10 Picks for Hospitality Architecture Projects

The editorial team of ek magazine selected ten architectural projects, featured in past print issues as well as the ek website, that showcase hospitality architecture designs.

The restoration of the listed building by E. Ziller and its transformation into a hotel offered an opportunity to examine the architectural dialogue between new and old. At the core of the design process was the question of how the new interior layer could be articulated with clarity against the pre-existing structure so that the historic elements would remain visually and conceptually prominent. A single gesture within the renovation encapsulates the overall design intent. On the second floor, along the perimeter of the gypsum ceiling decoration, the project’s conservator removed a small section of the later white paint to reveal a rectangular fragment of the original, richly coloured ceiling painting beneath. This intentional “witness” preserves both the authentic layer and the later intervention, making visible the shifting aesthetic preferences of the neoclassical home’s former inhabitants.

The traditional guesthouse occupies one of the most iconic buildings in the Old Town of Chania, dating back to the late 16th or early 17th century. The structure has been meticulously restored to preserve and showcase its historical character. Distinguished by the original stone columns on its façade, Aisha exudes a unique charm, specifically a refined blend of architectural influences that narrates the rich history of the area. The hotel features seven suites, five on the ground floor and two on the upper level, each named after the original function of the space in the historic building. The new layout embraces natural materials such as stone, wood, marble, and metal, while an earthy, neutral palette ensures a sense of warmth and luminosity. The design philosophy is rooted in the harmonious coexistence of old and new, aiming to evoke a subtle sense of nostalgia while offering contemporary comfort and elegance.

04. Grace La Margna St. Moritz Hotel Extension and Renovation | Divercity Architects

The iconic Grace La Margna hotel, located on the main street of St. Moritz, has reopened its doors following an extensive renovation and expansion. The project breathes new life into a landmark dating back to 1906, originally designed by Swiss architect Nicolaus Hartmann, and elegantly bridges its historic legacy with a contemporary aesthetic. Hartmann’s original design balanced Art Nouveau influences with the traditional Heimatstil style, highlighting authenticity and local craftsmanship at a time when St. Moritz’s architectural scene was marked by eclecticism. Perched on the slopes of the Engadin valley, the hotel enjoys a strategic location next to the town’s historic railway station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and alpine landscape.

The project offers a holistic and authentic eco-tourism experience inspired by Scandinavian traditions, with a strong emphasis on local culture. Located in Alsace, it combines Scandinavian influences with the region’s culinary heritage, wellness practices, and nature-centered lifestyle to create a fully immersive experience. Positioned on a hillside above the village of Breitenbach, the hotel reinterprets the traditional Scandinavian hytte, a place for retreat, solitude, and reconnection with nature. Set within a protected Natura 2000 landscape, the development is designed to integrate gently into its surroundings.

The hotel is housed in an existing 19th-century stone structure in the heart of Rethymno’s old town and consists of five suites offering all contemporary comforts. The design aims to immerse visitors in elements of Cretan culture, offering an atmosphere where the evocative character of the past coexists with contemporary sensibilities. During the adaptive reuse of the original shell, the stone masonry was highlighted and preserved, with targeted structural reinforcements where necessary. To maintain the authenticity of the original character, all mechanical and electrical systems were concealed within the walls and floors. A new stone structure was created on the adjacent plot, centered around the presence of water, forming the hotel’s shared pool and introducing a sense of oasis within the dense fabric of the old town. The two stone volumes are connected by a staircase made of exposed concrete.