Armchair Travel – Six hotel design books to inspire your next trip

With Coronavirus having left most of the world in self-isolation, travel plans are up in the air. What better way to pass the time than to start planning the next trip and hotel stay once order is restored?

We’ve rounded up six of the best coffee-table books centred around hotel design that will virtually transport you to somewhere you’d rather be. Take a leaf through our selections below and daydream your way through lockdown.

André Fu: Crossing Cultures with Design

Having designed some of the most renowned hotels around the globe, such as The St. Regis, Hong Kong, The Berkeley, London and Waldorf Astoria, Bangkok, it comes as no surprise that André Fu should have his projects bound together in his own dedicated book.

André Fu: Crossing Cultures with Design, published recently, exhibits 18 of the designer’s most recent projects around the world, and provides insight into his creative process.

Fully illustrated, the book affirms Fu’s reputation as a prolific hotel designer, not just in Asia, but across the globe.

The World’s Sexiest Bedrooms

If there’s anyone to take hotel recommendations from, it’s Mr & Mrs Smith. The group, who have been the trusted guide to independent, design-led hotels for 15 years, dipped into its archive and selected 35 of its favourite hotels in locations varying from The Cotswolds to the Caribbean.

With 296 pages full of photographs and insider guides to each hotel and their local areas, The World’s Sexiest Bedrooms is the dash of inspiration one needs when planning the next trip.

AB Concept

Founded by Ed Ng and Terence Ngan, AB Concept is a leader in both architectural and interior design, consulting for luxury brands such as Four Seasons, Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-La Hotels.

Integrating minimalist interiors into bold interpretations of traditional architectural forms, the studio is highly revered both in Asia and around the world.

Its eponymous book, published by Assouline, showcases projects that make the design house a vanguard in the world of hotel design.

Where Architects Sleep: The Most Stylish Hotels In The World

It’s considered a no-brainer to seek the advice of a Chef for the best places to eat – after all, who better to turn to than the experts? In this respect, it makes sense to ask for hotel recommendations from the very people who design them.

Published by Phaidon, Where Architects Sleep compiles suggestions and insider tips from over 250 world-leading architects, revealing everything from renowned destinations to undiscovered gems.

With over 1,200 listings in more than 100 countries, this guide has all budding wanderlusters covered.

Chic Stays – Condé Nast Traveller’s Favourite People on Their Favourite Places

Condé Nast Traveller’s first ever book presents a beautiful and diverse selection of hotels recommended by a legion of writers, musicians, actors, models and directors, including Sophia Coppola who writes about her family palazzo in southern Italy, and Beth Ditto who describes her love for Ace Portland.

Other suggestions in the book come from Cara Delevigne, Bill Nighy, Bryan Ferry, Paul Smith, Guy Ritchie, Olivia Palermo and many more.

New Perspectives: The Design Hotels Book 2020

Over the past 25 years, Design Hotels has curated a global collection of independent, design-led hotels that function as social hubs and platforms for extraordinary experiences.

The 2020 edition of The Design Hotels Book marks a new editorial and artistic direction for the design anthology, created in collaboration with leading photographers.

Comprising an evocative series of photo essays and reportage, the book gives the reader an exclusive glimpse into 25 new member hotels that are rewriting the narrative of modern hospitality.­­

CREDITS
Words: Donna Salek