Hotel Design: Dream Downtown Hotel

© Bruce Damonte

The Dream Downtown Hotel is located in the Meatpacking District, NYC. I love the hotel's futuristic inspired look. It looks like such an upbeat and exciting place to stay in the big apple! (ABOVE) I love the mix of wood and stainless steel. It's chic, and the wood brings a great level of softness to the facade. (BELOW 1) The hotel's circular theme design is absolutely amazing. I love how it's not only the steel facade that carries the circular design, but also the doors, windows, etc,. (BELOW 2) Once you enter the wood front doors of the hotel, you are engulfed in deep wood tones and circular shapes. The front desk is my favorite design element in the lobby. I love it's shape and originality. (BELOW 3) In the lounge the dark woods, and circular theme continues. In this space, I am a huge fan of the walls of windows. What a great place to soak in the village. (BELOW 4) The outdoor pool deck is a great place to soak in the hotel's stunning architecture. What do you think of the Dream Downtown Hotel? 

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If I had the opportunity to design the hotel's suites, I would continue the circular theme and bring in a few contrasting shapes and colors. The mid-century Art Deco rug is from Nazmiyal. I love the pops of color. It has a futuristic vibe, and would look perfect in a city-style hotel. The Vistosi chandelier is from Orange. The circular shape lights are very much in line with the hotel's theme. The hand painted plate is from Astor Place. The design would look perfect for a painting, pillows, etc,. What are your thoughts? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Hotel Design: The Haymarket Hotel

http://www.easytobook.com

I haven't published a "Hotel Design" post for quite some time now, so I figured that London Fashion Week would be the perfect time! The beautiful Haymarket Hotel located in the heart of London's Theater district has the perfect mix of English and international style. In addition, the hotel is close to restaurants and bars as well as national landmarks such as Trafalgar square and the National Gallery. (ABOVE) I love the mix of elegance and simplicity of the hotel's design. The building feels like a classic English hotel.

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(1) The lobby welcomes you in, in this fantastic bright yellow. I love the simplicity of the furnishings. The room does not feel cluttered or overly designed, yet it still feels warm and cozy. 

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(2) The main restaurant is designed to be funky and cool. Bright colors, patterns and shapes fill the space. 

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(3) I like how the guests suites are done in different patterns. The space works well together, but is not matchy-matchy. I love the purple. It's soft and adds a touch of femininity. The armchair looks like a great spot to relax and read a book.

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(4) The indoor pool is one of the many highlights at the hotel. The pool is the ideal place to swim laps or to enjoy some drinks with friends at the adjacent bar. I love the colored light installations. What do you think of the hotel? Have you stayed here before?

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Hotel Design: The W Retreat & Spa Vieques

http://www.wvieques.com/

The trendy and very glamorous bar and lobby of The W Retreat & Spa on Vieques Island, Puerto Rico, is full of colorful passion. With wide open spaces and intimate seating areas, this space is at one grand, but cozy. The gray floors, allow the sofa and arm chairs to unleash their bright and colorful fury. The cluster of ceiling fixtures towards the center of the space creates interest as they add an element of surprise to the space. The pillows bring texture to the sofa. The sofa is quite interesting as each individual seat can be separated and unused individually. The blue vase and red drum extend splashes of color to another side of the bar. 

http://www.wvieques.com/

Create This Look In Your Home: 

Whether you buy these items or ones at a cheaper cost, the key to recreating the look of this hotel in your home is to bring in much texture and color. Texture can be brought in through rugs, pillows or throws. Color can be brought in through vases, paint or furniture. The 21st century Italian red metal chair, with a cement base, is from Modern Artifacts. I choose this chair as it resembles those featured in the hotel. The vintage 1930s and 40s French and Belgium vases are from Jon Howell Antiques and Design. They too resemble the vases featured in the hotel. The 1960s Murano glass Italian pendant is from Pegaso Gallery Design. This pendant picks up the hints of color found in the arm chairs, sofa, and pillows. The pendant also picks up the gray stone floors and bar top. The vintage Wool 20th century Moroccan rug is from Nazmiyal. The rug brings in the textures found in the pillows as well as the various color found throughout the hotel. You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do. 

Hotel Design: Pantone Hotel

http://www.pantonehotel.com

Walking into the Pantone Hotel is like stepping into a color wheel. Located in Belgium, the hotel is in the heart of Brussels. If you're someone who fancy's bright colors and modern interiors than book yourself a stay. (ABOVE) The exterior of the hotel is white stone. Several windows and balcony rails are tinted with a bold Pantone color. This gives the hotel some break from its stark white exterior. I think it would be way cooler if they painted the hotel a deep blue! (BELOW 1) The lobby of the hotel is painted white so that the bright Pantone colors stand out. I love the color blocked sofa! I definitely need a Pantone bike. (BELOW 2) The hallway's are painted a deep orange. Definitely a big contrast from the white exterior and lobby. I love how the orange strengthens from a lighter to deeper color at the bottom of the wall. I would have done an unusual onyx and marble floor pattern instead of the brown carpet! (BELOW 3) Each suit is painted with one dominate color. For example, this suite is painted with green as the dominate color. What do you think of the Pantone Hotel? Have you stayed here? 

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Hotel Design: Cocoa Island

http://www.travelphant.com/2011/04/cocoa-island-resort.html

The Cocoa Island Resort is located in the Maldives. When I first came across this resort I was amazed by its design. It looks like such a fascinating and relaxing place to stay. The ability to simply walk right into the sea, and be hundreds of feet from shore is amazing. (ABOVE) The suites are connected to a center island and each other by simple wooden walkways. The center island houses a spa, pools, and many other amenities. I would love to go snorkeling around the resort to see all the coral. (BELOW 1) Each suite is housed in a boat on the sea. I love the natural roof, and blue moldings. I can just picture myself sitting on the front deck and relaxing in a wooden armchair. (BELOW 2) The suites have a very clean and light design. Wood is one of the key materials used in each suite. I love how the dark wood looks against the white drapery and furniture. To add some spice to each suite, pops of color are brought in through the pillows and rugs. The low seating is very relaxing and adds for an intimate conversation. (BELOW 3) If you book the larger two-bedroom suite, you will  have the luxury of a large outdoor terrace that hovers over the sea. It's attached to the main suite by a simple wooden walkway. The two-bedroom suite also comes with a 24 hour butler, so you can sip a Pina Colada and not move for anything!

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Despite each suite being beautifully designed, there are a few pieces that I need to accompany me on my trip. The vintage 20th century rug is from Nazmiyal. I love the colors of the rug, they remind me of the sunset. I am guessing that the Maldives have gorgeous ones. The 1960s pendant chandelier is from Good Design. I love its clear design with subtle touches of blue. It would make a beautiful statement in the entry. The deep blue glass vases are from Culture Object. They would make the perfect statement on a coffee table  or dining table. What are your thoughts? You can add as little or as much to your space as you want. Don't follow rules, just do.

Hotel Design: Viceroy Anguilla

http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla

The Viceroy Anguilla is located in West End, Anguilla. The property features fantastic living spaces as well as beautifully manicured grounds and great places to eat, designed by Kelly Wearstler. (ABOVE) The architecture of the hotel is quite modern. It's clean and smooth like that of the sand. With just a few short steps from the water, it's the ideal location for the beach bum! (BELOW 1) The hotel features breezeways that one passes through to get to their suite. The tiling is modern, and gorgeous! I love the armchairs, they have that beach feel, but are very chic. (BELOW 2) The infinite pool is a phenomenal place to kick back and relax. It's definitely a great place to swim laps or sip a drink and look at the views! (BELOW 3) One can relax on a lounge chair or one can have a seat at one of the seating areas and read a great book. The seating areas or wonderfully designed. (BELOW 4) Half Shell Bar is a great place to enjoy a drink or a quick meal. With fantastic views of the sea and cliffs, it's a must visit while at the hotel. (BELOW 5) The Ocean Villa's are detached large size homes. The Ocean Villa's are three and four bedrooms. The Living Room of the villa is bright with floor to ceiling windows. The villa's have an infinite pool! What do you think of the hotel?

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Hotel Design: Endémico

http://www.designhotels.com

Located in Baja California, Mexico the Endemico Hotel is nestled in the wine growing region of Valle de Guadalupe. The cabins are staggered among boulders and have unobstructed views of the valley. (ABOVE) The Eco-friendly cabins are raised off the ground to reduce their impact on the landscape. The cabins are constructed of Corten steel and wood. (BELOW 1) The interior of the cabins are minimally decorated. Each cabin has a king size bed and fantastic light fixtures! (BELOW 2) Each cabin has a small terrace situated to soak in the incredible views. The cabins blend beautifully with the surroundings which makes for a unique experience. (BELOW 3) The Endemico Hotel also has a pool, restaurant and bar. You can really see how gorgeous the hotel is at sun down. With only 20 cabins the pool will probably be peaceful and relaxing to enjoy! What a getaway... 

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Hotel Design: Rambagh Palace

http://nexustravelsolutions.com

The Rambagh Palace was build in 1835 and is located in Jaipur, India. During the 19th century the palace served as a royal hunting lodge. In 1957, the palace was converted into a luxury hotel, because the royal family had found it to be too costly to upkeep the palace and its 47 acres. The architecture of the palace is in the Rajput and Mughal style. (ABOVE) The front of the palace is carefully designed with many impeccable details. Domes and archways are very popular in architecture found throughout India. The planting around the palace is well maintained and adds much beauty to the overall property. (BELOW 1) The 47 acre property has gorgeously manicured gardens. This center courtyard features one large fountain with many hedges surrounding it. As guests pass through the breezeways to get to their suits, they have a wonderful view. (BELOW 2) There are many fountains on the property. This stone fountain looks to be in the shape of a flower. I like how the property surrounding the fountain is not overly landscaped. One can really appreciate the architecture. (BELOW 3) The palace's main restaurant is a mixture of Rajput and Mughal architectural design and modern western influences. The stone walls and wood furnishings are so elegant and classic together. The red Persian rug grounds the furnishings, what a great color! What do you think of the Rambagh Palace? Would you stay here, or have you already? 

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A Week In The City: Los Angeles Area

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My newest series "A Week in the City" takes you to some of the best places to travel to, where to stay, eat, and what to pack. The Los Angeles area of California is one of the most beautiful places in the world. From the beautiful, warm weather to the many eclectic places to stay and dine, it's a place that has attracted many people and will continue to do so. (ABOVE) I fell in love with this vintage photograph of cars driving in L.A. From the palm trees in the background, to the classic cars in the foreground, it embodies the California lifestyle.

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(1) The Los Angeles area is very hilly, because of this there are many gorgeous views. This view taken from a higher elevation close to L.A, shows the beauty and size of the city. Many celebrities have home's overlooking such views! I could definitely get used to this. 

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(2) The Mr. C in Beverly Hills is one of the best boutique hotels you will find in the Los Angeles area. The hotel features a pool, restaurant, and spa. The exterior of the hotel is very 60-70s California. It's modern, yet has a few subtle classic elements. 

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(3) One of the suites at the hotel. The guest rooms range from 365-1165 sq ft, each of the rooms has a private balcony overlooking Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles. In terms of the rooms design, I love the rich leather texture and the use of metal. It's a very rich looking space, however, it still feels fresh and laid back. 

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(4-5) Mr.C hotel also has a pool! Though it's not very large, it's still a great space to unwind and have a drink at. I love the different colors used throughout the space!

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(6) I really like the blurred backdrop here. A very elegant, yet fun entry space. What do you think of the hotel? Have you stayed here before? Let us know in the comments!

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(7) Baco Mercat is one of the best restaurants in L.A. They serve a classic American cuisine. The best part is their super affordable price point. I love the look of the restaurant from the exterior. It looks super inviting! Amazing brass door.

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(8) This is one of the meals survived at the Baco Mercat. My mouth is literally salivating.  I wonder what kind of sandwich this is. Any ideas? What do you think of this meal? Would you eat here? 

 

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