DESIGN DESTINATIONS

With touches evoking Bauhaus buildings, Modernist mansions and Postmodernist palaces, these hotels are sure to delight both architecture and art aﬁcionados.

"The sleek and sinuous curves of the atrium make for a stunning introduction to the hotel"

"This giant pendant light illuminates the lobby"

"The light fixture in the gallery resembles an art installation"

CONRAD WASHINGTON DC

Washington DC, United States Conceptualised by renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the new Conrad Washington DC marks the hotel brand’s ﬁrst property in the nation’s capital. With its modernist architecture and an all-glass exterior that mirrors its city-centre surroundings, the hotel makes its mark on its immediate surroundings. Inside, its striking curved atrium is a jawdropper, veiled in chain mail and seemingly hewn out of Calacatta marble. Conceived as a backdrop to a cohesive art story, the interiors are dotted throughout with an impressive collection of contemporary artworks inspired by the Washington Colour School movement. Even the light ﬁxtures resemble art installations—a constellation of nebula-shaped bulbs hangs in the gallery, while in the lobby a giant pendant light bathes the space in a glow that slowly shifts throughout the day.

Visit conradhotels3.hilton.com

"The striking Bauhaus architecture, clean lines and predominantly white palette induce a state of calm relaxation for visitors to the hotel"

ENCATO ACAPULCO Guerrero, Mexico

Situated in the scenic bay of Puerto Marques, this intimate 44-room boutique hotel took almost ten years to complete, a paen by architect Miguel Aragonés to the sheer enchantment of the sea. Its geometric, Bauhaus-style structure features angular shapes, sleek lines, clean minimalism and a stark white exterior, contrasting effectively with the beauty of the ocean and greenery around it. The name is translated to mean “spell” or “charm” and indeed Encanto captivates visitors even more as night falls, when the smooth expanses of its concrete walls and monochromatic surfaces serve as canvases for a play of LED lights in a wide spectrum of hues. With its sophisticated use of colour and light, the hotel provides guests with a memorable immersive sensory experience. Visit encantoacapulco.mx/en

"The wool felt installation overhanging the stone staircase"

CHAO

Beijing, China

In the heart of one of Beijing’s busiest districts sits CHAO, a towering prism-shaped hotel with panels zig-zagging down its sides. Designed by Germany’s GMP Architeken, the hotel offers more than just a place to lay one’s head for the night, with spaces set aside specifically for art and cultural purposes. Look out for the striking Glasshouse—an exhibition space with soaring concrete arches and louvres that allow daylight to flood the interior. The lobby itself is a visual spectacle, juxtaposing light and dark elements, and featuring a patchwork ceiling installation made of pieces of wool felt overhanging the grand sweep of the stone staircase. With its clean lines and intimate touches (old Beijing hutong doors are used for the lobby floor), the hotel blends a raw industrial vibe with a touch of retro futurism. This might just be the most appealing glimpse into the future of hospitality we have seen so far. Visit ilovechao.com