A Breath of Fresh Air to the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère

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JOI-Design has recently renovated the public areas of the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère, one of Switzerland’s most celebrated Grand Hotels. The transformation reaffirms the property’s reputation as an acclaimed mountain resort by enhancing its elegant historical features whilst introducing modern comforts. Originally built in 1875 in a Belle Époque style, the Steigenberger Grandhotel Belvédère is located in Davos, a municipality in the Swiss Alps renowned not only for its winter sports but also, during warmer months, as an outstanding holiday destination for outdoor activities where hiking, biking and ski trails meander through dense forests and wild romantic valleys that offer breath-taking mountain vistas. This untamed natural environment clearly shapes local life and was a major influence upon the interior designer’s concept for the stylish refurbishment of the hotel’s public spaces.

Along with regional references, the design was also inspired by nostalgic notions of exclusive Grand Hotels. Fine details, such as the dark, fishbone-patterned veneer in the joinery of the front desk suggest the craftsmanship of past eras.

Redesigned spaces blend the traditional charm of an established grand dame with the first class amenities of a modern building, so guests can retreat to the luxurious comfort of the hotel to recount their adventures after a day skiing or hiking. The public areas are expansive yet configured to accommodate all guest scenarios, whether a lone traveller, a couple, or a group of family and friends.

Flowing seamlessly from one to another, the lounge, café, and bar areas were envisioned as a harmonious sanctuary underlined by a subtle palette and intimate nooks with supremely comfortable furnishings throughout. The designers took their cues from the earthy tones and verdant landscape of the mountain ranges. In the lounge, the interiors emphasise original features while instilling a renewed and contemporary feel. Here, as well as in the café, original mouldings on the ceilings and walls were retained and refreshed with a crisp white finish that highlights their elegant ornate detailing.

Continued on page two…

Daniel Fountain / 10.04.2014

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.