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When challenged to create a new 244-key, four-star hotel within a three-star budget, the Design Team responded with Hotel Sorella, a chic urban upscale getaway in the heart of a vibrant new mixed-use destination catering to both vacationers and corporate clientele.

To seamlessly integrate the hotel with the surrounding development, the Design Team lifted the front desk and public spaces to the second floor, freeing up ground floor space for three restaurants. An arrival sequence via a grand stair leads to the second floor reception and lobby, welcoming guests with a panoramic view of the courtyard below. High-performance, insulated low-E glazing, cool roofing, low-VOC adhesives, paints, and sealants contribute to indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Varied thicknesses of back-painted glass bring visual texture to the face of the reception desk, while framed views offer glimpses into the inviting lobby, without compromising privacy at check-in. Flooded with natural daylight, the lobby’s open plan features a variety of intimate gathering areas for breakfast and throughout the evening, with ample open lounge seating and “box” rooms framing smaller conversation nooks. Guests seeking more formal collaboration space may choose one of the glass-walled conference rooms off of the lobby with balconies and views, and sheer curtains for privacy.

The second-floor Monnalisa Bar comes alive at night, drawing in guests with a dramatic central fireplace and clusters of pendant lights. A wall of doors swivels open to create a unique indoor/outdoor experience. Guests can venture outside to enjoy the ambience of the pool or the spectacular views of the dynamic plaza below.

Judges Comments

• the attention to detail, the lighting and materials and ovarall chic, contemporary design is delightful
• the reception area is unique with the stark contrast of black and white materials
• the framed views are creative