best fashion designer hotels
Whether it’s kicking back on a tropical island, or stepping out onto London’s bustling streets, having a home base on holiday has never been more stylish.
There are some fashion designers around the world, who have cemented their images through clothing. Runway after runway we see their visions lathered over clothes and accessories, but what if these bold and drastic aesthetics found a new medium? Some brands launch into cosmetics, others launch into something wildly different — the world of hotels.
Having your imprint across several collections is not enough for some labels, going further to bring the brand‘s style to the walls and decor of hotels and resorts around the world. Some are more subtle than others, say the effortless luxury of Armani — dutifully recreated in the pared-back aesthetic of the hotel. Or Versace, where of course there are gilded furnishings resplendent in the finest trimmings of the palace of ancient Rome.
Most recently, right here in Australia, one of the most iconic examples of Versace’s opulence down under announced the end of its partnership. The Palazzo Versace hotel on the Gold Coast of Australia, has recently had its branding agreement come to an end. The jewel in the crown of the Gold Coast’s luxury hotels, it marks the end of one of the most iconic designer hotels in the world.
But for those still seeking a designer edge when finding their next hotel on holiday, there are still plenty of fashion label branded hotels across all corners the world.
Scroll on for the best we’ve found.
Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Location: Montego Bay, Jamaica
Designer: Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren first purchased a vacation home known as High Rock at Round Hill on Jamaica’s north coast back in the 1980s, decorating it with his own Ralph Lauren finishes. Classic preppy style meets the laid-back nature of the tropics. It’s an unlikely pairing, but works as Lauren’s idea of a relaxed life. White mahogany panelling and matching interiors, with rooms shaded by Louvered shutters, and striped awnings, the hotel is tropical luxury meets iconic American prep. Surrounding the hotel and villas are acres of lush tropical greenery.
The Pelican Hotel
Location: Miami, USA
Designer: Renzo Rosso
Renzo Rosso — the founder of iconic Italian fashion label Diesel — first purchased The Pelican Hotel in 1990, but it wasn‘t until 2022 that Rosso’s son Andrea was able to firmly imprint his famous style to the 32 rooms. Today, each of which is inspired by movie sets, and Diesel’s iconic denim. Each of the rooms are filled with artefacts and furniture that recall not just famous movies, but unique pieces of Miami, as the younger Rosso scoured local markets for treasures during the renovation. The space today exists as a tongue-in-cheek expression of South Florida’s memorable panache, with flamboyant wallpaper and bright decorations, these days it’s a metropolis of whos-who when the stylish elite come to town.
Vermelho Hotel
Location: Melides, Portugal
Designer: Christian Louboutin
The hotel from famed shoe designer Christian Louboutin, the Vermelho Hotel is an eclectic mix of styles and decorations, presented in the most extravagant way possible. In essence, extremely Louboutin. Located right near where Christian Louboutin would holiday, the small town houses one of the most beautiful escapes in Portugal. And of course, there are bed slippers neatly embroidered with Louboutin’s signature red.
Fendi Suites
Location: Rome, Italy
Designer: Fendi
After you’re done shopping at the iconic Fendi flagship store in Italy’s capital Rome, you can kick your feet up at the brand’s own suites located right upstairs. It’s Fendi’s first boutique hotel offering, and it’s located on the third floor of the historic Palazzo Fendi in the heart of Rome. Seven suites make up the collection, and while each are unique — all possess the luxury and comfort you’d expect from Fendi. Of course, each of the suites is furnished with Fendi Casa pieces from beds and linens, to couches, and fixtures.
Casa Camper
Location: Berlin, Germany
Designer: Fernando Amat and Jordi Tio
Famed Spanish shoemakers Camper have adapted their ambitious but stylish approach footwear design to a boutique hotel in the trendy Berlin neighbourhood of Mitte. Minimally designed interiors match wooden floors to modern designer furnishings to rust-red walls. Camper has also brought its eco-friendly approach to the space, with water-recycling showers and other sustainably selected amenities. There are 51 apartments and suites situated across eight floors, all of which embrace the fun design cues that Camper footwear is already well-known for.
Armani Hotel
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Designer: Giorgio Armani
The Burj Khalifa protrudes out from the sands of Dubai like a shiny silver sceptre, taking up the first eight floors, and then levels 38 and 39 of the world’s tallest building is the Armani Hotel, the first venture into the hospitality world from the iconic Italian designer. Armani himself was the final approval for everything down to the length of the bath towels and to the leather-lining of the walls. Spared from overly-ostentatious interiors, the hotel is a reflection of the timeless and classic style of Armani’s own brand. It was followed up with an equally stylish and luxurious hotel in Milan.
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Designer: Bulgari
Nestled high up on cliffs towering over the Indian Ocean, the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts have built a sprawling collection of 59 spacious villas. Right near Pecatu on the scenic Bukit Peninsula, Bulgari has lavish villas ranging from smaller getaways to large mansion-style villas with private pools and entertaining areas. Sharing a common design style that incorporates the use of local stone and wood, mixed with the elegance of Bulgari-made fabrics, the villas epitomise Bali’s luxury in the hands of Bulgari’s flagship hospitality offering. Bulgari has another seven designer hotels located across Milan, London, Dubai, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, and Tokyo, with several more planned for the coming years.
Tortuga Bay Hotel
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Designer: Oscar De La Renta
The late Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta helped design this 15-villa hotel in his home country of the Dominican republic. It’s the only hotel he designed, and the idyllic rooms are set against the backdrop of a 1,500-acre ecological reserve. With access to private beaches opening to the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean, the resort acts as an accompaniment to de la Renta’s ode to the beauty of the region. Inside, de la Renta incorporated his Oscar de la Renta Home fabrics, as well as breezy white walls and shutters. De la Renta even designed the red and white uniforms for the staff. Completing the space with furnishings sourced from local artisans to ensure the entire hotel maintains its Dominican essence for the international crowd.
Hotel La Bellechase
Location: Paris
Designer: Christian Lacroix
Hidden within the bustling Parisian streets is a luxurious urban getaway designed by French fashion designer Christian Lacroix. In the sophisticated 7th arrondissement, Hotel La Bellechase features 33 rooms all designed by Lacroix. Lacroix was inspired by old tarot cards, as well as extravagant theatre sets. Each of the snug rooms make full use of their space, with Lacroix’s vision that they would become sophisticated urban nests. All the rooms feature nods to Lacroix’s imaginative design, with gothic extravagance centred around a rich palette of deep red and sumptuous golds. A cabinet of curiosities in the heart of Paris.