The DoubleTree by Hilton hotel is located in the city of Trieste, a border land opens to the sea, a harbor centenary and has always been a fertile arena of culture and traditions. The design of this hotel located in a historic building of the ‘900 with great architectural value has proved to be a stimulating challenge. From on the one hand there was the will to preserve its original characteristics, respecting its architectural constraints and eliminating the superfetation of recent decades, on the other hand there was a need for these intentions to merge with the practical aspect of managing a hotel space, giving this place a reminiscent of time appearance but with a captivating and contemporary design.
Inside the building there was a historical library dear to its inhabitants that determined the intention to make of this hotel a space open to external visitors, which gave them and the Trieste residents the possibility to enter the building to enjoy the bar and restaurant services.
For the design of the structure it was decided to adopt two different stylistic approaches, one celebratory and another of strong entity, which change according to the context they are supposed to inserted in. The common areas have been placed in the heart of the building, inside rooms rich of decorated woodwork, inlaid floors and majestic chandeliers. At the entrance, where you are welcomed by an imposing fountain of the gladiator and lions, a non-invasive approach has been developed with refined reception desks with mirror effects with the intent of hiding out in order to reflect the surrounding context.
In the opposite case, environments of great visual impact have been recreated inspired by the eclectic aesthetics of Trieste. The lift lobby is an example of this: a passage area that winds under a pyramid-shaped glass cloister, creating a set of lighting features designed to be eye-catching. The precious coverings of the panoramic lifts and the elegant but absolutely flexible design of the upholstery make the space rich and fully integrated into the context.The bar?s historic lounge features contemporary design elements combined with restored historic seating, framed by a gold coffered ceiling. The same applies to the eccentric bar counter, which is placed in a room enriched with a historic leather paneling and declares its contemporaneity by recreating an intimate atmosphere typical of the cigar room.
For the 125 rooms the aim was to diversify the types between standard and suite. Also in this case, some rooms have been created within areas rich in historical references in which the furniture has been inserted entirely preserving the floors and walls and keeping the original chandeliers.
On the top floor, in order to make the most of the lighting offered by the existing skylights, light wells were created.
The bathrooms are covered in statuary marble, which gives great light to the environment. Custom-made furnishings and rich, warmly colored fabrics complete the luxurious and welcoming atmosphere of the rooms.
