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Design Lessons from the Saguaro
By Sara Bliss on April 29, 2012The vibrantly hued Saguaro in Palm Springs is proof that color can totally transform a space. Formerly a bland Holiday Inn, the 70s motel is now thriving in its reincarnation as a hip hotel (it was the hot place to stay for Coachella). Architects Paul Aferiat and Peter Stamberg chose 12 brilliant hues found in native desert wildflowers for the hotel’s […] -
Design Lessons from The Viceroy in Santa Monica
By Sara Bliss on February 8, 2012In terms of boutique hotel design, it is almost impossible to top the Viceroy in Santa Monica. The dramatic details, unique styling, sexy color scheme, and 1940s Hollywood inspiration showcase design star Kelly Wearstler at her best. So many great ideas to make your own here, and many of them can be done on the cheap. FRAME MIRRORS AS ART: […] -
Design Lessons from the Jnane Hotel in Marrakesh
By Sara Bliss on January 25, 2012There is just something about Moroccan design that I can’t get enough of–the intense sense of color (all that red!), the arched doorways, the inlaid furniture, the bold patterns, the brightly colored rugs, the lanterns….I could go on and on! If you’re with me on this, you will have the same reaction I did when I saw pictures of the […] -
Design Lessons from Hotel Ormelune in the French Alps
By Sara Bliss on December 28, 2011Two years ago the owners of the Hotel Ormelune decided to shake off predictable Alpine design cliches and use bright color, whimsy, and a pervading sense of fun, to guide their makeover. Enviably located at the foot of the slopes of the renowned Val d’Isere ski resort in the French Alps, the 46-room hotel now exudes a funky and fabulous vibe. […] -
Design Lessons from Thirty Two Boutique Hotel
By Sara Bliss on December 15, 2011Great hotels offer you the wonderful fantasy that you live in a place that’s a bit cooler, more cutting edge, more exotic, or more luxe than your real life digs. The best hotels take things one step further giving you a feel for what it would really be like to live in a countryhouse mansion, or a Indian castle, or […] -
Design Lessons from Portland’s Ace Hotel
By Sara Bliss on September 18, 2011Inspired by the thriving skateboard and music scene that defines the surrounding neighborhood, the Ace Hotel in Portland brings that cool vibe into the design. Designers Phillip Iosca and Jeremy Pelly thought outside of the box for the interiors of the c. 1912 hotel working with graphic artists, and decorating rooms with repurposed vintage finds like the salvaged fire door reborn […]
Design Lessons
SARA BLISSAs a freelance design and travel writer, I am always on the lookout for the most innovative and glamorous hotels. I started Hotel Chic as a travel/design blog to showcase the coolest hotels around the globe, and show you how to bring the look home. Whether you use this site to plan your next trip, redecorate your bedroom, or check into an amazing hotel without leaving your couch, I hope Hotel Chic will be a source of inspiration. Read full bio.