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Exotic Glamour: The Royal Mansour in Marrakech
By Sara Bliss on October 5, 2012I am crazy about Moroccan design. I love the exotic glamour of it–the rich colors, the incredible details, the pattern-on-pattern, the silhouettes. Some of the best examples of Moroccan design can be found in its hotels like the stunning La Mamounia and La Sultana. Today I want to share images of the Royal Mansour, that King Mohammed VI built as an homage to Morocco and a celebration […] -
A New Hotel Helps Revive a Medieval Village: Monteverdi, Tuscany
By Sara Bliss on August 14, 2012A lovely story of renovation and renewal. Castiglioncello del Trinoro was once a crumbling medieval town in a sleepy corner of Tuscany. American lawyer and law professor Michael Cioffi spent the past 4 years buying up and restoring buildings in this teeny hilltop village, giving it a sparkling 2nd act. The result of his ongoing efforts is Monteverdi, which currently […] -
Hotels in the Movies: Guest Post by Cinema Style
By Sara Bliss on July 20, 2012Writer Cathy Whitlock’s wonderful website Cinema Style, explores the design, sets, and trends in the movies. Lucky for us, Cathy pulled together some cameos that hotels have made in the movies. Thank you Cathy! Somewhere (2010), Focus Features Sofia Coppola’s look into the life of an actor (Stephen Dorff) and his ll-year-old daughter (Elle Fanning), Somewhere was filmed entirely on location at […] -
Get The Look: The Artesian Bar at The Langham
By Sara Bliss on July 18, 2012In London, it seems, all the best hotel bars are designed by David Collins. From the sophisticated Connaught Bar to the playful Blue Bar at the Berkeley, if you want your hotel to be a hotspot, David Collins is clearly the man to make it happen. Take the Artesian Bar at The Langham. With its lavender palette, chinoiserie chic details, […] -
Design Lessons from Saint James Paris
By Sara Bliss on July 10, 2012From the outside, the Saint James Paris looks like a traditional Neoclassical chateau in a quiet residential neighborhood. But thanks to a recent makeover by designer Bambi Sloan, however, the interiors tell an entirely different story. With leopard print carpets, pattern on pattern, and bold color galore, Sloan has given hotel’s interiors a wonderfully theatrical update.While there are a few rooms here […] -
Virtual Vacation at Phulay Bay in Thailand
By Sara Bliss on June 25, 2012Seeking serenity and seclusion in a sophisticated, yet exotic setting? Then spectacular Phulay Bay in Krabi, Thailand is your dream destination. Located in Krabi, a gorgeous part of Southern Thailand, Phulay Bay is 2 hours by car from Phuket (30 minutes by high speed boat). Krabi boasts lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches, and a sparkling sea with dozens of uninhabited islands. […]
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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.