Design Hotels introduce eight new members

A renovated 19th-century building in the heart of Istanbul with an original marble staircase. Three historic villas surrounded by lush gardens and a medieval village in the Italian countryside. Kit Kemp’s latest art-infused vision in New York City and a Balinese retreat with unique gastronomic and cultural programming. Discover eight new members of Design Hotels around the world.

Turkey

Located in Pera, Istanbul’s second oldest district, Casa Foscolo Hotel is a newly opened historical hotel building that immerses guests within the city’s rich culture and heritage. The 18-room property features an architectural renovation and interior design overseen by Emre Kuzlu, who seamlessly integrated the building’s 19th century features with contemporary amenities. Guests can indulge in specialty drinks and light bites at the Minoa Bar and browse unique artworks on the walls, while encountering antique brickwork, handcrafted oriental motifs, and an original marble staircase.

Georgia

Featuring a boldly modern vibe in the heart of Batumi’s Old Town, Rooms Batumi draws inspiration from Japanese, European, and Los Angeleno styles. Public spaces, like the lobby, ground-level restaurant, and serene courtyard, are designed to foster a sense of community and relaxation, while the rooftop, featuring a pool, bar, and restaurant, presents 360-degree views of the Old Town and port. Pieces crafted by local artisans bring a fresh coastal look to every space, while guests can round out their stay with a stop at The Shop, a highly curated venue with handmade souvenirs and unique objets d’art.

Italy

Once a regal family residence, Elizabeth Country House is set amid manicured rural landscapes and the medieval village of Minerbio in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. The homey property harmonizes unique styles with 19th-century Thai and French furnishings, handcrafted ceramic table sets, hand-painted frescoes, and wooden beams. Each of the 11 rooms and suites, spread across three villas, are crafted with the ancient Roman outlook of providing a space that regenerates the mind and enriches the soul. This ethos is extended through welcoming breakfasts and light lunches; a sauna, Jacuzzi, and large outdoor pool; yoga and meditation sessions; a sprawling garden; and onsite ceramic and cooking classes.

Switzerland

Inspired by the avant-garde Dada movement and presenting its playful spirit, The Home Hotel Zürich is a haven for creatives who come for the Swiss city’s culture, cuisine, and nightlife. Housed in a former paper mill on the river Sihl, the building has undergone a meticulous renovation that fully respects its heritage, while the hotel’s design layers materials, including stone, wood, ceramic tiles, and glass brick, with bold colors and patterns, offering a contemporary aesthetic steeped in art historical references. At The LivingRoom & Bar, classic cocktails and fine wines share the stage with concerts, comedy nights, readings, and other special events, while the restaurant LouLou fuses French cuisine with global tastes.

Los Angeles, USA

Inspired by Europe’s intimate properties, where home comforts blend seamlessly with luxury, Hotel 850 SVB presents a new kind of adults-only L.A. experience, with old and new coming together to create a lived-in elegance in the heart of West Hollywood. Architect Mark Appleton seamlessly integrated a modern addition with a bungalow dating to 1918. The space now boasts 23 rooms, an intimate lounge and wine bar, a living room with a large communal wooden table, and a roof deck with an outdoor fireplace and stunning views of the city. Throughout the hotel, English interior designer and journalist Rita Konig combines original artwork, hardwood floors, luxury linens, and marble bathrooms with vintage pieces, brass lamps, and crystal sconces to create an inviting, homey atmosphere.

New York City, USA

Set in the heart of Tribeca, Warren Street Hotel is a celebration of contemporary art and design, with every inch capturing iconic designer Kit Kemp’s sense of fun and love for storytelling. For her third New York City hotel, Kemp curated the best from her own art collection, while also commissioning her favorite artists and sculptors to create original pieces. In the lobby, guests can discover an installation of woven baskets by Argentinian artist Cristián Mohaded and an ornamental beadwork tapestry by Ugandan artist Sanaa Gateja. Upstairs, the rooftop terrace offers spectacular views of downtown Manhattan, while several suites feature beautifully landscaped terraces and gardens. Elsewhere, Warren Street Bar & Restaurant presents a neighborhood brasserie menu, while guests can relax in the cozy Drawing Room and enjoy self-service drinks from the honesty bar.

San Diego, USA

Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter, our first member in San Diego, honors the history of the city and its historical building while offering an exclusive contemporary oasis—one that is open to only its guests and their friends. Following this ethos, the property combines original architectural details, such as arched windows, extremely wide corridors, and original tin ceilings, dating back to 1904 with custom contemporary artworks and a curated selection of vintage and bespoke furniture. This design philosophy extends throughout the property’s 96 guestrooms, including four corner suites, where the old and new come together in perfect harmony. Guests can enjoy breakfast each morning at 5th & Lox and, come evening, the Parlor Room offers unique cocktails from a world-class bartending team alongside old-fashioned sundaes and other ice cream treats.

Indonesia

A harmonious blend of industrial rawness and Balinese serenity, The Bohemian Bali is a quiet oasis where modern design meets the island’s rich cultural heritage in the heart of Canggu. Materials like concrete, steel, and reclaimed wood, paired with high ceilings, large windows, and open-plan spaces recall the raw aesthetic of urban lofts. On the other hand, leafy greenery, woven textiles, and traditional Balinese details like hand-carved doors, intricate stone statues, and thatched roofing evoke the calming, spiritual essence of the island. Every element of the design creates an experience of authenticity, comfort, and inspiration, all of which is augmented by cultural and gastronomic programming. This month, for example, The Bohemian Bali will present a contemporary take on the traditional day of Nyepi, or “Silent Day.” On Nyepi, the hotel will offer guests the opportunity to participate in a special evening of reflection with a guided meditation and cultural teachings on the meaning of Nyepi and its importance. A unique menu featuring foods of cultural significance will also be on offer at the in-house guest-only Eatery.

The article Design Hotels introduce eight new members first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.