W Hotels Worldwide is gearing up for six new locations opening globally in 2011:
W Taipei (February 14; pictured left)-GA Design International has created a “nature electrified” design concept that fuses the rural surroundings of Taipei with the vibrant, high voltage core of the city. W Hotels Designer of the Future winner Zigelbaum + Coelho has also been commissioned to create an interactive chandelier for the hotel.
W London – Leicester Square (February 14)-Debuting as the 40th W Hotel globally, W London has been designed by renowned London architects Jestico + Whiles and Dutch interior design agency Concrete. The hotel is veiled in translucent glass that will change color according to the time of day or happenings in the city or hotel. Interiors are based on the “dual personality” of the Englishman-buttoned-up by day and uninhibited and free-spirited by night.
W St. Petersburg (March; pictured right)-With architecture by Grigoriev + Partners and interior design by Milan-based Antonio Citterio and Partners, W St. Petersburg will be located in a historic building near the lavish Winter Palace, a new place to experience the white of night. Inspired by the jewel-tones and layers of a Fabergé Egg, the “hidden gem” design of the hotel will reveal surprises throughout the guest experience.
W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak (March)-For its latest Retreat experience, W Hotels has partnered with SCDA Design International and AB Concepts Hong Kong. The design of W Bali was inspired by the more than 20,000 temples that populate the island, each with private inner courtyards and public outer courtyards that constantly “conceal and reveal.”
W Paris – Opéra (December)-Located steps from the world-famous Opéra Garnier, W Paris – Opéra has been designed by Rockwell Group Europe (RGe) and inspired by both the energy of New York City-W’s birthplace-and Paris as the City of Light. Sure to light up the refined district, W Paris will meld the traditions of the 1870s Haussman-era building in which it will be housed with a spark of modern radiance.
W Guangzhou (December)-With architecture by Hong Kong-based Rocco Design and interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, the design of W Guangzhou, located in the city’s buzzing Zhujiang district, has been inspired by the region’s ancient Kesi Tapestries. Throughout the hotel, guests will find themes around unraveling, mesh work, and emerging patterns.
