Located in the heart of Hamburg is the newly renovated Reichshof Hamburg, the first hotel in the European debut of Curio – A Collection by Hilton. JOI-Design has retained the building’s original Empire and Art Deco aesthetics and coupled it with modern comforts and local cultural references in a stylish interpretation of the Curio brand’s calling card: uniquely storied hotels that provide travellers who have a passion for discovery with a taste of the authentic flavour of communities.
The designers were given a loose brief for the refurbishment of the public areas and guestrooms, guided by overall budget, essential brand standards, and the opportunity to freely translate Curio’s premise into something memorable. Fusing the original art deco interior with the latest technologies have ensured pleasing aesthetics whilst ensuring the hotel is equipped for the future.
The lobby has been reconfigured to remove the mezzanine level, something which was added decades after the hotel’s initial opening, to restore the intended effect of the building’s original design. The arrangement of the lobby has also been carefully considered to facilitate seamless service and enhance guest experience by relocating the reception desk to the back of the area to attract passers-by with a lively central lounge. Seating arrangements can be reconfigured as required and electrical points are available for guest’s use.
The new daytime bar entices passers-by to enter the hotel with its selection of cakes, fresh sushi and sweets – available at all times. Fountains dispersed throughout the hotel and the complimentary “grab-n-go” refrigerator in the lobby also provide guests with a continuous supply of fresh still or sparkling water
Easily identifiable areas radiate off the central lobby, with the reception desks and daytime bar / bistro / café / sushi bar on one side and then Bar 1910, the “vinyl lounge” and slowman restaurant on the other.
The restaurant’s elegant staircase sweeps up to a dining gallery adjacent to the conference rooms; a newly added service lift means that waiters no longer need to cross through the ground level to reach guests in the mezzanine.
The original, beautifully crafted timber joinery and embossed ceilings of Hamburg’s celebrated evening hotspot Bar 1910, formerly called M&M Bar, have also been sensitively renewed.
Reducing the room count from 300 to 278 has created a more spacious feel in the guestrooms whilst creating six junior suites and three one bedroom suites. All have been refreshed with references to the Art Deco era in a taupe coloured palate. Features include a headboard made from asymmetric composition of panels, with padded leather headrests and timber segments inset with backlit sections that emit diffused light. A winding ribbon pattern stretches almost seamlessly across the carpet and onto the wallcovering, bringing a sense of fluidity to the ambience.
