Category: Hotels

One of the most exciting cities in the world is undoubtedly Dubai, well-known for its awe-inspiring architecture and world-class facilities and infrastructure.  Another iconic landmark emerged since the end of last year, dominating the city skyline at 355 meters high (1,164 feet) and restating the leading position that this distinctive resort location in the Middle East occupies on global business and entertainment destination map.

It’s about the highly anticipated 5- star magnificent  JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai belonging to Marriott International’s luxury portfolio, which is expected by 2015 to include 79 properties in 28 countries. The first of 59 hotels in the JW Marriott family planned to be built outside North America, the opulent JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, unveiled few months ago, was officially recognised in Guinness Book as the tallest hotel in the world when opened, only 26 metres shorter than the famous Empire State Building in New York, surpassing the Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, becoming already the Dubai’s first world-class convention and business destination hotel.

Located in the heart of Business Bay, close to Dubai International Airport and within couple of minutes from Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, the twin tower sckyscraper complex is owned by Emirates Group and designed by The Arch Group Consultants, each one each with 804 rooms and an enticing array of 14 restaurants, bars, lounges prividing large selection of world-class dining and entertainment options and capacity for large-scale corporate events of up to 1,000 delegates, providing cutting-edge business facilities. The construction of this luxurious 72-storey property started in November 2006 and was scheduled to open in several phases, the first tower to be completed in 2013 and the second one to be opened by late 2014. These elegant twin skyscrapers with amazing postmodern architecture style is designed to appeal to the elite business market, offering unforgettable travel experiences with intuitive service, exceptional meeting facilities, state-of-the art technology, throughtful world-class amenities and modern, exquisite design, celebrating the unique flavor of each destination.

After a day spent exploring the city, sophisticated and self-assured travelers will explore luxury at its best into a refined elegance and warmly authentic relaxed ambiance, while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views across Dubai.  They can relax and rejuvenate with timeless rituals and invigorating treatments at the  4,000 square-meter SARAY Spa, indulge in Indian culinary delights in a contemporary and authentic dining space at Rang Mahal or taste complimentary breakfast, snacks, evening canapés, as well as hot and cold beverages throughout the day in a stunning setting showcasing traditional Arabic heritage. For guests looking for a unique dining experience, their amazing sky-high boutique steakhouse, Prime68, located on the 68th floor, provides a stylish venue where your senses will be delighted with a prime selection of steaks, prepared on a charcoal grill and served with expertly crafted sauces, complimented by a pituresque bird’s eye view of Dubai.

In addition, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel features more than 8,000 square meters of total event space with two exceptional ballrooms and 24 meeting rooms including outdoor terraces, health club, a gymnasium, as well as retail outlets, a 30 meters swimming pool on the 7th floor, and Aqua Poolside Bar and Grill. If you want to know more about this true work of art check out their website.

 Photos © JW Mariott

 

For those looking for new experiences through ecotourism, here we show you an innovative hotel resort that is currently under construction – The Lotus Hotel. Targeting and promoting sustainable architecture in desert, the stunning new Lotus Hotel is one of the recent work of  Beijing-based architecture firm PLaT Architects, which is being built in the heart of Xiangshawan Desert, part of the Gobi Desert, one of the world’s great deserts that covers much of the southern Mongolia.

The site is at 800km west of Beijing and between Ordos and Baotou, facing the Hantai River, a branch of Yellow River, and east to Kubuqi Desert that more than 200km wide, a location where you’d never expect for such a construction. Quite unusual, isn’t it? If until now we were used to remarkable architectural developments aimed to add many kilometers of beaches to the city of Dubai,  it looks like desert is a new destination to plan urban developments. This complex is only one part of  Xiangshawan Desert planning.

Constructed on a 30,000 sqm arid area, the secluded Lotus Hotel looks like a ship floating on the sand, where the architects used the art of repeating the same elements which is the traditional Chinese idea of ‘Zhen’. A series of triangles are created by the rotation of squares in the same angle resulting a beautiful lotus flower- shaped building that showcases a new structural system designed to adapt the desert special geographic conditions. It’s a clever concrete-free construction that is fixed into the fluid sand using only pre-fabricated steel elements for its exterior and eco-friendly local materials for the interior design in order to make the structure stable in the unstable sandy conditions, while offering guests a truly unique experience of desert.

For instance, the surrounding sand was used as material for wall coverings and the lobby’s floor. The unconventional hotel’s structure has a tiered system that provides white shades and under passages to shield visitors from the blazing desert sun. This interesting project aimes to be a sustainable construction with zero impact on the environment that produce its own electricity and get its own water. Take a look at some photos.

Photos © PLaT Architects; source @archdaily.com

How to be environmentally friendly is one of the important concerns nowadays and many people are constantly searching for solutions in this way. We’re curious and excited at the same time to discover interesting and many times really amazing design concepts that come to meet today’s needs in terms of environmental protection. The project that caught our attention today suggests a great eco-friendly solution for your nature trips, that in a not so distant future we would like to think it will be a very popular alternative of today’s hotels.

It is called “DROP Eco-hotel”  and it’s a removable hotel room featuring organic design and eco-friendly services, which can be installed on natural locations and follows you wherever you want. How does it sound? We guess awesome as long as it’s already an award-winning project, which was submitted by IN-TENTA to a microarchitecture design competition organized by URBAN SQUARE + o-cults and Taller de Arquitectura Ricardo Bofill. With a form inspired by nature, “DROP Eco-hotel”  is a quite original and practical solution for the modern nomad who look for protecting the environment, having at the same time the comfort of a home.

Consisting of modular wooden and steel elements, the structure of this portable architecture would integrate perfectly on a variety of terrains,  being elevated to interfere as little as possible with the unspoiled surroundings in order to avoid negative impacts on the environment. Guests have the possibility to come into direct contact with nature through catchy spherical transparent windows resembling bubbles, which provide also natural ventilation and abundant daylighting. Surprinsingly comfortable with its minimalist sustainable interior design, “DROP Eco-hotel” really becomes a luxury cottage suitable for everyone who has an inherent yearning for nature. The project is currently in the engineering phase with the urban furniture and microarchitecture producer, URBAN SQUARE, and will be available in the new URBAN SQUARE‘s catalog of microarchitectures for hotels.

 

 CGI Photography by estudibasic

 

 

In case you are planning to leave for Paris, you’d better check this luxury hotel with astonishing futuristic design, located in the heart of Halles district in Paris, only a few minute walk from historical areas such as the Louvre and Tuileries Gardens, Seine River and Ile de la Cité with the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral. Ideal for your trip to Paris, be it a business trip or just to spend your holidays, Hotel O (“O” comes from Othello, but also from Ora-ïto) is an amazing location, which creates you a new and unique experience through its impeccable service presentation and its fantastic 29 space capsules-looking rooms.

Completed this year, in 2012, the hotel is the first one that famous French designer-architect Ora-Ïto opened in Paris in collaboration with hotel group Elegancia Hotels. Hotel O is such a heaven of peace, where wellness and comfort reigns. The concept is based on designer’s philosophy called “simplexité”, or the art of making something complex look apparently simple. In accordance with the original style of Ora-Ïto, the hotel is an harmonious blend of clean, lines, gentle curves and a relaxing delicate style, which create a smooth transition from outer space to the bustling Parisian day life.

Embedded with atypical structures and futuristic details emphasized by light effects and natural shades, the stunning hotel welcomes its guests in spaces which seem taken from SF movies achieved through many fabrics, colors and wood. A series of small rooms that resemble a ship’s cabin are designed from a contemporary mode and supported by modern technologies, and promise you to protect from outside world and stress of the city.  As a tribute to Stanley Kubrick’s iconic space ship Discovery One in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), each room has its own personality appearing fluid and soft and referring to science-fiction because of he names of the three types of rooms – Galileo, Odissey, and Cocoon.

Called “capsules” from their intimate size from 12m2 to 16 m2, the rooms has been decorated with a specific color: turquoise, fuchsia, orange, red, etc., thus participating in the creation of a graded path that runs throughout the building. The bathroom, fully open, is separated from the bed by a gradient glass. The hotel bar is open daily, being part of a dynamic mixing natural setting and futuristic. Cocktails at the request are original creations on the menu of this place, which aims to become a fashionable place. The card renewed every month will both sip fruit juices and original cocktails. A selection of the finest beverages is on display in an alveolus glass casing on the wall to which you can inspire your choice of on demand cocktail. The perfect chemistry to a cosmopolitan ambiance, where glamour and balance walk side by side to create the most mesmerizing Parisian evening.

Photos © Serge Ramelli

Project details:

Year: 2012
Location: Halles district, Paris
Brand: Hotel O
Category: Commercial
Design studio: Ora-ïto

How would be to wake up in a peaceful and charming room, go out on your private terrace and feel the tropical breeze caressing your skin while your eye is delighted by the breathtaking turquoise water of the Mexican Caribbean? What a tremendous picture! Can you imagine this? If you plan to visit the Mexican Caribbean, then all these come true in Las Ranitas Eco Boutique Hotel. Conscious of the privilege the surroundings offer us, the resort has been designed in the most beautiful part of Tulum, in the Mexican Caribbean’s Riviera Maya, an idyllic setting that really makes you forget everything and enjoy every moment spent in this paradise.

Its 27 comfortable rooms with vibrantly, stylish decor exude a soothing and peaceful atmosphere, aiming to offer you the ideal carefree family vacation, an enchanting honeymoon or an unforgettable weeding. Being an ecologically friendly property, the hotel use renewable energy, both solar and wind powered, so all its rooms come with natural cross ventilation system, luxury amenities, private terraces which allows you to enjoy the magnificent Tulum sunrises and sunsets, and beautiful water views.

Moreover, the Las Ranitas Eco Boutique Hotel promises its guests an exquisite regional and international cuisine that satisfies the most demanding tastes. Imaginable combination of flavours, aromas and spices along with special refreshing cocktails is everything you need for long days of sun and fun, and warm nights. Besides the splendind scenery and breathtaking beaches with soft sands and stunningly turquoise waters, travelers could experience its interesting Mayan culture from the archaeological site of Tulum and two other larchaeological ruins, Coba and Muyil, in the Riviera Maya, both being very close to Las Ranitas.

 

 Photos @lasranitashotel.com

More than 300 skyscrapers around the world competed for „the best skyscraper in the world” – Emporis Skyscraper Award 2010, but the architecture experts from 67 countries who judged gave the 11th prestigious designation to Porta Fira Hotel in Barcelona. Even if its height measures only 113 meters and 26 floors, lower than the other structures which have won the other places on top 10,the outstanding red tower received Emporis Skyscraper Award 2010, the world’s most renowned prize for high-rise architecture, for its impressive aesthetic beauty and very good integration into its urban environment.

Only to mention, the second place winner was Burj Khalifa in Dubai which was admired for its technical achievements and thirdly Tour CMA CGM in Marseille which was recognised as a symbol of modernity.What is so special at this hotel? We think everything from its architectural presence to its high standard servicies and luxury amenities and who could describe them better if not the people who have experienced it already. One thing is sure: its breathtaking exterior design is undoubtedly the one that created this international buzz, which has described by the architects as „the biggest chalenge” from the project.

The surreal  spiraling structure with complex geometry that increases in size as it rises  was conceptualised by Japanese renowned architect Toyo Ito& Associates in collaboration with b720 Fermin Vazquez Arquitectos and constructed by FCC Construcción on the outskirts of Barcelona in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, one of Barcelona’s busiest development areas. The hotel belongs to the Hoteles Santos chain and is part of the city’s urban regeneration project and also of the Barcelona skyline since 2010, becoming already one of the architectural icons of the city as well as a reference point for the business world.

Resembling a lotus flower, this modern building is impossible not to be observed from a distance since it has that striking red colour and such a height. Concrete and aluminum are the materials used to create this unique “double skin” design: the inner layer is made of stainless steel sandwich panels, while the outer layer of skin is made of aluminum tubes coated with a red metallic resin paint. The architect’s abstract interpretation is captivating even more if we think to its sleek, gorgeous and monochromatic interior design that complements the exterior creating an extraordinary visual experience.

Its 320 rooms and suites are spacious, bright and sophisticated and decorated with the finest quality of furniture are always ready to offer comfort in an exquisite way and magnificent views of Barcelona city. The best skyscraper in the world features also nine large, state-of-the-art meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology and a plenary room. The hotel has a meeting capacity of 1,357 and the largest meeting room can accommodate 740 occupants.

 

51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences is the London’s most unique ‘home away from home’ experience-hotel ideal for discerning traveller and perfectly caters for families with children’s amenities as well as five star service throughout. Hiding itself away in London between Buckingham Palace and Westminster Cathedral, 51 Buckingham Gate is an English classic, its design unveiling a quite masterpiece with  concealed charms of one of Britain’s finest hotels. Luxury, refinement and elegance are little words to describe the 86 contemporary suites from one to nine bedrooms available in this hotel, not to mention about the gorgeous first-ever Jaguar- themed suite finished last year, which we absolutely love it.

Having 1,832 square foot, the spacious Jaguar suite makes reference to Jaguar’s timeless style featuring a sleek contemporary design that exudes power, luxury and elegance combined. The specially-commissioned auto-inspired beautiful artwork and displays gives this suite that touch of originality recognized by those who know and love these motoring masterpieces. Overseen by Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum and his in-house design team, the suite includes two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, a study, a dining room, a fully-equipped kitchen, a living room and a guest cloakroom.

Intriguing design suggesting classic as well as contemporary Jaguar models from the 1960’s E-type to the modern C-X75 is evident throughout starting with the materials used such as the finest leather, metal and high gloss ebony veneer on doors, to sleek wood panelling greeting guests on arrival, minimalistic clean-fuel fireplace referencing the shape of the brand’s hallmark rear window in living room and custom-made Jaguar wallpaper in the master bedroom. The bathrooms are splendid with that floor-to-ceiling marble, high-quality furnishings, oversized bathtubs and shower enclosures. Those occupying it take also advantage of a chauffeur driven Jaguar for the entire stay, butler service, Internet and private bar. And all that for $8,500 a night. How does it sound?

Photos source: businessinsider.com, courtesy Buckingham Gate.

 

If you are tired to go on vacation and stay at classic hotels, Italian industrial designer Michele Puzzolante offers a great solution. He has designed the concept of a luxury floating solar resort, a project worth almost 125 mil. dollars. The resort in fact represents a new era of advanced construction techniques, based on industrial design rather than traditional architecture. Ideal for living in marinas connected to front beach hotels, it will be both accommodation, luxury submarine and yacht. Besides the fact that both inside and outside aesthetics is awesome, this innovative hospitality concept promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle and it will be constructed in harmony with its natural surroundings relying on renewal resources.

The floating resort will be covered completely in a photovoltaic skin, which will absorb sunlight energy from the outside and artificial lighting energy from the inside, therefore it will be 100% self-sufficient and non-polluting. Reaching twenty meters in length, the luxurious accomodation is designed for six persons as a modular system, with a series of separate floating units and will have a transparent capsule built like a tourist submarine with a thick glass enclosure that provides a 360 degrees view for those fascinated by watching exotic fishes, dolphins, sharks and any other sea species.

It’s big enough for six armchairs and features a ring of 200 watts spot light to illuminate the underwater life when there’s no sunlight. It consists of two double and two single bedrooms, a large kitchen, dining area, a living room and a pilot room, all designed in an exquisite unmistakable Italian style. Here are photos with this original project and it you want more information, check out also the video.

Photos source: behance.net

 

 Solar Floating Resort