Where the Past Still Feels Like the Future
Some designs never lose their edge. Design Icons celebrates the bold architecture and interiors of the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s—from restored roadside motels and Mid-Century Modern landmarks to Brutalist experiments and wonderfully optimistic 1970s interiors. Think sculptural concrete, sunken lounges, geometric forms, space-age curves and unapologetic colour. These are hotels that preserve, restore or reinvent the design spirit of an era when the future still looked exciting.
Seehotel Ambach | Kaltern (Caldaro), South Tyrol | Italy 1970s Alpine Modernism Reimagined on Lake Caldaro Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A remarkably preserved masterpiece by visionary South Tyrolean architect Othmar Barth, one of the defining figures of Alpine modernism. ● A sensitive restoration that celebrates the optimism and elegance of the 1970s while…
read moreCardo Brussels Surrealism, skyline views, and a bold new identity inspired by Belgium's greatest artists. Why DNA Hotels Loves It • A complete reinvention of Brussels' iconic 1972 Sheraton into one of Europe's most distinctive design hotels. • Bold interiors inspired by Belgian surrealism, with playful references to René Magritte and the country's rich artistic…
read moreLodge at Marconi - Marshall, California, USA Where Northern California modernism meets one of the strangest chapters in coastal history. Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A 62-acre retreat above Tomales Bay with a remarkable past that stretches from Guglielmo Marconi’s pioneering wireless station to Synanon and decades as a conference centre. ● Home Studios…
read moreMoxy Banff | Alberta, Canada A 1964 roadside motel reborn as a riot of mid-century ski culture, mountain nostalgia and unapologetically social design. Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● Workshop/APD preserved Banff's first commercial motor hotel's Rundle stone walls and distinctive precast wings, turning a 1964 roadside relic into a convincing piece of contemporary hospitality.…
read moreMountain Modern | Jackson, Wyoming | USA A roadside motel transformed into a playful basecamp for exploring Jackson Hole and the Tetons. Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● TruexCullins translated Jackson Hole’s outdoor culture into design, with oversized Teton landscapes, gear walls and a bold red, black and blond-wood palette. ● The 135 rooms work…
read moreAnvil Hotel | Jackson, Wyoming | USA A 1950s motel recast as a modern Western lodge at the gateway to Jackson Hole. Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● Studio Tack turned a modest roadside motel into a convincing contemporary take on the classic Western lodge, without slipping into cowboy cliché. ● Dark mountain green, warm…
read moreThe Statler, Dallas Mid-Century Legacy Meets Modern-Day Revival Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of America's most significant mid-century hotels, beautifully restored while preserving its unmistakable 1950s character. ● A thoughtful reinvention that combines historic architecture, contemporary design, residences, and vibrant social spaces under one roof. ● Rich in original details—from terrazzo floors and…
read moreThe LINE Austin – Austin, Texas Mid-century modernism reimagined for the rhythm of contemporary Austin. Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A masterful transformation of the iconic 1965 Crest Inn into one of Austin's defining design hotels. ● Interiors by Sean Knibb and architecture by Michael Hsu seamlessly connect the city's urban energy with the…
read moreSound View Greenport | Long Island, New York | USA Mid-Century Americana on the North Fork Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully restored 1953 waterfront motel by Studio Tack that captures the romance of America's golden age of road trips. ● Thoughtful interiors inspired by New England modernism, maritime heritage, and the relaxed…
read moreMunicipal Grand | Savannah, Georgia | USA Where Mid-Century Modernism Meets Southern Hospitality Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A masterful adaptive reuse project that celebrates Savannah’s overlooked mid-century architectural heritage. ● Interiors that blend Southern character, tropical modernism, and contemporary design with remarkable confidence. ● A hotel where cocktails, culture, and community are as…
read moreEl Rey Court, Santa Fe, New Mexico Where Route 66 Meets the New Southwest Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully restored 1936 Route 66 motor court that preserves its historic adobe character while embracing contemporary Southwestern design. ● Authentic New Mexican interiors filled with handcrafted furniture, local art, and tactile natural materials that…
read moreHotel Clermont, AtlantaAtlanta’s most notorious address—where Southern hospitality, rooftop cocktails, and a legendary past collide beneath a neon-lit skyline. Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of America’s most successful hotel revivals, transforming a faded roadside icon into Atlanta’s most talked-about boutique hotel.● A rare blend of history, design, nightlife, and genuine local culture—equal parts…
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