The “Glass Box” room at Vision Fashion Hotel, Shenzhen. (Global Times Photo)
Many people regard hotels as simply a place to rest during a trip, however, a new kind of concept hotel is changing the way tourists think about travel. Combining art with functionality, “design hotels” are adding cultural dimensions to accommodation options in China.
Originating in the 1980s, design hotels have long been popular in Western countries and now travelers in China can enjoy such unique digs with executives and art lovers among those opting for a more interesting stay.
“Integrating the hotel with art and nature and attaching the hotel’s simple functions with unique cultural connotations is the key strategy when differentiating design hotels from competitors,” Shen Han, a lecturer in Tourism Management at Fudan University wrote on her blog, shenhan.blog.sohu.com.
In 2002, the first design hotel in China, Commune by the Great Wall managed by Kempinski, opened its doors. Offering a variety of accommodation options, all individually architecturally designed and decorated, Commune began a trend that many leading chains and boutique operators have been quick to follow.
In southern China’s Shenzhen, Vision Fashion Hotel opened its doors earlier this year, boasting a range of room options all corresponding with fashion images and eras.
The hotel has 100 rooms with rock’n’roll, cartoon and future themes on the menu for guests wanting an overnight stay with a difference. In this kaleidoscope-esque establishment, each room is aimed at challenging the imagination. Fusing interior design and contemporary art, the hotel dares to standout, which is a refreshing option for many.
“The hotel boasts over 60 rooms with different designs and over 10 types of design corridors which are the key elements differentiating us from other design hotels,” said Hou Ting, public relations staff at Vision Fashion Hotel.
The Emperor hotel in Beijing is also pushing traditional design boundaries with a “royal” theme in all of its rooms and facilities.
Located in a hutong near the ancient Forbidden City (now the Palace Museum), The Emperor enjoys a spectacular view of the surrounding imperial neighborhood, which is quiet, unique and full of history.
“All of the elements have been designed as a link to the emperors in ancient China. The rooms are named after Chinese emperors; the Yin Bar on the rooftop offers a breathtaking view of the Forbidden
City, Beihai Park and Jingshan Park and Shi Restaurant features an imperial menu with several historical cuisines which are artistically displayed,” explained Tod Wang, public relations manager at The Emperor.
“Details are everywhere in the hotel. For instance, some customers once asked about the creaky floor, but it was designed to evoke the memory of old furniture,” added Michael Xu, guest relations manager at the hotel.
“During check-out, each guest is given a Chinese seal inscribed with the name of the emperor room he or she stayed in as a souvenir, which is usually beyond their expectation and makes them very happy,” Xu said.
The Opposite House, another vibrant, stylish and luxurious design hotel located at the heart of Beijing’s bustling Sanlitun bar area, is also famous for its modern design elements and boutique decor.
“The hotel prefers a simple style and many objects are made using natural and recycled materials. The large scale wooden furniture and soft partitions create a harmonious environment,” explained Silvia Meng, communication coordinator at The Opposite House.
However, not everyone is appreciative of China’s entry into the design hotel world.
“I’ve been to one of the so-called design hotels in Beijing. Dotted with bright and colorful art, the place was a little bit over-bearing and I was afraid I would be unable to sleep in such environment,” commented Michael Collins, a media professional in Beijing.
“The lobby of the design hotel is special, the rooms are unique and artistic and the service is good. But I still think the price is a little bit high at 600-1,280 yuan ($87-$187) a night, which is much higher than the average price of 400-600 yuan ($58-$87) a night at other hotels. And the construction materials are not good enough to match the high price. It is much more expensive than others just because some elements of design are attached,” commented Li Li, a manager with the Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee.
“To some extent, some design hotels lack an esthetic sense or are not professional. The designs are odd or strange and do not include the value of appreciation and study, which is why they are unable to attract tourists,” Shen Han said.
According to a report last year on travel.sohu.com, compared with design hotels in Western countries there is still room for improvement for Chinese design hotels, with many endeavoring to become more artistic, but failing to capture the true meaning of art.
Source: Global Times
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