2016 has witnessed many shifts toward the cutting edge of hospitality from the emergence of Big Data analytics to the sharing economy and beyond. 2016 began with a promise of innovation and renewed profitability and ends on a note of strong growth for many hotels. In Europe, the long list of innovators in the hotel space shows these trends coming to life. Argo News presents here a short list of five hotel endeavors others might emulate. These fabulous properties tell us, the journey of the guest is ever more exciting and interesting, as some hotel businesses stand out from the crowd here in Europe.
Zoku’s urban vibe comes with a lot of green, both inside and out.
Zoku in Amsterdam
The very first Zoku concept hotel opened in Amsterdam early in 2016 to rave reviews. Designed with the Millenial Generation in its mind’s eye, this hotel innovation represents a real turning point in the industry. We often hear the PR hype of “high tech” hotel experiences used to describe what are otherwise hotel face lifts, more or less. The people behind Zoku, which means “family” in Japanese, brought together designs intended to be a metamorphosis of a business class hotel experience. Zoku is in fact, a whole new category of hotel. The Amsterdam variant offers all the convenience of an office away from home, and a home at your “away” office. The Spartan, no -nonsense spaces at Zoku are at once pragmatic and welcoming. Co-founders Marc Jongerius and Hans Meyer collaborated with the designers to create something remarkable.
The Amsterdam variant offers all the convenience of an office away from home, and a home at your “away” office. The Spartan, no -nonsense spaces at Zoku are at once pragmatic and welcoming. Co-founders Marc Jongerius and Hans Meyer collaborated with the concrete concept to design and launch a truly “one of” hotel experience. I was told Zoku is actually a prototype for future hotels in other cities. Based on what I have seen, this new concept hotel will become the benchmark for business travelers.
Palazzo Suite 1
Fendi Private Suites in Rome
Fendi, the Italian luxury fashion house, opened its very first boutique hotel at Palazzo Fendi in 2016. The private suites the spectacular Palazzo Privé are nothing less than a sublime mixture of design and character. For those unfamiliar, the Palazzo Privé is an apartment designed by Dimore Studio – a 17th-century residence used as a private salon for hosting VIP clients only. Each of these seven unique suites offers a guest experience unsurpassed anywhere in Rome.
Each Fendi Private Suites space was designed by architect Marco Costanzi, making use of Fendi furniture, collectibles, and other designer magic. The synergy of contemporary flavor, ultra-modernity, and traditional renaissance Rome here is flawless. Other than the chic modernity of these suites, the fact Fendi’s guest assistants act as personal butlers helps the blended high-tech atmosphere dissolve into luxuriant experience. The famous Japanese restaurant Zuma being upstairs does not hurt either. Complimentary WiFi to the iPads with seven unique walking tour experiences, the suites leave nothing to be desired.
The 626 All Day Lounge at Olive Green Hotel
Olive Green Hotel on Crete
I reported on the opening of the new Olive Green Hotel opened in November in Heraklion on fabulous Crete. This chic and classy hotel is the first truly eco-friendly hotel design in all of Greece. Envisioned and designed by the Karatarakis Hotels SA Company, the development made use of a 1960s Heraklion landmark in the city’s center, transforming what had become a delapidated edifice into one of the most modern buildings on the island. This start toward sustainability via reuse paved the way for what is by far the most environmentally friendy city hotel in Greece.
The Architects and designers really made a standout property that is a near perfect alighment in between nature, tradition, and now technologies. Guest can control room amenities with smart divices, and the hotel makes brilliant use of nature via principles of renewable energy based, reuse/recycle operational system which utilizes solar panels and other innovative methods that aim to promote sustainable development. The luxurious aesthetics of this new hotel suggest five star luxury, but the room prices betray a four star stay for travelers.
The flawless design of Il Sereno
Il Sereno on Lake Como
This five-star boutique hotel near Torno village, right on the eastern shore of the lake Como, is the ultimate in contemporary design. From the time guests arrive at the Il Sereno private dock aboard custom-made wooden boats-limousines, everything about this luxury Italian getaway speaks of the vision of the famous designer Patricia Urquiola. The 34 suites here are magnificent, always affording an interior warmth and classiness, along with unparalleled panoramas of the lake and the mountains. A spectacular 60-foot infinity pool extends out over the lake.
The interiors of this all-suite hotel show off Milan-based architect and designer Patricia Urquiola’s famous flair for capturing the spirit of places and ideas. She was joined by the project is esteemed botanist Patrick Blanc so that this hotel experience could be seamlessly inserted into the nature scape. The sense of “place” at this highly acclaimed resort hotel is omnipresent.
Signature Suite with balcony at Nikki Beach Bodrum
Nikki Beach Bodrum
Situated on the southwestern coast of Turkey, Nikki Beach has gone a step farther toward reinventing what contemporary means. This new luxury beachfront boutique hotel was designed by the award-winning GAD studio, based in New York & Istanbul. With 65 suites and villas replete with entertainment calls, indoor and outfoor bathrooms, private pools and decks, and uncompromision views, this is the place to spend days and nights in Bordrum.
Among the hotel’s most remarkable offerings, the expansive Nikki Spa and Tone Gym fitness facilities, the dining and cocktail options, and Sunset Lounge are differentiating. The property is what I would call “modern serenity” at a lavish resort experience. From the specially designed cabanas and numerous private pools, to the large roof terraces and state-of-the-art meeting spaces, Nikki Beach Bodrum is all about memorable guest experiences.