Hospitality superbrand Design Hotels has spent two decades quenching globetrotters' thirst for stylish lodgings across the world. Founded in California by German-born travel entrepreneur Claus Sendligner, it began life as a small marketing firm with only ten – albeit iconic – hotels in its portfolio. Twenty years later it has 250 of the world's most beautifully executed properties under its hat, spanning 46 countries, making it the go-to reference tool for design-conscious travellers. These hotels are now being showcased on an aptly epic scale: in a giant collector's edition of the brand's annual book.
Marking the brand's 20th anniversary, the mammoth, fabric-covered tome comprises 800 pages and weighs in at a whopping 25kg. It comes complete with its own pedestal in the form of iconic designer Alvar Aalto’s celebrated Stool 60 and table, both of which have been specially customised by Finnish design brand Artek for the occasion.
The properties are arranged first by continent, then area, creating a compelling visual journey with full-page images featured alongside profiles of hoteliers from Mexico’s Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha (of Grupo Habita) to US-based superstar André Balazs.
The publication also includes an essay by publishing guru Angelika Taschen (also a past Wallpaper* Best Business Hotel judge). 'Stringent, careful curating and editing has become the key task in maintaining the quality and strength of this inspiring brand,' says Taschen, recalling the hospitality movement that Design Hotels helped establish.
Set to launch at London’s South Place Hotel - one of the group’s newest additions - the book also comes in a more manageable coffee table size. It is a neat solution for those who simply lack the space, but still want to commemorate the achievements of a company that has changed the game when it comes to design-led travel.
Spanning an impressive 800 pages, the properties featured are arranged first by continent and then area
The flourishing Design Hotels brand now covers 46 countries with a total of 250 hotels under its hat
The book is an alluring visual journey, featuring an array of full-page images alongside profiles of various hoteliers
Pictured is the profile page for Mexican hoteliers Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha of Grupo Habita
The Standard High Line in New York is part of superstar hotelier André Balazs's Standard Hotels collection. The glass and concrete monolith is situated in Manhattan's Meatpacking District
One of Design Hotels' newest additions, London's South Place Hotel was designed by Allies & Morrison Architects, with interiors by Conran & Partners. The lodgings are owned and managed by D&D London
Sited in London's famed Shoreditch quarter, Boundary was designed by Conran & Partners
Norway's biggest opening, The Thief, is located next to the new Astrup Fearnley Musuem of Modern Art and is the project of one of Scandinavia's most recognisable entrepreneurs, Peter A Stordalen (pictured)
As featured in W* 169, The Naka Phuket is Bangkok-based architect Duangrit Bunnag's most daring hotel to date
Designed by French interior designer Frédéric Thomas, Park Hotel Tokyo is located in the Shiodome Media Tower and offers panoramic views of the city and the mountains beyond
The book also comes in a more manageable coffee table size, for those who simply don’t have the space, but still want to commemorate the achievements of a company that has changed the game when it comes to design-led travel
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