Inntel Hotel - A Stack of Dutch Design

To give you a glimpse into my past, I grew up in a small Iowan town that cherishes its Dutch heritage and even annually celebrates with a three-day festival complete with Dutch costumes, poffertjes, wooden shoes, and as many tulips as the unpredictable Iowa weather will give them. While I no longer fit into my Dutch costume, and long gave up my days of marching in wooden shoes in our high school band, anytime I see anything with a Dutch resemblance, I am taken back to those days. Lucky for me, this next destination brings us to a 160-room hotel in a suburb of Amsterdam, the Netherlands designed by WAM architecten and Molenaar & Van Winden architecten. I quickly fell in love with the unique lego-block stack of typical Zaan houses that make of up the façade of Inntel Hotel.

The single blue house at the top of the structure is a reference to Claude Monet's "The Blue House" painting.

The grand staircase welcomes guests into this modern Dutch getaway.

 

Each of the 160 rooms are unique and their categories or themes are divided by the features of the room. For example, Taste Deluxe Rooms are inspired by chocolate, biscuit, cheese and mustard flavors.

The Tsar Peter Suite is known as the most unique suite and is designed after the Tsar Peter House, the oldest house in Zaandam. 

Other rooms and suites include the Craft Deluxe Room, Factory Deluxe Room, Founders Junior Suite, and Founders Suite.

Shown below is the hotel's Bar & Restaurant Puur Saen, featuring more of the historic pictures of the region that are found throughout the entire hotel, complementing the modern twist on Dutch design. I think that it would be hard to leave the Inntel Hotel without an appreciation and increased knowledge of the Zaan region, which proves that the architects and designers successfully carried out their concept. 

And here is the pool. I would definitely say that design of the space and chosen finishes promote the goal of calmness and total relaxation.

Be sure to check out the hotel's website to learn more about the hotel's unique rooms or book a stay!

[Pictures via iDesignArch & WAM architecten]

Design Down Under

This next destination brings us to a quirky Australian hotel called QT Gold Coast. The hotel's website gives a perfect description of Nic Graham + Associates design intent: "nostalgic surfer chic meets miami catwalk cool." This hotel is filled with bold, modern furniture, lighting and finishes that I'm convinced would brighten up anyone's mood. There seems to be so much to do and see, keeping artists, vacationers and surfers occupied. I personally love the custom light fixtures in the lobby (below) and feel they are a perfect addition to the space whether you are looking at it from below....

or above.

I also like how the quirky and modern beach vibe is carried through every space in a unique way and even as the function of spaces change, guests see repeated design elements and furniture pieces.

Bold patterns and clean, modern style continues into the guest rooms and complements the beautiful views of Australia. I also appreciate the graphic tile work in the bathroom complemented with mirror placement that reminds you to continue having fun!

And here is the hotel's Spa Q. I especially love the perfect mixture of textures found through this space with the metallics, basket light fixtures, metal chairs, and fur. 

And don't forget about the cafe, Fixx, complete with a variety of treats and an organic menu.

Be sure to explore the rest of the hotel or begin planning your Australian getaway by booking a stay at QT Gold Coast on their website!

via freshome and QT Gold Coast