Decor and Design

Staying at a hotel is downright inspiring (unless it’s this hotel, of course). After all, being in a new environment can make you feel rejuvenated and relaxed, and the space can even give you ideas for sprucing up your home. Today we’re giving a photo tour of our favorite hotels that have that “bright and bold” vibe down pat. From crazy colorful murals to subtle pops of color, these hotels keep their spaces fun and light. Get inspired — and get the look!

W Atlanta – Buckhead

Lobby at the W Atlanta - Buckhead

Texture, pattern, color — the W in Buckhead has it all; in fact, it has it all right in the lobby! This design-focused, chic hotel offers a younger, funkier alternative to upscale hotels in Atlanta, and the contemporary style ranges from the antler-adorned chandeliers in the lobby to the uber-modern, minimalist decor in other common areas. But what we really covet are the cozy chairs in the rooms, where playful patterns and mismatched artwork create a whimsical vibe.

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Though they can quickly turn from gilded to just plain gaudy, gold style accents(done right) are some of our favorite design trends, and can bring a unique luster to any room. So whether they have subtle metallic accents throughout, or are just unabashedly gold from every angle, these are our favorite rooms for feeling royal on the road. After all, you don’t have to be The Donald to appreciate the finer things in life. Just take a look at some of these gilded greats: When it comes to giving us the royal treatment, these rooms have the Midas touch!

The Gold Room at the Michelberger Hotel shines from top to bottom.

Hotel: Michelberger Hotel, Berlin

Stay: The Gold Room

Undoubtedly one of our favorite gold rooms for its sheer commitment to the look, the Gold Room at this Berlin boutique is eccentric, playful, and just plain fabulous. Take look at the disco-inspired bathroom! Even in all it’s metallic glory, the room has a romantic vibe — complete with an in-room whirlpool —  that is sure set the mood for any guests lucky enough to spend the night in its opulence.

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The Top 5 Travel Trends of 2012

by Kelsey on December 20, 2012

The way we travel is always changing, and 2012 provided ample proof of that. To help you prep for your 2013 vacay, Oyster honed in on the top trends currently rocking the travel world, from the royal travel craze to the rise of the pod hotel. Here’s what’s hot — and what’s not!

The Trend: Celeb Hotel Designers

Lenny Kravitz, who designed the new SLS South Beach, was only one of this year's celeb hotel designers.

Lenny Kravitz, who designed two penthouses at the new SLS South Beach, was only one of many of this year's celeb hotel designers.

Celebrities and fashion icons — Kelly Wearstler, Oscar de La Renta, and Ralph Lauren, to name a few — have been designing hotel interiors for a while, but 2012 proved this trend certainly isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. This year we’ve seen tennis star Venus Williams design two presidential suites for the Intercontinental Miami, Diane Von Furstenburg design a two-bedroom penthouse for the Australian Hayman Island Resort, and Lenny Kravitz contribute to yet another Miami hotel design project — the SLS Hotel South Beach, coming soon to Oyster.com!

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With Spanish flair and Native American style, Albuquerque has some of the coolest decor in the Southwest.

Albuquerque is one of the Southwest’s most stunning — and eclectic — gems, with plenty of Spanish influence and Native American art. The city has its share of great sights, indoors and out, but we sure are suckers for its iconic Southwest decor: adobe walls, Navajo prints, rustic wooden furniture — the list goes on and on. Take a look at a few our favorite hotels that embrace the local culture and get inspired!


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Hotel Duc De Saint-Simon has an elegant vibe that feels classically Parisian.

Hotel Duc De Saint-Simon has an elegant vibe that feels classically Parisian.

Fashionistas heading to Paris for a shopping spree, take note: Oyster.com has paired up with Lucky Magazine to tell you not only where to stay on your next trip, but where to shop. We’ve selected chic Parisian hotels to suit every style, and paired them up with some of Lucky’s favorite boutiques.

Where to go if you wear…

Elegant vintage pieces

Stay: Hotel Duc De Saint-Simon
If your closet is full of refined vintage finds, this historic hotel — where Lauren Bacall reportedly stays while in the city — is an elegant option. Rooms are decorated in rich fabrics and antique furniture (even the keys are antique), and include perks such as flat-screen TVs, large bathrooms (by European standards), and plush bathrobes.

Shop: Chez Sarah
Lucky Says…
Upon arriving at Les Puces de Saint-Ouen (a must-hit, 17-acre, Saturday-to-Monday antiques and flea market), I zip straight to my friend Sarah Rozenbaum’s whimsical little stall of vintage treasures. Her collection (’30s feathered stoles, patterned A-line dresses from the ’50s) never ever disappoints. 27 rue Lecuyer (18th arr.), Saint-Ouen, 33-6-0801-8089, chezsarah.fr

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Some rooms, such as the one-bedroom luxury suite, feature full kitchens and dining rooms.

Some rooms, such as the one-bedroom luxury suite, feature full kitchens and dining rooms.

The luxurious Stein Erikson Lodge is a favorite among skiers, families, and couples who visit Park City. Located directly on Deer Valley Resort, the hotel offers skier-friendly amenities such as ski-in/ski-out access, a full-service ski locker room, ski valets, and a design style that could be described as “wilderness chic” with plenty of roaring fireplaces and cozy leather couches. The 170 rooms are spacious and feature comfortable bedding, sleek bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, large flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Besides the highly reputed spa, the two restaurants (make sure to try the Stein burger — it’s to die for) and the year-round outdoor pool all add to the lodge’s popularity. The nearby St. Regis features slightly more luxe decor, but return visitors to the lodge prefer it’s more laid-back vibe and freebies, such as a shuttle to shops and restaurants. See more incredible photos after the jump or read our full review now»

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The Jane Hotel may be a party spot, but you can only have a one-person party in this tiny room.

The Jane Hotel may be a party spot, but you can only have a one-person party in this tiny room.

Ah, New York. There’s really no place like it. It’s one of the only cities in the world where you can pay hundreds of dollars for a hotel room smaller than your office cubicle. We’re hardly exaggerating, and to prove it, we’ve rounded up our photos of some of the smallest hotel rooms we’ve ever seen. (It’s worth noting that good things can come in small packages, and if the price is right, some of these exceptionally teensy spaces can actually be good values.)

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Barcelona is arguably Spain’s most cosmopolitan and trendy city [Ed. note: And as a native of Madrid, that's hard to admit]. Its laid-back — yet upscale – atmosphere, stunning architecture and great food make it the top destination in Spain, and a must-see stop on tours of Europe. Millions of tourists pour into the city’s sunny streets every year, and thus there are plenty of hotels from which to choose. However, we gotta say — the best way to dive right into Barcelona’s cool vibe is by staying in one of its outstanding boutique hotels, where the experience feels the most authentic. Check out some of our favorites below!

Abac Barcelona

ABaC Spa features a Jacuzzi with underwater loungers, a hammam, and two treatment cabins.

ABaC Spa features a Jacuzzi with underwater loungers, a hammam, and two treatment cabins.

Upscale avant-garde rooms are white and beige with purple accents

Upscale avant-garde rooms are white and beige with purple accents.

This exclusive, 15-room luxury boutique embodies contemporary style at its best, making it a natural fit in a city that treasures design. Rooms are avant garde, from the clean, white and beige decor, to the modern under-lighting, from the remote-controlled blinds, to the Bang & Olufsen sound system. And the hotel’s amazing spa with Turkish baths shouldn’t be missed, nor should the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

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What we would give to be snuggled up in one of those velvet chairs!

What we would give to be snuggled up in one of those velvet chairs!

Gone are the days of summer. And while we look back with nostalgia (it’s easy to forget how brutal the heat was once it’s gone, right?), we here at Oyster are already looking forward to fall: Pumpkin bread, hot apple cider, a good book…and the best way to round out this autumnal trifecta is with a crackling fire, of course. It’s time to get cozy: Warm up with a peak at our favorite hotel fireplaces across the country.

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10 Luxe Boutique Hotels in Lisbon

by Rachel on September 14, 2012

The capital city of Portugal, Lisbon is a modern, globalized area thanks to financial, cultural and tourism industries. But the city is also steeped in history — and many of its boutique hotels show it off. Check out our ten favorites below, and let us know which one YOU love the most in the comments section below!

Altis Belem Hotel & Spa

The glass-walled bathroom lets anyone in the Master Bedroom sneak a peek.

Restaurant Feitoria serves up delicious TK.

The Altis Belem Hotel & Spa is a 50-room boutique in Belem, a residential neighborhood on the Tagus River. Belem is slightly removed from the city center, but has several of its own attractions, as well as gorgeous marina views and lovely restaurants lining the river. The hotel’s rooms are sexy and spacious, with all-white decor accented by green rugs and unusual wall murals. Marble bathrooms are open — with little privacy — and some have inviting soaking tubs. Some rooms also have balconies with marina views and private Jacuzzis. Despite its small size, this hotel has many amenities, including a spa, a big indoor pool, a fitness center, and a Michelin-rated restaurant. Guests that want to be within walking distance of more attractions might consider the Altis Avenida, also a boutique hotel, with modern rooms in the city center.

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