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.
Hotel Marcel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton | New Haven, Connecticut | USAA Marcel Breuer masterpiece transformed into the nation’s first net-zero hotel, where Brutalist architecture meets the future of hospitality. Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of the most important Brutalist restorations in America, preserving a Marcel Breuer landmark for a new generation.● The…
read moreHotel Astoria | Copenhagen, Denmark An Art Deco Landmark Celebrating the Romance of Rail Travel Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● One of Denmark's finest examples of 1930s modernist architecture, designed to evoke the elegance and optimism of the golden age of train travel. ● Carefully preserved Art Deco details and original architectural features create…
read moreIterwar modernism meets glamour and history at Hotel Mediterraneo, Rome.
read moreThe Maidstone, New OrleansMid-Century Cool Meets Southern Soul Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A beautifully restored 1956 motor lodge transformed by Studio Tre into one of New Orleans' most sophisticated design-driven micro-resorts. ● Rich, tactile interiors where mid-century modernism meets Louisiana's landscapes through bespoke craftsmanship, natural materials, and an unforgettable colour palette. ● An…
read morearchitecture and design review luxury The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel
read moreA unique piece of architecture, Hotel Ješt?d is part of the television tower built in the second half of the 1960s on top of the 1.012 metre high Ješt?d mountain, overlooking Bohemia, Poland and Germany. Designed by architect K. Hubacek, the shape was chosen as it extends the silhouette of the hill and moreover resists the extreme climate conditions on the top of the hill.
read moreTWA Hotel | Queens, New York (JFK Airport) | USA The Golden Age of Air Travel, Beautifully Reimagined Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● A meticulous restoration of Eero Saarinen's iconic 1962 TWA Flight Center—one of the world's greatest mid-century modern landmarks. ● Authentic Jet Age interiors paired with contemporary comfort, including 512 ultra-soundproof guestrooms…
read moreFrom January 15 the South Bank design hotel, Mondrian London operates as the Sea Containers London. Paying homage to the history of the iconic building in which the hotel sits, the new name will also mark the hotel’s independent status, as it will now be managed by Lore Group, as part of its collection of independent hotels.
read moreRadisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen | Denmark The World's First Design Hotel and Arne Jacobsen's Total Work of Art Why DNA Hotels Loves It ● Designed entirely by Arne Jacobsen in 1960, it is widely regarded as the world's first true design hotel and one of the finest examples of a Gesamtkunstwerk. ● Home to…
read moreA DNA Hotels’ favourite, Parkhotel Bellevue & Spa in Adelboden is a stylish indie hotel from the 1930s where tradition meets charming Scandinavian and mid-century design. The timelessly elegant design consists of a linear, classical and streamlined modernistic style (a former sanatorium) contrasting with the rustic village and spectacular Alpine landscape. A renovated lobby features furniture by Finn Juhl, Wegner and Gio Ponti. All this creates a truly authentic hotel experience.
read moreJoie de Vivre Hotels’ Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco has completed a US$28 million renovation. While the building’s 1960s exterior was maintained, interiors have been completely scrapped and reimagined by Brooklyn-based Markzeff Design.
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