2014 is an important year for luxury hotel openings across the world. While in the United States, New York City alone is predicted to have a record 100,000 rooms by the end of 2014, hoteliers in Europe are being cautiously optimistic about 2014 with fewer openings on the radar. From the opening of the much-awaited Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard, London, to the Peninsula in Paris – the two cities continue to be the popular choice of destination for new hotels. Yet, the future looks bright and 2014 is sure to offer tourists across Europe some unique, new luxury hotel experiences.
While some visionaries are flipping historic structures into modern properties, others are stacking their new buildings with sought-after amenities like rooftop bars and spas. Meanwhile, boutique concepts will continue to coax travelers away from cookie-cutter brands by offering a one-of-a-kind experience as the ideal souvenir.
Here is Design Contract list of the top 10 luxury hotels openings this year across the US and around the world:
Perhaps most eagerly awaited opening in London will be in the most talked about building of 2012, The Shard. Located between floors 34 – 52, below the public viewing platform, this luxury hotel will be the first Shangri-La in the UK. There will be 202 bedrooms in total and butler service in all suites. The 185 deluxe bedrooms average 42 sqm – roomy for London. Level 52 will feature an infinity pool and 24-hour gym, and a destination bar with astounding city views. There will also be four signature wining and dining venues.
Following on from the swanky Edition in Istanbul, pictured above, this design hotel brand from Ian Schrager, owned by Marriott International, plans to transform the former Berners Hotel, just off Oxford Street, next year.
Close to Old Street (above) and the nightlife hub of Shoreditch, this hotel is located at the site of the former Foundry bar, a ramshackle but much-loved arty hangout. Trying to keep with the creative surroundings, the PPHE Hotel Group will offer part of the space as an arts centre and gallery space open to the public.
There will also be a top-floor bar and restaurant. The building will be wrapped in a “rainscreen” skin which will improve its environmental efficiency and has a design based on punch cards used in the textile industry the area used to be famous for.
Set in a century-old Beaux-Arts building, this luxury venture is in the 16th arrondissement – just moments from the Champs Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. It will feature a spa, a rooftop bar, restaurant and terrace and a Chinese restaurant.
Luxury Hotel Infante De Sagres, Porto, Portugal
Situated in Porto’s UNESCO Heritage city centre this five-star hotel features a spa centre with massage facilities and a fine dining restaurant. The soundproofed rooms of the Hotel Infante De Sagres combine neo-baroque and custom-made furnishings. The Well-appointed rooms and suites at Infante de Sagres offer the perfect urban retreat in Porto, combining original antiques, a superb collection of modern works of art and custom-designed furniture. Throughout the hotel, a classic Europeans sensibility mixes with the best contemporary design – a harmonious blend that results in a comfortable, luxurious and unforgettable stay. No surprise why Boca do Lobo took their chance to leave one more “signature” in this luxury design hotel – design “Boca do Lobo suite” – a unigue concept suite where hotel visitors will be able for feel and touch the spirit of Boca do Lodo design pieces. Despite that this projects is still under the development Design Contract gives you opportunity to take a glance to this amazing project visualizations and present you some furniture pieces and hand made vintage lamps ob Boca do Lobo partner Delightfull that the final visitors will be able to find there.
Steps from Central Park, has beaux-arts architecture and draws from the musical heritage around it, from the Steinway & Sons building to Carnegie Hall. The pale, modern, 200 rooms and suites were expected to open this year but will now open in February 2013.
Set in a 52-storey skyscraper that was formerly the IBM building and overlooking the Chicago River, this elegant hotel will provide 316 spacious rooms, a spa, a bar and brasserie and a tea salon which aims to recreate the popular afternoon tea offered at the Langham in London.
Yucca Clubhouse by PTang Studio Limited
Within the past few years PTang Studio Limited expanded quickly from a one-man business to partnership, now, their most recent project – Yucca Clubhouse will offer clients the most comfortable atmosphere, by understanding their individual preferences. Seeking for the finest quality and unique style PTang Studio had collaborate with a cosmopolite design furniture brand Brabbu to bring a truly urban lifestyle atmospehere, comfort and function for interiors. Impressive hand made upholstery and casegoods will be the key details.
The Capella, Washington DC
This is a 49-room property on the C&O Canal, along the cobblestone sidewalks of Georgetown. The Grill Room and Rye Bar showcases organic, seasonal food and there is an exclusive rooftop pool and bar offering views of the D.C. skyline.
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
Built on the site of a former tobacco factory and warehouse from the 1930s, this hotel will echo Istanbul’s heritage and have 186 bedrooms, some with private terrraces. Several restaurants and bars will be on offer, including a rooftop restaurant with views of the city’s skyline and coastline, plus a health club, spa and swimming pool.
The building will be the second tallest on the coast after the Dolmabahce Palace.
Mandarin Oriental, Shanghai
Shanghai’s notable new addition sits on the east bank of the Huangpu River, amid the dramatic skyline of the Lujiazui financial district. This luxury hotel will be open in the first quarter of 2013. There will be a 13-suite spa and a grand total of six restaurants and bars.
Design Contract will continue to share with you fantastic ideas for your office design, interior design, corporate interior design (see article “10 Best hospitality design projects: Restaurant & Bar Design Award Winners” here), commercial interior design, luxury hotel design (see article “Luxury Hotel Design- International Hotel Awards Winner Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow” here), top design events (see article “North America’s Premier Show- Architectural Digest Home Design Show 2014. Best exhibitors”) and best design projects (see article “The 2014 Architectural Digest 100 top talents in architecture and interior design” here). Don’t forget to subscribe this blog and to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google + and Pinterest.
