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Eccleston Square Hotel brings hi-tech to a historic building.
By Mary Scoviak
Geeks, rejoice! It’s the Consumer Electronics Show this week. In keeping with the theme of showing off the hottest, newest, latest of the computerized world, today’s visual treat is Eccleston Square Hotel. It’s one of London’s highest-tech hotels, but the design message is written firmly in the present. Think Armani , not Paco Rabanne.
It’s not surprising to find hotels that take us one step closer to a science-fiction dream of in-room technology that entertains, pampers and delights guests. But, for Eccleston Square, the goal wasn’t to create something that looked like a futuristic movie. Instead, the 1835-vintage Grade II listed building was renovated to create a sense of contemporary luxury. The neutral palette, airy feeling and luxe materials make a statement of sumptuousness that’s quietly refined instead of haute couture bold. Architect and designer Woods Bagot’s goal was to revitalize the former townhouses and create a boutique atmosphere that still respected the historic location. Retaining original architecture in the public spaces pays tribute to the location.
As with many hotels we’ve covered recently, though, the standout element of the design is the guest experience. For this hotel, the impact comes from the technology, particularly in the guest rooms. Even here, the priority is in keeping the standout features from shouting. “The slim profile and small shape of the touch-control pads allowed them to be installed in quite tight spaces, “ says VDA, the company who manufactured the Micromaster system that allows everything from temperature to curtains to lighting to be programmed via touch-control pads.
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