Existing luxury hotels have been reinventing themselves with a focus on the design of the bathroom. Our Luxe Lavs contributor Angela Fairhurst features hotels with new bathroom designs in the United States.
KIMPTON RIVERPLACE HOTEL, PORTLAND
The Kimpton River Place Hotel is located in a peaceful, riverfront area adjacent to a park, just a short walk from downtown Portland, Oregon. The hotel recently underwent a suite remodel. The remodel created one-bedroom/living room layouts that match the urban-lodge style of the hotel with a more residential feel including separate bedrooms, living spaces and fireplaces. Designer Gino Castaño wanted to take advantage of the property’s location and show off the Willamette River views from every room, including the bathrooms. The soaking tub is enclosed with the shower in the style of a European wet room. The dual-sink marble vanity and window-side tub absorb the natural light, which is good for applying makeup. The bathroom fixtures were selected to mirror that modern, natural blend and resemble what you would find on board a finely appointed yacht. Castaño creates texture by selecting multiple styles and patterns of tile. The soft swirls of marble are an intentional contrast to the geometric tiling.
ADELPHI HOTEL, SARATOGA SPRINGS
In a city known for its rich history and horse racing, The Adelphi Hotel has been a mainstay in Saratoga Springs, New York since 1877. The Adelphi Hotel has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation under the watch of Glen Coben of New York City’s Glen & Co. Architecture. Glen updated some of the original furnishings with new upholstery and finishes and created glass panels from the old hotel’s crystal plates. The restoration includes a grand staircase and 11-foot ceilings in the entryway. The hotel’s legendary bar has been revived under the new moniker of Morrisey’s in honor of well-known Saratoga resident John Morrissey, and the restaurants have been redesigned as well. The original number of guestrooms has been trimmed to 32, which offers more space for the hotel’s guests. In a nod to the past, each room contains a relic from the old Adelphi such as a book from the time or a trinket. Rooms are equipped with heated bathroom floors and heated anti-fog mirrors; Carrera marble walls and sink; a soaking tub and glass-enclosed rainfall shower; and heated toilet seats with built-in bidets.
MOUNTAIN SHADOWS, ARIZONA
Mountain Shadows, located in the desert of Arizona’s Paradise Valley, has a history dating back to 1959, when locals, visitors and Hollywood elite such as Bob Hope, Lucille Ball and Robert Stack would flock to the property to dine on Chef Victor Basil’s food while watching dancers and listening to Dick Halleman’s orchestra. Mountain Shadows became part of entertainment history when it was used as the primary backdrop for The Brothers Brannagan and when The Monkees shot an episode of the band’s TV show on location. Maintaining echoes of its historic legacy, the resort reemerged in 2017 as a newly opened upscale boutique destination with 41 condominiums and suites. Combining mid-century modernism and contemporary design, the guestrooms and suites feel open and luxurious with plush bedding, custom furnishings and a cocktail cart. Most guestrooms feature floor-to-ceiling glass for abundant natural light and glass showers. A velvet stool, LED mirror, hand mirror and recessed overhead light make the bathroom an ideal place to apply makeup.
THE CARDINAL HOTEL, WINSTON-SALEM
Built in 1929, and former home to RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, the Kimpton Cardinal in North Carolina is Winston-Salem’s first upscale boutique hotel centrally located in the heart of downtown. The design style is traditional Southern with monograms, magnolias, tartan fabrics and pink toile crossed with Art Deco architecture that is accented by playful, vibrant artwork. The expansive lobby is ideal for working, socializing or relaxing. The hotel has multi-functional and communal spaces including the adult recreation room with all sorts of activities available including a slide, bowling, shuffle board and a basketball court. Afterwards, retreat to the spa-like bathrooms. The Cardinal’s spa bathroom is a favorite where guests enter through the state gemstone emerald-colored barn doors. Above the spacious vanity is a makeup mirror and custom wallpaper adorned with Cardinals, Carolina tartan and dogwood flowers that pay homage to the state. In the shower room, there’s a porcelain soaking tub. The walls are half Japan marine marbled tile and half brown tile. The phrase “Looking Good Sunshine” is inscribed on the mirror.
