From whimsical and bold to soothing and restrained, the properties nominated for the 27th annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design, presented by the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, demonstrate a stimulating diversity. A quartet of judges—D'Aquino Monaco principal Carl D'Aquino, Gettys Group senior designer Christopher Keller, TBar Steak & Lounge co-owner Tony Fortuna, and Thompson Hotels co-owner Stephen Brandman—chose finalists in eight categories from more than 150 international projects, both new construction and renovation completed within the 18 months leading up to the competition. So who will walk away a winner?
Interior Design and Hotels magazines are announcing the names at a November 12 awards breakfast at the Mandarin Oriental, New York. One result, however, has already been determined: HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates, this year's number-one Interior Design Giant in hospitality, is also the Gold Key designer of the year.
Finalists: Guest Room
Delano, Miami Beach
DESIGN Banjo.
STANDOUT The signature white-on-white rooms have been updated with Carrara marble and Murano glass.
New Majestic Hotel, Singapore
DESIGN Ministry of Design.
STANDOUT Punchy colors, mid-century classics, and dramatic murals cater to the design-savvy traveler.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubayy
DESIGN Wilson Associates.
STANDOUT The cherry-veneered headboard's ornately carved MDF friezes give a nod to Arab decorative traditions.
Finalists: Casual Dining
Nishimura, Beijing
DESIGN CL3 Architects.
STANDOUT Dining spaces are defined by innovative partitions—most noticeably a plywood wall punched with oval apertures.
Brgr, New York
DESIGN Rockwell Group.
STANDOUT A 27-foot-long banquette is backed by round vinyl- and leather-covered cushions that playfully evoke hamburger buns.
Comet Ping Pong, Washington, D.C.
DESIGN Core Architecture + Design.
STANDOUT A study in urban archaeology, this stripped-down space boasts industrial steel light fixtures and benches built from barn siding.
Finalists: Suite
Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, British Columbia
DESIGN Anderson Miller.
STANDOUT The International suite's serious luxury takes the form of an oversize leather-upholstered headboard, multiple LCD screens, and a working gas fireplace.
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago
DESIGN TVS Interiors.
STANDOUT Exotic wood veneers and handsome furnishings mix for a luxe residential feel in the Grand and Presidential suites.
Peaks Resort & Golden Door Spa, Telluride, Colorado
DESIGN Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
STANDOUT A bedroom in fir, marble, and stainless steel opens directly to a soaking tub, thanks to translucent glass sliding doors.
Finalists: Lobby/Reception
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino
DESIGN HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates.
STANDOUT Pale limestone flooring and huge white fiberglass planters contrast with dark-stained wooden beams and laser-cut bronze screens.
Cove Atlantis, Bahamas
DESIGN Jeffrey Beers International.
STANDOUT The 35-foot-high limestone columns create a cathedral effect, complemented by 25-foot-long cylindrical copper light fixtures.
Sofitel Los Angeles
DESIGN Yabu Pushelberg.
STANDOUT Screens of woven anodized aluminum and acrylic surround a 10-foot-tall site-specific sculpture in stainless steel by Damon Hildreth.
Finalists: Spa
Resort at Singer Island, Florida
DESIGN HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates.
STANDOUT Treatments are enhanced by a soothing ocean-inspired color palette encompassing polyester sheers and etched-glass doors.
Four Seasons Hong Kong
DESIGN Wilson Associates.
STANDOUT Each of the hotel's pair of deluxe spa suites features its own vitality pool for two, plus a private bar.
Finalists: Fine Dining
Nobu Intercontinental, Hong Kong
DESIGN Rockwell Group.
STANDOUT Sea-urchin spines, terrazzo with embedded bamboo rings, and smooth black river stones appoint ceiling, walls, and floor.
Sho U, Singapore
DESIGN Ministry of Design.
STANDOUT The layout's spatial twists are accentuated by the color scheme's bold red, jet black, and gleaming white.
Lia's by Chef Geoff, ChevyChase, Maryland
DESIGN Core Architecture + Design.
STANDOUT Mirrors sandblasted with an ivy pattern and ceiling panels of pressed tin meet a graffiti mural on unfinished plywood.
Finalists: Bar/Lounge
Seaglass, Bahamas
DESIGN Jeffrey Beers International.
STANDOUT This Cove Atlantis destination lures guests with its soaring ceiling, detailed with gold leaf and handblown glass drops.
Racing Club, Hong Kong
DESIGN CL3 Architects.
STANDOUT The mostly black-and-white setting gets a shot of color from ceiling panels in the dining room and TV screens in the bar, both backlit with changing LEDs.
Four Seasons Hong Kong
DESIGN Wilson Associates.
STANDOUT The blues and greens of the cast-glass blocks surrounding a massive support column are reminiscent of adjacent Victoria Harbour.
Finalists: Hotel
Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
DESIGN HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates.
STANDOUT Attention to detail comes through everywhere, from the Chinese scholars' brushes suspended in a suite to the backlit rock crystal by the main stair.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubayy
DESIGN Wilson Associates.
STANDOUT An exotic materials palette, varied textures, water features, and sophisticated dining entice all five senses.
Hotel Palomar Dallas
DESIGN Cheryl Rowley Design.
STANDOUT This interior renovation deftly emphasizes the building's 1960's architecture while softening it with earth tones, plentiful woods, and work by local artists.
