In the competitive hospitality industry, hotels
know a favorable first impression is vital to attracting business
and a well-appointed lobby is the natural arena to make that
impression. But lobbies also serve as a nexus of human
interactions, arrivals and departures, all facilitated by a smart
layout and a look that says here is a place of purpose and, when
required, repose. The hotel lobbies on the following pages all are
special spaces indeed, plush way stations of welcome that transform
the psyche with the gentle spin of a revolving door.
Hotel Danieli, Venice, Italy. In a 14th
century palace, this Gothic lobby’s elegant arches, gold leaf, pink
marble and stained glass introduce the opulence found throughout
the 233-room property. (011) 39-41-522-6480; danieli.hotelinvenice.com
Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Mexico.
Several open spaces allow Pacific Ocean breezes to cool this
spectacular lobby with its tiled Aztec god adorning the floor.
Guests also enjoy the 1,017-room resort’s five pools, two golf
courses and 17 meeting rooms, one of which hosts up to 2,000
people. (011) 52-744-469-1000; www.fairmont.com
Hilton Palmer House, Chicago. With one of
the grandest lobbies in the Midwest, this Hilton is in the Loop
area, a few short blocks from the Art Institute of Chicago. The
1,634-room hotel offers 60 function rooms and a Grand Ballroom
holding 1,150 people. (312) 726-7500; www.palmerhouse.hilton.com
Regent Schlosshotel Berlin. In the suburb
of Grunewald, the Regent is a serene retreat with landscaped
gardens, an ornate indoor pool and just 54 guest rooms. Draped in
rich reds, the lobby hints at the warmth to follow in other public
spaces and six function rooms. (011) 49-30-895-840; www.schlosshotelberlin.com
Metropolitan
Bangkok, Thailand. Owned by London-based Como Hotels, this
Metropolitan mirrors its chic English sister property with a decor
of whites, blacks and browns. The 174-room hotel, which opened in
October, also aims for the hip media/models crowd. On-site meeting
space holds 90. (011) 662-625-3333; www.metropolitan.como.bz
Mandarin
Oriental, Miami. On the 44-acre island of Brickell Key,
this 329-room hotel welcomes visitors with a boldly modern lobby,
its two-story windows overlooking Biscayne Bay. Along with a spa
and four restaurants, the hotel has 15,000 square feet of meeting
space, including an 8,000-square-foot ballroom. (305) 913-8288; www.mandarinoriental.com
The Guanahani, Grand Cul-de-Sac, St. Barts.
If the glare of the sun on this West Indies island’s pure-white
beaches becomes too much, the Guanahani’s tidy lobby is the ideal
retreat, its festive colors replicating those of the resort’s 75
cottages, 14 of which have private pools. Incentive groups will
champion the namesake restaurant, tropical foliage and
recreational facilities. (011) 590-27-66-60; www.leguanahani.com