-
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 […] -
Vintage Style at the Palihotel in West Hollywood
By Sara Bliss on February 23, 2012Following on the hip heels of Palihouse in West Hollywood, developer and hotelier Avi Brosh has just launched Palihotel on L.A.’s happening Melrose Avenue. The 32 room boutique hotel has a similar cool, laid back and un-hotellike vibe as its predecessor, but amps up the throwback design cues with loads of vintage furniture & art, along with a 70s color […] -
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: […] -
Suzani Chic at The Colony Palms
By Sara Bliss on June 7, 2011The color-saturated Colony Palms Hotel in Palm Springs, California is a perfect example of taking design inspiration from another part of the world and giving it a fresh spin. Designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard (currently vamping it up on Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators) translated some of the best elements of Moroccan style to create this sexy and exotic hotel. The 57 room hotel […] -
Your Pad in West Hollywood: Checking into Palihouse
By Sara Bliss on April 11, 2011Wishing you could find a hotel in L.A. that doesn’t feel like a hotel at all, but rather the hip Hollywood pad you’ve always dreamed of? Searching for a place with your own gorgeous kitchen, a staff that will stock groceries in your fridge, plus your own private outdoor terrace for eating a home cooked meal under the stars? And for evenings […] -
Blair Clarke Checks Into The Avalon
By Sara Bliss on March 11, 2011My friend Blair Clarke is a contemporary art dealer who specializes in work by emerging artists. Blair has an amazing eye for new talent and the art that she represents tends to be colorful, cheeky and very cool. Given that so much of the contemporary art market is about shock value, I love that her pieces are things that not […]
California
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.