Designing Luxury: How InterContinental pioneered some of the world’s most iconic hospitality designs

InterContinental hotels are shining examples of some of the best contemporary architecture or cultural heritage sites, from historic buildings to city landmarks and immersive resorts – and always in the most sought-after locations.

The current design philosophy was developed in collaboration with highly regarded British interior designer Tara Bernerd and launched in 2016. The brand and hotel owners also work with some of the world’s most renowned and celebrated architects and designers as they develop new projects or existing spaces. Click through our gallery of some of the most recent refurbishments across InterContinental Hotels & Resorts globally here.

Historic buildings that are architecturally significant to the local environment or national history are often a destination in themselves. InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu is set in a former hospital building alongside the Rhone river. Dating back to the renaissance period, it is one of the city’s most emblematic historical landmark buildings. At the time of its construction, many people were surprised by the juxtaposition of the building's palace-like architecture and its function of medical care for the workers of Lyon. Charged with the design transformation of the building was Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel, along with architects AIA Architectes and RL&A.

“My approach with this project to draw on the history of the place; not in a superficial way by trying to reproduce or copy elements of decoration, but rather by perpetuating the spirit that guided its construction in the 18th century,” says Nuel. “The dichotomy of its past was reflected in the interior, with a very richly decorated Dome, while other aspects have an air of the monastic. When I redesigned the place, I wanted to maintain this play of contrasts without ever falling into ostentatious luxury, which would have been out of place in relation to the history of Lyon.”

InterContinental’s approach to new-build properties is to develop iconic architecture combining consistent global standards with the distinct culture of each location. The hotel location and its local history provide a rich source of design inspiration, combined with the possibility to design a space with a sophisticated guest experience front of mind. Designed by celebrated eco-architect, Bill Bensley, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is influenced by nearby temples. The rooms have traditionally crafted touches, including carved panels of merawan wood, richly embroidered silks, and custom-made ceramic tiles.

“For the design I was inspired by all the best parts of Vietnamese vernacular architecture, combined with some wilder elements, such as a bar designed by an aristocratic monkey, a banana yellow cinema and what many travel magazines have penned as the most exciting toilets in the world!” says Bensley. “The result is a whimsical realm spread across four levels - Heaven, Sky, Earth and Sea - taking advantage of the incredible vistas from the mountaintop and the pristine beach.”

Bill Bensley is also working on InterContinental Khao Yai National Park, a 61-key property that will occupy a 100-acre site enveloped by 50,000 trees and with views over seven lakes. The hotel is around a three-hour journey from Bangkok and is set to open at the end of 2021.

The spirit of combining the InterContinental philosophy, the vision of the architect and designer and the inspiration by the location continues today.

Jean-Philippe Nuel comments, “InterContinental's philosophy, which is location-centric, culturally local and also open to the world, is very close to my personal vision of the hotel business, and I believe is why it is so well-received by both guests and the design world.”

Upon its launch in 2019, InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu was the recipient of the prestigious global Gold Key Award for excellent in hospitality design.

Behind the pioneering spirit, elegance has always been at the heart of design choices, ensuring that layers of discovery and comfort reveal an unparalleled level of sophistication. Familiarity from one hotel to the next is evoked through thoughtful design choices and respect for the craft and culture of the destination. Intercontinental Hotels have been delivering discreet luxury for 75 years and counting, it’s where luxury is a state of mind.