30 Dramatic Staircases Elevate Their Surroundings
Showstopping architectural moments generate instant focal points at design-focused properties
Words by: HD Staff

From the Maldives to Times Square and beyond, architectural staircases steal the spotlight while inspiring curiosity as to what lies above or below.
In the gallery below, check out the many hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces that feature noteworthy flights.
30 Dramatic Staircases Elevate Their Surroundings
Showstopping architectural moments generate instant focal points at design-focused properties
Words by: HD Staff
From the Maldives to Times Square and beyond, architectural staircases steal the spotlight while inspiring curiosity as to what lies above or below.
In the gallery below, check out the many hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces that feature noteworthy flights.

Upon entering the Jeffrey Beers-designed Hard Rock Hotel New York, guests are greeted by a stone floor featuring a soundwave pattern and a marble staircase that appears as if it’s propped up by guitar strings.
Upon entering the Jeffrey Beers-designed Hard Rock Hotel New York, guests are greeted by a stone floor featuring a soundwave pattern and a marble staircase that appears as if it’s propped up by guitar strings.

The interiors of China’s Hotel Indigo Suzhou Yangcheng Lake are brought together by a spiral staircase at the entrance, which slowly reveals a sumptuous design imagined by BLVD International.
The interiors of China’s Hotel Indigo Suzhou Yangcheng Lake are brought together by a spiral staircase at the entrance, which slowly reveals a sumptuous design imagined by BLVD International.

Designed by New York- and Shanghai-based New Practice Studio, the lobby of the Chapter & Verse hotel in Wuzhen features a small pool situated beneath a dramatic sculptural staircase, which leads to the atrium.
Designed by New York- and Shanghai-based New Practice Studio, the lobby of the Chapter & Verse hotel in Wuzhen features a small pool situated beneath a dramatic sculptural staircase, which leads to the atrium.

The Madrid EDITION, the most recent entry into Ian Schrager‘s hotel collection with Marriott, features a striking staircase that serves as a focal point for 200-room property envisioned by British architect John Pawson.
The Madrid EDITION, the most recent entry into Ian Schrager‘s hotel collection with Marriott, features a striking staircase that serves as a focal point for 200-room property envisioned by British architect John Pawson.

Inside the Hotel Motto in Vienna, which features architecture and interiors by locally based Arkan Zeytinoglu Architects, guestrooms are laid out on both sides of the spiraling central staircase, creating an alluring yet unconventional layout.
Inside the Hotel Motto in Vienna, which features architecture and interiors by locally based Arkan Zeytinoglu Architects, guestrooms are laid out on both sides of the spiraling central staircase, creating an alluring yet unconventional layout.

Restaurant Klein JAN in South Africa’s Northern Cape is an experiential dining journey. Guests make their way through the door on the side of a water tower, where a spiral staircase leads down to a barrel-vaulted root cellar filled with from-scratch pantry items.
Restaurant Klein JAN in South Africa’s Northern Cape is an experiential dining journey. Guests make their way through the door on the side of a water tower, where a spiral staircase leads down to a barrel-vaulted root cellar filled with from-scratch pantry items.

Crafted by interior design firm Studio Munge, the central staircase in the Park Hyatt Toronto‘s Joni restaurant features wood slats that contract Eramosa stone steps.
Crafted by interior design firm Studio Munge, the central staircase in the Park Hyatt Toronto‘s Joni restaurant features wood slats that contract Eramosa stone steps.

Featuring a design by Philippe Starck and architect Jean Nouvel, the ambitious Rosewood São Paulo was over a decade in the making. In the reimagined Matarazzo Maternity ward, a twisting marble and Corten steel staircase sweeps down onto the marble floor.
Featuring a design by Philippe Starck and architect Jean Nouvel, the ambitious Rosewood São Paulo was over a decade in the making. In the reimagined Matarazzo Maternity ward, a twisting marble and Corten steel staircase sweeps down onto the marble floor.

The lush, ephemeral worlds of scenic and hospitality design combine at CIVILIAN Hotel in New York. The 203-room property from hotelier Jason Pomeranc and designed by local firm Rockwell Group features a glamorous curving staircase comprising reclaimed brick, wood, and metal is accented by dramatic curtains to conjure thrilling backstage vibes.
The lush, ephemeral worlds of scenic and hospitality design combine at CIVILIAN Hotel in New York. The 203-room property from hotelier Jason Pomeranc and designed by local firm Rockwell Group features a glamorous curving staircase comprising reclaimed brick, wood, and metal is accented by dramatic curtains to conjure thrilling backstage vibes.

At the Fox Browne Creative-crafted Aramness Gir Lodge on the edge of Gir National Park in Gujarat, India, each kothi—or traditional two-story dwelling—boasts a spiral staircase that leads guests to the upper veranda, which offers sweeping views of the forest.
At the Fox Browne Creative-crafted Aramness Gir Lodge on the edge of Gir National Park in Gujarat, India, each kothi—or traditional two-story dwelling—boasts a spiral staircase that leads guests to the upper veranda, which offers sweeping views of the forest.

Michigan was once the epicenter of American midcentury design, and the Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown wants to remind visitors of that past. From the architecture and interior design to the visual identity and art collection highlighting local and regional artists, Valerio Dewalt Train Associates and Anderson/Miller explore those roots. Up a curved and folded powdercoated steel staircase with terrazzo treads is the mezzanine level, anchored by a poured terrazzo bench and the George Nelson Kangaroo and Finn Juhl Grasshopper chairs, two rare pieces of furniture.
Michigan was once the epicenter of American midcentury design, and the Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown wants to remind visitors of that past. From the architecture and interior design to the visual identity and art collection highlighting local and regional artists, Valerio Dewalt Train Associates and Anderson/Miller explore those roots. Up a curved and folded powdercoated steel staircase with terrazzo treads is the mezzanine level, anchored by a poured terrazzo bench and the George Nelson Kangaroo and Finn Juhl Grasshopper chairs, two rare pieces of furniture.

Old meets new at Grupo Habita’s Baja Club Hotel in the center of La Paz, Mexico. Led by architect Max von Werz and design studio Jaune, it comprises a 1910 colonial-style villa and a tiered four-story addition, which includes the spa, rooftop bar, and the 32 guestrooms. A sculptural helical staircase poised between its two wings also provides vertical circulation and doubles as a striking piece of art.
Old meets new at Grupo Habita’s Baja Club Hotel in the center of La Paz, Mexico. Led by architect Max von Werz and design studio Jaune, it comprises a 1910 colonial-style villa and a tiered four-story addition, which includes the spa, rooftop bar, and the 32 guestrooms. A sculptural helical staircase poised between its two wings also provides vertical circulation and doubles as a striking piece of art.

An electric blue staircase and forest green fitting room provide bursts of color to the industrial bi-level Miami outpost of fashion designer Virgil Abloh’s Off-White brand, which Abloh designed in collaboration with the Netherlands-based AMO—the research and design studio of architecture practice OMA.
An electric blue staircase and forest green fitting room provide bursts of color to the industrial bi-level Miami outpost of fashion designer Virgil Abloh’s Off-White brand, which Abloh designed in collaboration with the Netherlands-based AMO—the research and design studio of architecture practice OMA.

Near the entry of Zentis Osaka, a sculptural staircase made from blue limestone and featuring cantilevered elements—including a bench seat on one side and shelves on the other—leads to the restaurant and bar. “As it winds its way upstairs, its open treads vanish into the beams of the ceiling with the handrails themselves reaching back down underneath the tread,” says London-based Tara Bernerd, who designed the interiors of the Japan property.
Near the entry of Zentis Osaka, a sculptural staircase made from blue limestone and featuring cantilevered elements—including a bench seat on one side and shelves on the other—leads to the restaurant and bar. “As it winds its way upstairs, its open treads vanish into the beams of the ceiling with the handrails themselves reaching back down underneath the tread,” says London-based Tara Bernerd, who designed the interiors of the Japan property.

Designed by San Francisco-based studio BAMO, the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid features a three-story spa and fitness center. A brass-clad staircase defines the wellness center’s arrival experience.
Designed by San Francisco-based studio BAMO, the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid features a three-story spa and fitness center. A brass-clad staircase defines the wellness center’s arrival experience.

Plants add texture and color throughout the the Meyer Davis-designed Arlo Midtown. For example, the pots of preserved moss suspended above the staircase that leads to the fitness center and meeting rooms on the lower level are “sort of playful and fun,” project lead Shannon Senyk explains. “It’s a nice juxtaposition to what you’re experiencing on the streets around the hotel.”
Plants add texture and color throughout the the Meyer Davis-designed Arlo Midtown. For example, the pots of preserved moss suspended above the staircase that leads to the fitness center and meeting rooms on the lower level are “sort of playful and fun,” project lead Shannon Senyk explains. “It’s a nice juxtaposition to what you’re experiencing on the streets around the hotel.”

The Nobu Hotel Palo Alto recently underwent an extensive renovation at the hand of Montalba Architects. Guests are greeted by a reimagined arrival experience and lobby that establishes the property’s Japanese-meets-California aesthetic. “The staircase balances lightness to its appearance with weight to its presence in creating a focal point that invites the guest up to the privacy of the second floor check-in,” says Montalba Architects founding principal David Montalba “Its design pushes the limits of performance, while celebrating the connection of materials and their joinery, marrying ideas of precision engineering and the craft of Japanese detailing.”
The Nobu Hotel Palo Alto recently underwent an extensive renovation at the hand of Montalba Architects. Guests are greeted by a reimagined arrival experience and lobby that establishes the property’s Japanese-meets-California aesthetic. “The staircase balances lightness to its appearance with weight to its presence in creating a focal point that invites the guest up to the privacy of the second floor check-in,” says Montalba Architects founding principal David Montalba “Its design pushes the limits of performance, while celebrating the connection of materials and their joinery, marrying ideas of precision engineering and the craft of Japanese detailing.”

A sleek spiral staircase marks the airy Island Kitchen restaurant, located in the pool area of the Westin Maldives Mirihandoo resort, which boasts a highly sustainable footprint courtesy of Milanese architecture firm Peia Associati.
A sleek spiral staircase marks the airy Island Kitchen restaurant, located in the pool area of the Westin Maldives Mirihandoo resort, which boasts a highly sustainable footprint courtesy of Milanese architecture firm Peia Associati.

Courtesy of Nomah Studio and JSa Arquitectura Javier Sanchez, the 59-room Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton in downtown Mexico City retains many of the structure’s original interior elements, which date back to 1924, including the curved staircase at the entrance and glass-block catwalks suspended over the atrium.
Courtesy of Nomah Studio and JSa Arquitectura Javier Sanchez, the 59-room Umbral, Curio Collection by Hilton in downtown Mexico City retains many of the structure’s original interior elements, which date back to 1924, including the curved staircase at the entrance and glass-block catwalks suspended over the atrium.

A hanging installation of red tambourines and a monochromatic piece by artist Alison Watt kick off the designated Sculpture Walk at the Bentel & Bentel-crafted Hall Arts Hotel Dallas, a Curio Collection by Hilton. From there, guests are guided up the curving metal staircase to the second-floor bar and restaurant, Ellie’s, which overlooks the entrance. “The art functions as a part of the architecture, deepening the views and helping to structure the interiors,” Bentel adds. “The staircase is a sculpture in itself—an essential connector for the two major spaces.”
A hanging installation of red tambourines and a monochromatic piece by artist Alison Watt kick off the designated Sculpture Walk at the Bentel & Bentel-crafted Hall Arts Hotel Dallas, a Curio Collection by Hilton. From there, guests are guided up the curving metal staircase to the second-floor bar and restaurant, Ellie’s, which overlooks the entrance. “The art functions as a part of the architecture, deepening the views and helping to structure the interiors,” Bentel adds. “The staircase is a sculpture in itself—an essential connector for the two major spaces.”

When crafting the Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese hotel, Parisian architect Jean-Philippe Nuel preserved certain details of the 19th-century palazzo, like the dramatic spiral staircase and original moldings and pilasters.
When crafting the Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese hotel, Parisian architect Jean-Philippe Nuel preserved certain details of the 19th-century palazzo, like the dramatic spiral staircase and original moldings and pilasters.

Helmed by C.F. Møller Architects, the color-blocked interiors at Lego’s Danish headquarters evoke a sense of playfulness, notably in the standout spiral neon green staircase that winds toward large skylights.
Helmed by C.F. Møller Architects, the color-blocked interiors at Lego’s Danish headquarters evoke a sense of playfulness, notably in the standout spiral neon green staircase that winds toward large skylights.

Imagined as a grand yet peaceful Montecito estate, Rosewood Miramar Beach—led by Richmond International and a bevy of well-known designers—draws from pioneering 20th-century Black architect Paul R. Williams’ sophisticated oeuvre. Take the property’s central Manor House, which welcomes guests with a spectacular curving staircase—a Williams hallmark—that is replicated from one of the architect’s original designs.
Imagined as a grand yet peaceful Montecito estate, Rosewood Miramar Beach—led by Richmond International and a bevy of well-known designers—draws from pioneering 20th-century Black architect Paul R. Williams’ sophisticated oeuvre. Take the property’s central Manor House, which welcomes guests with a spectacular curving staircase—a Williams hallmark—that is replicated from one of the architect’s original designs.

A winding wood staircase punctuates the arrival experience at Monsieur Didot, an intimate six-room boutique hotel designed by BaBatchas Design Studio in the Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens, Greece.
A winding wood staircase punctuates the arrival experience at Monsieur Didot, an intimate six-room boutique hotel designed by BaBatchas Design Studio in the Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens, Greece.

A bold matte black lobby staircase pops against a live garden wall at the Yabu Pushelberg-designed Times Square EDITION in New York.
A bold matte black lobby staircase pops against a live garden wall at the Yabu Pushelberg-designed Times Square EDITION in New York.

A duo of original staircases with patinaed banisters take centerstage in the atrium-style foyer of Atelier Ace’s Maison de la Luz hotel, a collaborative between Ace’s in-house design team and Los Angeles firm Studio Shamshiri, in the Warehouse District of New Orleans.
A duo of original staircases with patinaed banisters take centerstage in the atrium-style foyer of Atelier Ace’s Maison de la Luz hotel, a collaborative between Ace’s in-house design team and Los Angeles firm Studio Shamshiri, in the Warehouse District of New Orleans.

The dramatic staircase at House of Flowers, the tasting room and visitor center at California’s Flowers Vineyards & Winery, invites visitors to “feels as though they have arrived at the home of a good friend,” explains Walker Warner Architects firm principal Mike McCabe.
The dramatic staircase at House of Flowers, the tasting room and visitor center at California’s Flowers Vineyards & Winery, invites visitors to “feels as though they have arrived at the home of a good friend,” explains Walker Warner Architects firm principal Mike McCabe.

Originally constructed in 1928, Austin’s Commodore Perry Estate, now a part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, recently underwent a thorough restoration by Moule & Polyzoides, designer Ken Fulk, and Clayton Korte to capture the 10-acre architectural landmark’s historic joie de vivre. The mansion’s original staircase, enlivened by a mural by artist Deborah Phillips on the ceiling, creates an immediate sense of grandeur.
Originally constructed in 1928, Austin’s Commodore Perry Estate, now a part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, recently underwent a thorough restoration by Moule & Polyzoides, designer Ken Fulk, and Clayton Korte to capture the 10-acre architectural landmark’s historic joie de vivre. The mansion’s original staircase, enlivened by a mural by artist Deborah Phillips on the ceiling, creates an immediate sense of grandeur.

Reminiscent of the Art Nouveau movement, the monolithic staircase in the lobby of the Austin Proper Hotel “is a beautiful, sculptural centerpiece—an ode to Austin’s stately homes,” designer Kelly Wearstler says, noting that the “artful craftsmanship of the wood is layered with a collage of patchworked vintage rugs” that were collected over five years.
Reminiscent of the Art Nouveau movement, the monolithic staircase in the lobby of the Austin Proper Hotel “is a beautiful, sculptural centerpiece—an ode to Austin’s stately homes,” designer Kelly Wearstler says, noting that the “artful craftsmanship of the wood is layered with a collage of patchworked vintage rugs” that were collected over five years.

Shanghai-based Atelier Tao+C transformed an old wood and rammed earth dwelling surrounded by mountains into Capsule Hotel and Bookstore, complete with a shop, café, capsule-style accommodations, and a public library. Here, staggered platforms are connected by steel staircases that evokes meandering mountain paths.
Shanghai-based Atelier Tao+C transformed an old wood and rammed earth dwelling surrounded by mountains into Capsule Hotel and Bookstore, complete with a shop, café, capsule-style accommodations, and a public library. Here, staggered platforms are connected by steel staircases that evokes meandering mountain paths.