Design Hotels launches a collector's edition of its annual book

Design Hotels has launched a giant version of its annual tome, which comes complete with its own pedestal in the form of Alvar Aalto's celebrated Stool 60 and table
To mark its 20th anniversary, Design Hotels has launched a giant version of its annual tome, which comes complete with its own pedestal in the form of Alvar Aalto's celebrated Stool 60 and table
(Image credit: press)
By Lauren Ho
last updated

Hospitality superbrand Design Hotels (opens in new tab) has spent two decades quenching globetrotters' thirst for stylish lodgings across the world. Founded in California by German-born travel entrepreneur Claus Sendligner (opens in new tab), 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 (opens in new tab) celebrated Stool 60 and table, both of which have been specially customised by Finnish design brand Artek (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab)) to US-based superstar André Balazs (opens in new tab).

The publication also includes an essay by publishing guru Angelika Taschen (opens in new tab) (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 (opens in new tab) - 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

Spanning an impressive 800 pages, the properties featured are arranged first by continent and then area

(Image credit: press)

The flourishing Design Hotels brand now covers 46 countries with a total of 250 hotels under its hat

The flourishing Design Hotels brand now covers 46 countries with a total of 250 hotels under its hat

(Image credit: press)

The book is an alluring visual journey, featuring an array of full-page images alongside profiles of various hoteliers

The book is an alluring visual journey, featuring an array of full-page images alongside profiles of various hoteliers

(Image credit: press)

Pictured is the profile page for Mexican hoteliers Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha of Grupo Habita

Pictured is the profile page for Mexican hoteliers Carlos Couturier and Moisés Micha of Grupo Habita

(Image credit: press)

The glass and concrete monolith is situated in Manhattan's Meatpacking District

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

(Image credit: press)

One of Design Hotels' newest additions, London's South Place Hotel was designed by Allies & Morrison Architects, with interiors by Conran & Partners

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

(Image credit: press)

Sited in London's famed Shoreditch quarter, Boundary was designed by Conran & Partners

Sited in London's famed Shoreditch quarter, Boundary was designed by Conran & Partners

(Image credit: press)

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

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)

(Image credit: press)

As featured in W* 169, The Naka Phuket is Bangkok-based architect Duangrit Bunnag's most daring hotel to date

As featured in W* 169, The Naka Phuket is Bangkok-based architect Duangrit Bunnag's most daring hotel to date

(Image credit: press)

Designed by French interior designer Frédéric Thomas, Park Hotel Tokyo is located in the Shiodome Media Tower

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

(Image credit: press)

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

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

(Image credit: press)
Lauren Ho
Latest