For the guestroom and corridor renovation of the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables in Florida, Dallas-based firm Flick Mars had one goal: to create a cohesive guest experience. "The Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, inspired the existing building façade," explains partner Matt Mars. "Yet the existing guestrooms did not accentuate or complement the design vocabulary of the exterior. The challenge was allowing for the Hyatt aesthetic while acknowledging the building’s design influence."

So the designers used the façade as inspiration, taking cues from its unique combination of Moorish and Spanish influences. The result: "A collaboration between Alhambra Moorish elements and contemporary Hyatt chic," says partner James Flick. The color palette is a departure from the "traditional" Florida pastel; instead, a deep chocolate background provides a rich backdrop for soothing ivory, taupe, and gold hues. "It is much more monochromatic and tranquil compared to the pink coloration from the original design," explains senior designer Kathy Moran, adding that the corridors are also done in saturated colors to create a mysterious walk through a Spanish alcázar. In the 250 guestrooms, intricate detailing such as the bathroom mirror and sconces coexist with the simple, graceful lines of the carpet and cocktail tables while the casegoods and headboards suggest sinuous arabesque forms. A highlight? The vanity. "We researched the fretwork on the Alhambra castle and used that pattern for the design," explains Mars.

But like any project, it came with its challenges. The designers only had five months for design, owner review, and specification creation, and there were 45 room types. "The best compliment we have received regarding this project is that the building design is finally complete," says Flick.

Next up: the firm is working on several renovations including the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport, Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, and The Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona.