Source: www.independent.co.uk
US designer Diane von Furstenberg will present new rooms at Claridge’s hotel in London next month, and she is in good company: designers have been busy launching their own hotels worldwide. Here are some of the best
Armani hotel, Dubai
Occupying 25,000 square meters in total – shared over floors one to eight, 38, and 39 of the new Burj Khalifa tower – the hotel hosts eight restaurants, shopping facilities (accessories and chocolates from the brand’s own Dolci range), an Armani/Fiori florist, and Armani’s first hotel spa. Rates start at €560.
Missoni hotel, Edinburgh
With a concept to “counter the minimalist design” that dominates current modern hotels, Missoni opted for lively colors and an Italian feel for its first hotel, which counts 136 rooms on six floors. The location is a mix of Missoni’s signature colors and patterns – the label also has its own furniture range – and statement pieces from designers such as the Dutch Marcel Wanders, the Finnish Eero Saarinen or the Danish Arne Jacobson. All pieces were assembled by Rosita Missoni, the Missoni family member in charge of the new hotel venture.
Bulgari Ritz-Carlton, Milan
Situated in Milan’s most stylish area – between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, the Scala Theater and the Academy of Brera – the jeweler’s hotel, with its 4,000 square-meter botanical garden, provides an oasis of calm in the city center.
Diesel’s Pelican Hotel, Miami
Diesel founder Renzo Rosso says of his first hotel venture: “I fell in love with this Art Deco hotel when I visited Miami Beach at the end of a research trip. Today the Pelican Hotel brims over with extravagant Diesel style. It’s right on the beach, each room is unique, and you can wine and dine at the Pelican Cafe, enjoying some of Miami’s most qualitative inventing cooking in atmospheric surroundings that are typical of the hotel and in tune with the Diesel spirit.”
Christian Lacroix’s Hotel du Petit Moulin, Paris
The haute couture designer’s hotel is located in a former bakery building (with the ‘Boulangerie’ sign still in place) in the hip Marais quarter of the French capital, with every room designed in a unique way. Prices start at €190.
http://www.hotelpetitmoulinparis.com
Maison Moschino, Milan
The Italian fashion label’s first hotel opened in a renovated train station from the 19th century during the past Milan Fashion Week. Rooms, which start at €270, feature the same surrealist, extravagant aesthetics (pastry pillows!) Moschino’s fashion is known for.
Ralph Lauren’s Pineapple House hotel, Jamaica
The US designer made over the Montego Bay-based Pineapple House hotel a few years ago, with the rooms decorated in white fabrics and bamboo to make for an instant beach ambiance, providing “comfort and an escape from commercialism.” The villa features four bedrooms and can be rented for $865 per night.
Note: traveling to London this summer? The Berkeley has introduced its new Prêt-à-Portea, featuring Chanel clog biscuits and other high fashion-inspired desserts that are served with your afternoon tea.
http://www.the-berkeley.co.uk/fashionista_tea.aspx
