Brooklyn, New York-based furnishing brand West Elm has announced plans to expand its presence into the travel and hospitality market with the launch of West Elm HOTELS. Through a new partnership with management and development company DDK, West Elm HOTELS will begin opening properties in Detroit, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Savannah, and Charlotte starting in late 2018.
The brand is founded on three key tenets: wholehearted hospitality; distinctive, thoughtful design; and community connection. It will strive to provide personalized attention and a localized sense of place in each outpost, with all hotels featuring local design elements that reflect regional character through décor, artwork, and even cuisine.
“After 26 consecutive quarters of double-digit comparative growth, including our successful entry into the commercial furnishings market with West Elm Workspace, we’ve created an active bond with our customers that can extend beyond home and work,” says West Elm president Jim Brett. “By adapting the framework design of each hotel to reflect the mood and identity of its host city, we will continue to engage the adventurous spirit of our customers as they follow us to our next level of hospitality.”
“There is a growing desire among modern travelers to immerse themselves in the place they are visiting. They want a boutique experience, and expect great, reliable service that caters to their needs,” adds DDK co-founder David Bowd. “Our general managers will serve as innkeepers, and West Elm HOTELS will focus on making real community connections for visitors and residents alike.”
Hotel guests will be able to purchase any furnishings and artwork found in rooms online.
