Japanese real estate developer Global Agents is scheduled to open the second location of its luxury lifestyle hotel brand Unwind Hotel & Bar with a grand opening set for late March 2019. Their first location opened in early 2017 in Sapporo, Hokkaido; and Global Agents is opening the second property in the city of Otaru, also in Hokkaido.
For this property, the Japanese developer is revamping the former Etchuya Hotel, a local symbol and historical building constructed in 1931. It was the very first hotel dedicated to serving foreigners in Hokkaido after World War I.
Working with Line-Inc. for the design of the property, Global Agents eyes to preserve the hotel's heritage and original facade while also giving the long-time vacant property a full interior renovation. The building was originally designed by Kuniharu Karasawa and was listed in British travel guides as early as the late 1800s. The façade and its perpendicular fenestrations are major features of the building, with two rows of bay windows surrounded by circular windows on either side. The influence of post-World War I Art Deco design on Karasawa is also seen in his use of stained glass throughout the interior. The exterior and newly renovated interior will allow guests to experience a mix of historical and modern design elements. The hotel will also have brand-new facilities and services, such as a bar and a banquet hall that will double as a restaurant.
The lobby will have a chandelier and rustic fireplace.
The former ballroom of the building will be adapted into "The Ball," a dining venue. It will also double as a banquet space that can be used for large events and weddings.
The property will also have "Bar Ignis," a bar designed with guest interaction in mind.
Global Agents has plans to open six new hotels in Japan this year, as well as its first international hotel in Taipei, Taiwan, currently scheduled to open Summer 2019.
Photo credit: Global Agents