Extreme Hotel Makeovers: Before & After

When our hospitality studio isn’t designing hotels from the inside out (see: Pearl District Residence Inn, AC Hotel by Marriott and more), they’re helping revitalize existing hotels around the country. The redesigns are always remarkable, but when juxtaposed against the original conditions, the transformations are stunning. Check out four of SERA’s recent hotel interventions below. While the Before images are amateur snapshots (taken during initial scouting trips), you’ll see that the Afters are more than finely framed shots and good lighting.

Have a favorite hotel makeover? Let us know in the comments!

 

Courtyard by Marriott – Austin / University Area

SERA’s design provided a radical facelift for the Courtyard by Marriott – Austin / University Area, north of the University of Texas campus and state capitol. The renovation features prototypical guestrooms integrated with a fully-customized guest experience in the lobby and public spaces. As an homage to the “Lone Star State,” Texas symbology and riffs on the regional geology, ecology and culture were layered throughout.

The bar and lounge:

A typical guestroom:

 

Courtyard by Marriott – San Diego

The Courtyard by Marriott – San Diego is located in one of the city’s most prominent downtown landmarks, the 1920’s San Diego Trust & Savings Bank — once the grande dame of banks. Working through the challenges of the hotel’s historic designation, SERA renovated the guestrooms, lobby, bar, dining room and meeting rooms, and successfully married the human element with the grand proportions of the architecture.

The lobby:

The bar and lounge:

A typical guestroom:

 

Courtyard by Marriott – Seattle / Lake Union

The design for the existing Courtyard by Marriott – Seattle / Lake Union takes its visual cues from the rich nautical history of the region. SERA developed a public space design palette based on moody grey skies mixed with the deep blues and greens of the Pacific Northwest. The transformation of the lobby, bar and dining room helps root this hotel into the culture of its unique locale.

The lobby:

The restaurant and lounge:

The bar:

 

The Hampton Inn & Suites – Boise Downtown

This remodel was a cosmetic update for a popular existing hotel in the heart of downtown Boise. Traditional patterning, such as plaid and lace, give the hotel a “pioneer chic” atmosphere, while rich, dark wood and contrasting metallic accents added a layer of luxury. Activating the entry lounge was a main focus during the renovation. Today, large, tailored sofas, pops of color and local landscape photography encourage guests to sit by the fire and enjoy the invigorating surroundings.

The lobby lounge:

Dining area: