Happy Monday! To help get you going until the coffee kicks in, here are some images showing off how different designers around the world are giving guests a first taste of their hotels. Whether traditional, post-modern or homey, these lobbies are the perfect solution to Monday morning's doldrums.
The Ritz-Carlton, Doha in Qatar combines both contemporary and traditional Middle Eastern style elements (the geometric tiled floor, the designs of the balconies in the top of the photo, respectively) with European touches like a huge chandelier and crystal flower vases. Elegant in its simplicity, this is a lovely combination of East and West.
The lobby at the Four Seasons Geneva is rich in classical European opulence. A crystal chandelier, sconces on the wall and a massive bouquet that takes up an entire table (right in the middle of a tiled compass design on the floor) all evoke 19th-century European grandeur.
In Assam, India, the lobby of the Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati is as post-modern as they come, with a massive glass abstract sculpture dominating the room. The artwork behind the front desk evokes some traditional Indian style, but for the most part, this lobby is decidedly Western and very progressive.
The Langham Place Xiamen has a gorgeous display of seasonal flowers in the lobby as well as a massive suspended wooden sculpture that doubles as a chandelier. The lobby is cool, open and very airy, with pale tiles and neutral metallics adorning the walls.
The InterContinental Bahrain's lobby looks comfortable and relaxing, with large sofas and armchairs surrounding a central table. A low ceiling completes the intimate vibe, making the space look much like a man-cave or den.