PLACES: Sometimes it’s all about utility. 9h Capsule Hotel in Kyoto takes this ideal and merges it with clean design. Reminiscent of the Paco Cube, Jane Hotel and Ablimo – it specializes in the necessities and wraps its entire brand around the concept.

Design Boom has the scoop: “9h (nainawasu) is a new capsule hotel that offers luxury in a minimum living space. The 9h capsule hotel and all amenities were designed by Fumie Shibata of Design Studio S, which she founded in 1994. With her team, she defined the elements necessary for a ‘minimal transit space’ in big cities in Japan. The product designer has been pursuing the 9h project as a creative director for 3 years. The first hotel will open in December this year…” Click Read More for additional information and photos.

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PLACES: The classic interior designs of Joseph Dirand meet Landa Architects for the creation of Habita Hotel. Located in Monterrey, Mexico the duo make use of awe-inspiring views with over-sized windows, curved rooms and top floor terraces. The work of Joseph Dirand is undeniable. As we’ve mentioned before, his commitment to simplicity, balance and clean lines define his work. In today’s world of loud design, his use of black and white minimalism creates a quiet retreat which is perfect for any hotel accommodation. Thankfully, Contemporist unearthed a closer look at Habita Hotel. Click Read More for additional information and photos.

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PLACES: Philadelphia isn’t known for its boutique hotels, but the City of Brotherly Love is trying. Some of our favorite Center City hotels include The Sofitel, AKA and now we can add Hotel Palomar to the list. Conveniently located near bustling Rittenhouse Square, Hotel Palomar is a well designed eco and pet friendly luxury hotel.

As you enter the hotel, be sure to look above to catch an unexpected and colorful portrait of Benjamin Franklin – one of Philadelphia’s most famous historical figures. Hotel Palomar has 230 rooms decorated in a warm earth tone color palette with a modern aesthetic offset by vibrantly colored art deco accents and artwork by Philadelphian artists. In addition to the usual amenities that make a hotel stay convenient and relaxing, the hotel also has a fitness center and hosted evening wine hour in the hotel’s living room. Adjacent to Hotel Palomar is Square 1682, a restaurant headed by notable chef Guillermo Tellez serving American cuisine fused with flavors found around the world. Click Read More for additional information and photos.

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Our friends at Ace Hotel did it again! Their brilliantly styled rooms have made them a favorite among our list of places to stay. This time they’ve upped the ante by partnering with Mint & Serf.

Over the last six months Mint & Serf curated original artwork for rooms at the newly opened hotel. They invited a few of their favorite artists to contribute to the project – Brian Procell, Enjoy Banking, Faust, Machine (Team Facelift), Mosco, PegLeg, Pork, Pablo Powers, Jordan Seiler, Stephen Holding, Sean Vegezzi and Tristan Eaton. Be sure to check out their work here. You can also click Read More for additional information and photos.

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Simplicity and a beautiful city equal happiness. Whotells and Muji team up to offer well designed short stay apartments in Barcelona. It’s an ideal collaboration. Muji is known for their non-branded creative direction that focuses on functionality. While Whotells is known for their quality service catered toward travelers seeking home like accomodations for their vacation or business trips. And all of this is painted on the beauitful canvas of Barcelona.

From Whotells: “In Whotells we have everything prepared so that your time with us is enjoyable and unforgettable. We offer you every comfort in our newly refurbished apartments which are furnished and decorated in the latest and original designs of MUJI. The apartments are fully equipped with WiFi, DVD, TV, lift, air conditioning, central heating, and the latest mod cons for kitchens. There is also a team of professionals at your disposition to ensure that your stay with us will make you want to repeat your trip to Barcelona again soon.” Click Read More for additional photos and information.

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Written by Lucy Plint: Announcing its arrival in downtown Manhattan with a thrum of guitar strings, Ace Hotel New York is quite possibly the coolest hotel EVER. With Gibson guitars and stacks of blank sheet music in your room, if there is a place to write your first rock masterpiece, this is it. 
 


As any seasoned poker fiend knows, the ace is both the high and low card – a concept Manhattan’s newest boutique hotel (sister of the Portland, Palm Springs and Seattle Aces) has taken and run with. For the young, cool and almost famous, the Bunk rooms feel like the hippest hostel in town, all grey plaid fabric and street-art walls. For those with a bit more cash to splash, the Loft suites have a boho New York-apartment feel, with fabulous bay windows looking down on Broadway, filled with flea market finds. In-room Smeg refrigerators stocked with beer kegs and cheeky treats are perfect for late night jamming sessions and take care of the midnight munchies.
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These are fun. Sometimes when you’re parachuting into a city, the last thing you’re thinking about is sleeping or staying in your hotel room. If you’re the kind of traveler that’s inclined to spend most of the time out on the town, then this overnight accommodation is perfect for you.

The folks at Atelier Van Lieshout featured an interesting installation at Design Miami/Basel last month. The mini pods are similar to the Paco Cube, the Jane, and Ablimo. By maximizing on space and shaving away everything but the bed, these future pods give you a place to rest your head with quick convenience. Hopefully the concept will be established in cities around the world. Click Read More for additional information and photos.

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