In the world of luxury hospitality, the interior design of a hotel is just as important as its location and services. The best hotels combine breathtaking architecture with thoughtful, innovative design to create spaces that inspire, relax, and immerse guests in beauty. From contemporary chic to classic opulence, here are some of the most stunning and innovative designer hotel interiors around the world, showcasing how design elevates the guest experience.
1. The London Edition – London, UK
a. Modern Meets Classic Elegance
The London Edition is a masterclass in combining traditional and modern elements, creating a chic, refined atmosphere. Designed by famed hotelier Ian Schrager in collaboration with the architects at Yabu Pushelberg, the interiors blend contemporary furnishings with Edwardian architecture, giving the hotel a unique and stylish appeal.
- Key Features: The lobby’s high ceilings, grand chandeliers, and ornate detailing evoke old-world grandeur, while sleek, minimalist furniture and art pieces add a modern twist.
- Why It’s Special: The seamless fusion of historical details and modern design creates a luxurious yet comfortable ambiance, with spaces like the sophisticated Punch Room bar, which features rich leather seating and cozy wood paneling.
2. Faena Hotel – Miami Beach, USA
a. Art Deco Glamour with a Contemporary Flair
The Faena Hotel Miami Beach is an explosion of color, luxury, and opulence, designed by film director Baz Luhrmann and costume designer Catherine Martin. The hotel’s bold design embraces Miami’s Art Deco heritage while incorporating theatrical elements that make every space feel like a stage set.
- Key Features: Striking red, gold, and turquoise hues dominate the interiors, with custom-designed furniture, ornate tile work, and lush velvet textures contributing to the sense of grandeur.
- Why It’s Special: The hotel’s famous gilded mammoth skeleton sculpture by Damien Hirst in the lobby sets the tone for a stay filled with bold, creative design choices, perfectly merging art and luxury.
3. Aman Tokyo – Tokyo, Japan
a. Zen Minimalism with Contemporary Luxury
Aman Tokyo’s design is a beautiful homage to traditional Japanese aesthetics combined with sleek, modern elements. The hotel’s interiors, designed by Kerry Hill Architects, are characterized by minimalist elegance, using natural materials like wood, stone, and paper to create serene, spacious environments that reflect Japanese design principles.
- Key Features: The lobby features a towering atrium with clean lines, large glass windows, and a majestic washi paper installation, providing a calm oasis in the heart of Tokyo.
- Why It’s Special: The balance of light, space, and natural materials makes the Aman Tokyo feel like a sanctuary. Rooms feature sliding shoji screens, deep soaking tubs, and panoramic city views, offering a perfect blend of tradition and modern luxury.
4. The Nomad – Los Angeles, USA
a. Playful Opulence with a Dash of Whimsy
Designed by Jacques Garcia, The Nomad Los Angeles showcases opulent interiors that are both playful and luxurious. Housed in a historic building, the hotel’s interiors blend rich colors, plush textiles, and artful details to create a space that feels both welcoming and indulgent.
- Key Features: Dark wood paneling, bold floral patterns, deep jewel tones, and eclectic artwork give the hotel a richly layered and eclectic aesthetic.
- Why It’s Special: The Nomad’s rooftop pool, lined with Moroccan tiles and surrounded by lush greenery, offers one of the most stylish outdoor spaces in Los Angeles. Inside, the rooms are equally lush, with moody lighting and vintage-style furnishings.
5. The Upper House – Hong Kong
a. Subtle Sophistication with a Sense of Serenity
Designed by architect Andre Fu, The Upper House in Hong Kong is a study in understated luxury. The hotel’s interiors are minimal yet warm, using a neutral color palette and clean lines to create a peaceful, almost residential feel in the bustling city.
- Key Features: The use of natural materials like limestone, wood, and glass, along with subtle lighting and elegant simplicity, creates a calm and sophisticated atmosphere throughout the hotel.
- Why It’s Special: The Sky Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, offers breathtaking views of the Hong Kong skyline and harbor, while the rooms provide a quiet retreat with warm, contemporary design and luxury amenities.
6. The Hoxton – Paris, France
a. Eclectic, Vintage Charm
Housed in a historic 18th-century townhouse, The Hoxton Paris features interiors that blend Parisian chic with vintage-inspired design. The hotel’s eclectic mix of furniture, textures, and colors creates a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere, reflecting the stylish yet laid-back spirit of Paris.
- Key Features: The lobby, filled with cozy velvet sofas, brass accents, and lush greenery, feels more like a stylish living room than a traditional hotel lobby. The rooms mix old and new with classic moldings, mid-century furniture, and pops of bright color.
- Why It’s Special: The design seamlessly merges the building’s historical charm with contemporary Parisian style, making it a favorite among design-savvy travelers.
7. Six Senses Zighy Bay – Oman
a. Rustic Luxury with Natural Elements
Six Senses Zighy Bay is a luxurious eco-resort nestled between the mountains and the sea in Oman, offering rustic yet sophisticated interiors that blend with the surrounding natural beauty. Designed to reflect traditional Omani village style, the interiors feature natural stone, wood, and earthy tones, creating a tranquil, grounded atmosphere.
- Key Features: The villas are built from local stone and feature private pools, outdoor showers, and luxurious yet simple furnishings that emphasize comfort and connection to nature.
- Why It’s Special: The minimalist yet luxurious interiors allow guests to focus on the stunning natural surroundings, whether relaxing by the pool or enjoying a treatment at the resort’s spa, which blends seamlessly into the desert landscape.
8. TWA Hotel – New York, USA
a. Mid-Century Modern Meets Aviation History
The TWA Hotel, located in the iconic TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport, is a retro-chic homage to mid-century modern design and the golden age of air travel. The interiors, designed by Lubrano Ciavarra Architects, are filled with vintage details and sleek, futuristic elements that evoke the glamor of the 1960s.
- Key Features: The hotel’s rooms and public spaces feature Saarinen-style furniture, bold geometric patterns, and playful aviation-themed decor. The retro vibe is completed with restored TWA memorabilia and an iconic Lockheed Constellation airplane converted into a cocktail bar.
- Why It’s Special: The hotel’s nostalgic design transports guests back to the heyday of air travel, with a perfect blend of mid-century modern style and modern luxury.
9. QT Sydney – Sydney, Australia
a. Bold and Quirky Design with Glamorous Touches
QT Sydney offers an eclectic mix of bold colors, dramatic lighting, and quirky decor elements that make the hotel feel like an art gallery. The design, by Nic Graham & Associates, plays with contrasts—pairing glamorous old-world accents with modern, edgy design.
- Key Features: The interiors include bold art installations, colorful furnishings, and opulent textures like velvet and leather, creating an immersive visual experience. The bathrooms are sleek and modern, with luxury finishes and artistic lighting.
- Why It’s Special: The hotel’s playful and artistic design creates an atmosphere that’s both fun and luxurious, making it a favorite among creatives and design enthusiasts.
10. Fogo Island Inn – Newfoundland, Canada
a. Contemporary Design in a Remote Natural Setting
Fogo Island Inn, located on the rugged coast of Newfoundland, is a striking example of how modern design can complement nature. Designed by architect Todd Saunders, the inn’s clean lines and contemporary interiors contrast with the wild beauty of its surroundings, offering guests an immersive and luxurious experience.
- Key Features: The hotel features modern, Scandinavian-inspired furnishings, with local craftsmanship woven throughout. Large windows provide uninterrupted views of the North Atlantic, allowing the dramatic landscape to take center stage.
- Why It’s Special: The inn’s minimalist design and emphasis on natural materials create a harmonious balance between luxury and the rugged, remote environment, offering guests a truly unique experience.
Conclusion
These designer hotels demonstrate how innovative interior design can transform a space, offering not just accommodation but a deeply immersive experience. Whether it’s the zen minimalism of Aman Tokyo, the opulent glamour of Faena Miami, or the rustic luxury of Six Senses Zighy Bay, these hotels showcase the power of thoughtful, creative design in elevating the guest experience. Each offers a unique style, reflecting the culture, history, and natural beauty of its location while providing luxurious comfort and a feast for the eyes.