Designs That Inspire
Are you passionate about home decor and architecture? Some hotel designs leave us in awe with their bold innovation and deep cultural significance.
From bold geometric forms to designs that disappear into the scenery, these hotel buildings do more than catch your eye. They celebrate local culture, honor nature, and turn architecture into an immersive experience. Let’s journey through some of the most iconic hotels that have redefined the hospitality industry, showcasing their groundbreaking designs and the inspiration behind them.
Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada
Designed by the renowned architect Todd Saunders, the Fogo Island Inn sits gracefully on stilts, offering guests stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the island’s rugged beauty. This unique hotel combines modern design with sustainable practices, perfectly blending into its natural surroundings.
Using locally sourced materials, its architecture highlights the island’s breathtaking landscape, making it an eco-friendly and visually striking retreat for those seeking both comfort and a deep connection to nature.
Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Elciego, Spain
Frank Gehry’s design for Hotel Marqués de Riscal in Spain’s Rioja wine country is nothing short of spectacular. The building is wrapped in undulating titanium ribbons, in shades of pink, silver, and gold, inspired by the curves and colors of wine bottles.
This sculptural masterpiece stands out against the backdrop of lush vineyards, blending avant-garde architecture with the region’s rich winemaking heritage. It offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience where modern design meets tradition.
Morpheus in Macau, China
The Morpheus Hotel, designed by the brilliant minds at Zaha Hadid, is the world’s first free-form high-rise exoskeleton building. Its twisting, sculptural shape is complemented by bold voids and futuristic interiors, making it a true architectural wonder.
Standing out from the typical angular buildings around it, the Morpheus is a symbol of innovation, pushing the boundaries of design and engineering, and changing the way we imagine hotel architecture.
Matild Palace in Budapest, Hungary
Matild Palace is where old-world charm meets five-star sparkle! This stunning building in Budapest was built in 1902 and today shines as a luxury hotel with serious royal vibes. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and once you step inside, it’s all chandeliers, grand staircases, and views of the Danube.
Think history class, but with room service and rooftop dining. If you love hotels with stories to tell, Matild Palace definitely knows how to make an entrance.
Shangrila Resort in Skardu, Pakistan
Shangrila Resort in Skardu is a striking example of architecture in harmony with nature. Built along the edge of a heart-shaped lake, its red-roofed wooden cottages are inspired by traditional Pakistani mountain homes. The resort’s design uses natural stone, timber, and large windows to highlight the surrounding beauty of the Himalayas.
Unlike modern glass towers, Shangrila blends into its dramatic setting, offering a peaceful retreat that feels both rustic and grand. Its unique structure and location make it a standout among hotels worldwide.
Burj Al Arab in Dubai, UAE
The Burj Al Arab is one of the world’s most iconic hotels, designed by Tom Wright. Its sail-shaped silhouette stands proudly on an artificial island in the Persian Gulf, dominating the Dubai skyline.
This luxurious hotel symbolizes wealth and innovation, offering world-class service, opulent interiors, and breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea. It remains one of the most sought-after luxury destinations in the world.
Sun Cruise Resort in Jeongdongjin, South Korea
Perched high on a cliff, Sun Cruise Resort looks like a massive ocean liner frozen in time, like the Titanic docked mid-voyage. But this ship never sailed; it was built entirely on land to mimic a real cruise experience without ever leaving shore.
Overlooking the East Sea, its design includes ocean-view rooms, sun decks, and even a wave simulator. The dramatic setting and ship-like silhouette make it feel like a scene straight out of a movie, offering guests the thrill of the sea, minus the motion.
Marina Bay Sands in Singapore
Designed by Moshe Safdie, Marina Bay Sands is a landmark in modern architecture. The hotel features three soaring towers, crowned by a stunning sky garden and infinity pool. From here, guests can enjoy one of the best views of the Singapore skyline.
Blending cutting-edge design with environmental sustainability, Marina Bay Sands represents modern luxury and offers a truly unparalleled experience.
Katara Towers in Lusail, Qatar
Shaping the skyline of Lusail Marina, Katara Towers are architectural showstoppers. Designed to resemble Qatar’s crossed scimitar swords, these twin crescent-shaped buildings fuse cultural heritage with modern luxury.
Home to the Raffles and Fairmont hotels, their curved steel-and-glass design creates a striking silhouette, especially when lit up at night. More than just impressive façades, the towers reflect Qatar’s identity through bold form and futuristic detail, proving that in Lusail, hotel architecture is just as much about storytelling as it is about style.
Nobis Hotel in Stockholm, Sweden
Nobis Hotel in Stockholm blends the old with the new, offering a refined and stylish stay. The hotel’s cathedral-like lobby, with its glass domes, makes for a dramatic entrance, blending traditional Scandinavian charm with sleek, contemporary design.
The combination of grandeur and warmth creates a space that’s both impressive and inviting. Nobis Hotel is a prime example of how traditional elements can be reinterpreted in a modern context.
Keemala in Phuket, Thailand
Keemala in Phuket is a whimsical resort where fantasy and nature come together in a truly magical way. The treehouses and tented villas, each inspired by one of four mythical clans, create a dreamlike atmosphere.
Nestled in the lush jungle, Keemala merges seamlessly with its surroundings, offering visitors an unforgettable stay. Its imaginative design invites guests to immerse themselves in a world where architecture and nature blend in perfect harmony.
The Pyramid at Grand Oasis in Cancún, Mexico
Shaped like a stepped pyramid, Grand Oasis in Cancún brings a touch of ancient Mayan design to modern beachfront living. Its geometric structure mirrors the region’s famous ruins, offering a cultural connection through bold architecture.
The sloped design allows more rooms to overlook the ocean, while the open layout keeps the air flowing and the atmosphere relaxed. With palm-lined walkways, a glowing central atrium, and dramatic angles throughout, it’s a striking example of design rooted in history, yet made for comfort.
The Crescent Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan
Rising from the Caspian Sea like a shimmering half-moon, the Crescent Hotel in Baku is a marvel of modern architecture. Part of the ambitious Crescent Development Project, its curved form mimics the crescent on Azerbaijan’s national flag, turning a symbol into a skyline statement.
Built on its manmade island, the hotel’s futuristic silhouette and glass-clad exterior reflect light like water, blending structure with scenery. It’s not just a building, it’s a bold icon where national pride meets world-class design.
Tulum Hotels in Mexico
Hotels in Tulum, Mexico, are known for their unique architectural style that blends nature with comfort. Unlike traditional hotels around the world, many in Tulum are built using natural, local materials such as wood, stone, and palm leaves.
Their open-air designs help reduce energy use and create a closer connection to the surrounding jungle and beach. These hotels often focus on sustainability and eco-friendly living, offering a peaceful and nature-inspired stay that reflects the area’s rich cultural and natural environment.
Galaxy Macau Hotel in Cotai, Macau
Galaxy Macau is a remarkable example of modern resort architecture on Macau’s Cotai Strip. With golden towers that sparkle day and night, its design blends modern architecture with theatrical flair.
It’s also home to one of the world’s largest rooftop wave pools. From afar, it looks like a shimmering palace, bold, bright, and unforgettable. Ready to bring a touch of that bold, global luxury into your own space? Discover artisanal treasures that echo the drama and elegance of iconic designs like Galaxy Macau.
Santani Wellness Resort in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Tucked away in the serene greenery of Sri Lanka’s Kandy region, Santani Wellness Resort and Spa perfectly blends with nature. Inspired by the local paddy fields, this peaceful retreat showcases simple, elevated structures that amplify the area’s natural beauty.
With a focus on sustainability and minimalism, the resort provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’re looking for more home decor ideas that never go out of style, check out timeless, iconic design styles.
Which of these iconic hotel designs would you love to experience firsthand, and why? Let us know which one captures your imagination the most.
Read More From This Brand:
- Spring’s Biggest Decor Trends Straight from Paris
- The Best New Decor from ICFF 2025
- How to Create a Buckingham Palace-Inspired Look
Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
