STAMFORD, CT—Starwood Hotels & Resorts unveiled the new design schemes for the next generation of Westin guestrooms and the brand refresh of Le Méridien during a press preview at the global chain’s headquarters located here.
Le Méridien’s design team devised a color palette and scheme inspired by the brand’s French heritage. Starwood Hotels & Resorts acquired Le Méridien from Air France eight years ago. The updated guestrooms will offer a residential feel. “We created a design principle, but we will leave each hotel open to creativity for a unique feel,” said Julie Frank, global director of design, Le Méridien.
Westin’s focus on design continues to promote and reinforce wellness. The brand is applying its design-driven approach to the brand’s new “generation IV” guestrooms, which is making its debut in select properties around the world in 2014. The brand’s new guestroom designs, from furniture to textiles, were custom-created by Starwood’s in-house design team led by Erin Hoover, VP of design, Westin.
Inspired by the natural elements and biophilic principles, the new design brings to life the brand’s philosophy of preserving wellness on the road in three dimensions and evokes a sense of balance. Additionally, Westin focused on mass customization, developing its own portfolio of fractal patterns and textures reflective of the colorful beauty in nature, which properties can select from to further enhance the nature within the space and connect design to wellness.