7 Design-Centric Hotels Across the U.S.
Explore a carefully curated selection of seven boutique properties across the United States, each highlighting design-forward hospitality. From the sunny sophistication of Palm Springs’ Casa Cody to the historic charm of New Orleans’ Hotel Peter and Paul, and the coastal elegance of Charleston’s The Ryder Hotel, these hotels encapsulate the work of designers who have established a deep sense of place.
When wanderlust hits, it often hits hard. There’s an undeniable longing to experience new destinations or revisit familiar favorites, taking in the world from a fresh perspective. As travel plans materialize, one of the most pivotal decisions is where to stay—a choice that often sets the tone for the entire trip. With a growing shift in modern hospitality, travelers are now spoiled for choice with design-centric hotels that offer more than just a place to rest your head but instead capture the very essence of the destination.
To help ease the decision-making, we’ve curated a list of seven exceptional boutique properties across the U.S. for discerning travelers and, of course, the design studios behind them.
Hotel Peter & Paul
Location: New Orleans, LA
Designer: ASH NYC + Nathalie Jordi
It’s studios like ASH NYC leading the charge towards a new era of hospitality, exemplified by their New Orleans property, Hotel Peter & Paul. This boutique hotel, housed within a former church and schoolhouse, blends modern luxury with storied architecture and cultural significance. With a strong nod to French design and a thoughtful mix of old and new, Hotel Peter and Paul is an absolute must-visit for design enthusiasts who appreciate historic preservation and antique furnishings.
Images via Hotel Peter & Paul
Casa Cody
Location: Palm Springs, CA
Designer: Electric Bowery
When temperatures drop and gray skies linger, sometimes the only cure is a trip to sunny Palm Springs. Luckily, this mid-century design mecca is home to one of the most tasteful boutique hotels epitomizing California meets Mediterranean style. Designed by the architecture and interior design studio Electric Bowery, Casa Cody is the next chapter of the Spanish Colonial Revival structure that began welcoming guests back in the 1920s. Guests will find features like meticulously restored adobe walls and handcrafted tile work throughout the property, all with purposeful bursts of color amidst a restrained, earthy palette. The project was an exercise in historical preservation and modern adaptation, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a desert oasis.
Images via Casa Cody
The Ryder Hotel
Location: Charleston, SC
Designer: Cortney Bishop
The Ryder Hotel exudes a sense of understated luxury and coastal charm with designer Cortney Bishop’s signature style on full display. Each space within the hotel is thoughtfully curated to establish a sense of place where guests can immerse themselves in the laid-back charm of Charleston. Bold prints and punchy colors are balanced with clean lines and natural materials, creating the perfect backdrop to experience Southern hospitality. P.S. You can listen to an in-depth conversation with Cortney Bishop on season 4 of The Interior Collective podcast.
Images via The Ryder Hotel
Crosby Street Hotel
Location: New York City, NY
Designer: Kit Kemp
New York’s Crosby Street Hotel, designed by Kit Kemp, Founder and Creative Director of Firmdale Hotels, is a sophisticated property with a playful edge. The hotel’s maximalist design features a fearless mix of color, art, and furnishings, creating an environment that’s both elegant and whimsical. Each room has its own character, with custom-designed furniture and artwork that mimics the energy and excitement of surrounding Manhattan.
Images via Crosby Street Hotel
Villa Mara Carmel
Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Designer: Lisa Koch
Nestled in the picturesque village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Villa Mara Carmel is a Mediterranean-style hotel that exudes effortless elegance. Designer Lisa Koch’s impeccable eye for detail is evident throughout the hotel, with each room featuring modern and vintage furnishings, creating a timeless vibe. The lush gardens and ocean views are not to be missed, along with day trips to nearby Carmel Valley and Big Sur.
Images via Villa Mara Carmel
Austin Proper Hotel
Location: Austin, TX
Designer: Kelly Wearstler
Designed by industry legend Kelly Wearstler, the Austin Proper Hotel is a bold and buzzy addition to the Austin scene. The hotel’s interiors are a vibrant mix of color, texture, and pattern, representing a fresh interpretation of U.S. Southwestern style. Each space features custom-designed furnishings and artwork, and it’s often the backdrop for Design Camp.
Images via Austin Proper Hotel
Bradford House
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Designer: Pastiche Studios
Set in Oklahoma City’s historic Heritage Hills neighborhood, Bradford House is a beautifully restored mansion turned luxury boutique hotel. The interiors, designed by Pastiche Studios, combine old-world elegance and approachable luxury that earned it membership into the coveted network of Design Hotels. The interiors’ clever display of primary color pops is reason enough to plan a trip to America’s heartland.
Images via Bradford House
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY
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