Downtown Phoenix continues its rebirth with the launch of Found:Re hotel

The launch of Found:Re hotel
(Image credit: press)

Phoenix’s Downtown, once a victim to the dreaded weekend exodus that blights most business districts is currently undergoing a rebirth, led by a growing art scene – gradually moving in from neighbouring Scottsdale – and a string of new hospitality enterprises.

Proof that the district is worth more than a day trip is the launch of the newly minted Found:Re hotel, an art-orientated property that slots right into its location on the border of Rooseveld Row, the creative district lined with artisan coffee shops and contemporary galleries. Inside, a raw, industrial aesthetic provides a suitably clean backdrop for in-house curator Michael Oleskow’s bold collection that champions local artists from Randy Slack to Linda Ingraham.

Upstairs, a sense of youthfulness pervades the 105 guest rooms, with industrial black iron beds and wagon wheel lighting fixtures that are boosted by smokey grey and blue hues. Some rooms have balconies that overlook the hotel's pool, the perfect spot to cool off during the hot summer months, sipping on a cocktail, while admiring the specially commissioned wall mural by Lucretia Torva alongside fun elements such as the movable T-Rex by Jeff Zischke.

Also on the ground floor, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, Match Cuisine & Cocktails, hums from the moment the first early morning plates of eggs are served, to last orders at night. The menu- from chef Akos Szab is a crowd-pleasing assortment of global street food-inspired small dishes, served alongside an impressive selection of local craft beers and wine. ‘One of our values is community’, explains V Calamur, the hotel’s general manager. ‘We want the locals to make this their second home.’

Of course, while the seared salmon served with a yuzu and kimchi dressing is particularly tasty, for a full sense of the Downtown revival, it is worth nipping out, where culinary offerings such as chef Silvana Salcido Esparza’s popular Barrio Café and DeSoto Central Market – a convergence of oyster bars, burger joints and Southern kitchens in a 1928 red brick building that formerly housed a Chrysler dealership – are just a short stroll away from cultural delights like the Phoenix Art Museum.

In-house curator

In-house curator Michael Oleskow’s bold collection champions local artists. Pictured is ‘Burtney’ by Randy Slack

(Image credit: press)

The bar area

On the ground floor, the bar area of Match Cuisine & Cocktails is lined with artwork by Linda Ingraham

(Image credit: press)

The penthouse suite

Views over the city from the penthouse suite are boosted by blue hues and artwork by Ronna Nemitz

(Image credit: press)

Bedroom

From left: ’I am of the Eater’ and ‘The Deep Blue Waters are Sweet Clear and Transparent’ by Cheryl Marine 

(Image credit: press)

The hotel's pool is the perfect spot

The hotel's pool is the perfect spot to cool off during the hot summer months, sipping on a cocktail, while admiring the specially commissioned wall mural by Lucretia Torva alongside fun elements such as the movable T-Rex by Jeff Zischke

(Image credit: press)

INFORMATION

Website

ADDRESS

1100 North Central Avenue

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Melina Keays is the entertaining director of Wallpaper*. She has been part of the brand since the magazine’s launch in 1996, and is responsible for entertaining content across the print and digital platforms, and for Wallpaper’s creative agency Bespoke. A native Londoner, Melina takes inspiration from the whole spectrum of art and design – including film, literature, and fashion. Her work for the brand involves curating content, writing, and creative direction – conceiving luxury interior landscapes with a focus on food, drinks, and entertaining in all its forms