Take Me Away: 45 Park Lane

I realized recently that I don't share a whole lot about what's going on with my design school projects. It's not because I don't find what we are studying interesting or noteworthy, but more so because after working on assignments for several hours a week, it's often the last thing I really want to rehash. Nonetheless, I had to share an Art Deco gem I discovered while researching hotels for my hospitality design course.  45 Park Lane, sister hotel to The Dorchester, is a luxurious hotel located in the upscale Mayfair district of London, England.  This chic spot was designed with an upscale, contemporary Art Deco aesthetic in mind by New York-based designer, Thierry Despont:

Having spent an entire quarter studying the Art Deco period at school, I can confidently say it's one of my favorite design styles in our history.  Art Deco started post World War I in France and spread internationally in the 1930s and 1940s.  There were regional differences, but Art Deco is categorized by its embrace of technology, breaking from the organic shades of Art Nouveau.  Art Deco emphasizes symmetry and rectilinear shapes, a celebration of luxury, glamour, exuberance, and faith in social and technological progress.  This distinctive style influenced architecture and interior design, as well as consumer products and fashion.  Many furniture pieces have an architectonic quality and are fashioned of expensive materials, such as lacquered wood, ivory, and metal.  The lobby of 45 Park Lane features an Art Deco light illuminating the staircase that leads to Bar 45, famous for its delicious sliders and exotic cocktails:

Bar 45's design is overwhelmingly glam with a mirrored panel bar featuring hidden liquor storage.  Here, weary travelers can enjoy a cocktail (or two!) as they listen to live jazz music:

Wolfgang Puck made his European debut with 45 Park Lane's restaurant, CUT.  CUT at 45 Park Lane mirrors the award-winning original CUT in Beverly Hills offering outstanding steaks and a swoon-worthy wine list: 

And now on to my favorite part of the hotel- the suites!  A mixture of luxe Art Deco with clean, contemporary lines and savory textures creates a lovely respite for guests.  The rooms feature in-room spa treatments at your request as well as free, organic beverages in the minibar:

All of the 45 suites have leafy views of Hyde Park, including the 1,450 square foot penthouse, which features a wrap-around patio:

This intimate, boutique hotel is calling my name.  Eurotrip, anyone?!