HotelsMag June 2016 | Page 42

Bklyn House in Brooklyn , New York , exhibits local art throughout the property , including a lobby mural by Dinkc .

Travelers are seeking more authentic experiences across their entire hotel stay , so properties like the Bklyn House in Brooklyn , New York , have incorporated local art into their spaces . The

art-focused boutique hotel ’ s design was inspired by the neighborhood ’ s galleries , cafés and restaurants . Art displays begin in the lobby , which has floor-to-ceiling windows and a retail counter stocked with Brooklyn Brewery beers , chocolate bars from local confectioners Tumbador and Fine

& Row , and snacks from Cobble Hill ’ s Stinky Bklyn cheese shop . Street artist Dinkc created an oversized mural of Brooklyn in the lobby , and the adjoining gallery will host group shows of 10 to 12 local artists . The first exhibition debuted in January .

“ The hotel ’ s concept is one that we hope to innovate and adapt

as the neighborhood around us does ,” says Rick Day , vice president of marketing at Real Hospitality Group , the hotel ' s management company . “ The modern traveler , be it cross-country nomad or the staycation type , wants the entire experience . Bklyn House has done this by enveloping the property with local art and inspiration .”

Local design has also inspired furniture . At Thompson Playa del Carmen in Mexico , custom furniture is found in guestrooms and public spaces . Other locally inspired design highlights include light-washed concrete , Mexican marble , oxidized metal shelving and a native carved rock stone desk in the lobby .

LED Lighting

SuStainabiLity

garDEnS

A NuMBer of ProPerTies Are PrioriTiziNg eNviroNMeNTAllY frieNDlY HoTelkeePiNg .

LED Lighting is growing increasingly popular in hotels as it is thought to conserve energy and provide a warmer ambiance . Even Hotels made its debut in New York City last November with all of its guest rooms featuring color LED “ mood ” lighting .

Starwood Hotels & Resorts and soon-tobe new parent Marriott International are not giving up on the eco-friendly Element brand . In fact , it has been gaining traction and might take on a new life with a stronger push from Marriott

. To wit , Element made its debut in The Netherlands this past April , showcasing 160 eco-friendly suites , flooring made from recycled materials , natural lighting throughout the hotel , and energy efficient lighting and fixtures .

A Grand Hyatt with 17 gardens debuted in Rio de Janeiro . A large vertical garden welcomes guests as they make their way to the large wooden lobby doors . The lobby ’ s design and natural elements aim to offer guests an authentic Brazilian experience .

38 hotelsmag . com June 2016