded : 1986
Contact : info@cherylrowleydesign.com 
Philosophy : "Cheryl took hotel design in a whole new direction, focusing on the emotional aspects of the guest experience, and developing the notion of an authentic sense of place. Combining disparate elements of architecture and decor, her individually crafted environments offered color, drama and wit, providing experiential excitement and residential comfort, and creating lasting memories in the hearts of guests."
Sample of Work : 

Epic Hotel and Residences. Miami

 

 

 

  

 The Wit Hotel. Chicago

 

 

 

Top Firms...

Lodging Hospitality is a resource for hotel operators and developers. Earlier this month, they posted a new list of top hospitality design and architectural firms. You can find the full list here: lhonline.com

Travel + Leisure Magazine

Each year, Travel + Leisure magazine compiles a list of the top 500 hotels around the globe based on voting by the readers. The entire list can be found here: Top 500 Hotels.