NATIONAL REPORT—Historic architecture, a beloved locale or a picturesque vista can inspire a design. Here’s a look at several U.S. hotels that have received a whole new look with a particular inspiration at the core of the design.
Hotel Teatro
Hotel Teatro in Denver has completed a $2.5-million renovation of its 110 guestrooms.
The accommodations now offer custom-stained white oak cabinetry; a gray fleece wall treatment; 50-in. flat-screen televisions; new furniture, including a custom chaise lounge, lounge chair, nightstands and coffee table; design-forward softgoods; new lighting; creative touches such as terrariums and contemporary artwork; and more. The hotel’s historic, 1,400-sq.-ft. Chancellor’s Suite received similar updates, in addition to new sofas and a custom conference table. The updated furnishings complement historic details within the suite, such as wood-paneled walls and a limestone fireplace.
Designed by interior design and architecture firm Parker-Torres Design Inc., and influenced by the city and its Rocky Mountain backdrop, the revamped rooms blend tailored elements with natural materials to achieve an updated residential aesthetic.
Hotel Spero
San Francisco’s Hotel Spero, has completed a top-to-bottom renovation that honors the hotel’s original 1923 Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. Formerly known as the Serrano Hotel, the 236-room hotel, including the five meeting rooms and restaurant Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen, remained fully operational throughout the $16-million renovation and will be unveiled in April.
Serrano Hotel and the soon-to-be Hotel Spero are operated by Access Hotel and Resorts. The renovations, led by architecture and design firm Perkins + Will, combine historical aspects of the original hotel with design elements true to the spirit and heart of San Francisco. The Spanish Colonial style of the hotel has been infused with the influence of present-day San Francisco. It features a nature-inspired color palette mixed with rich colors of Spanish revivalism.
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta
The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta has begun a renovation of all of its guestrooms.
The classic interiors will be reimagined through the contemporary lens of interior designer Jenny Holt from Remington. The vision pays homage to the evolution of Atlanta, drawing upon elements in nature found within the metropolitan City of Trees. Colors selected for the corridor wallcoverings, decor and room accents are inspired by an afternoon in Piedmont Park. Artwork mirroring the au natural elements including five original pieces commissioned from local artist, Erin Palovick, adorn the walls.
All 444 rooms, suites and Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge will have new bathrooms in hues of blue and lavender along with inlaid, lit mirrors. King guestroom bathrooms will be upgraded with a marble walk-in shower and floating vanity all set behind a rolling barn door.
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center has begun a multimillion-dollar renovation of its lobby, meeting and all public space, which is slated to be unveiled this summer.
The 25-story, 400-room property with 15 suites, will have its lobby transformed adding the Great Room bar and grab-and-go options at the Market Pantry. The lobby transformation also includes a dedicated space for Marriott Rewards members, the M-Club Lounge.
II Venetian, a collaboration by local restaurateur Malisse Sinito and Venetian born executive chef, Alberto Leandri, will offer modern Italian cuisine.
Vedas Spa, a 20,000-sq.-ft., fully integrated fitness, wellness and spa center, located on the third floor, will also open in the summer. The hotel’s reinvention also extends to its lobby and 16 event rooms, with more than 17,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bentonville
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bentonville, AR recently completed a $2.4-million renovation.
The renovation of the four-story 84-room property included upgrading all guestrooms to IHG Formula Blue standards that puts sleep quality, simplicity, and ease of maintenance at the center of its concept. The guestrooms received a complete refresh including casegoods, softgoods, seating, lighting, new 42-in. TVs and window treatments. The bathrooms were refreshed with steel tubs and decorative panel systems. The public areas were enhanced with carpet, vinyl and lighting. The Litt Group oversaw the renovation process. The hotel is owned and operated Waramaug LS Hotels and Woodmont Lodging.
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Alexandria – Old Town
The 178-room Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Alexandria – Old Town hotel in Virginia recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of the guestrooms and public spaces.
The renovation introduces an updated, modern design aesthetic to the hotel while paying homage to the classic architecture and small town atmosphere of surrounding Old Town Alexandria. Corridors received new carpeting, wall treatments and lighting complementing the same enhancements in the guestrooms.
In addition to all new furniture, carpeting and lighting, the lobby now features an expanded business center, with internet access and printing, and a market adjacent to the front desk for snacks, beverages, souvenirs and sundry items. The restaurant and bar, serving American cuisine and regional favorites, have been opened up to connect to the lobby creating a larger space.
SpringHill Suites New Orleans Downtown/Convention Center
SpringHill Suites New Orleans Downtown/Convention Center recently completed a $6-million renovation project.
New furnishings, paint, carpet and equipment have been added to the lobby and guestrooms to the meeting space and the fitness center. Distinctive architecture and warm colors are evident in the lobby with wood-beam ceilings and exposed brick walls.
A completely reimagined breakfast area in the lobby has muted gray and brown tones with several wall-mounted flat-panel TVs.