This article was originally published in Spring 2025 issue of i+s magazine.

When design and hospitality intersect, the result is more than just a place to eat, socialize, or sleep — the space becomes a destination in itself. An exceptional hotel, in particular, both welcomes and wows guests, inspiring a sense of wonder, creating a home away from home, and satisfying aesthetic and actual appetites (nothing like a stellar hotel restaurant).

At IIDA, we’ve been keeping tabs on the latest innovations in hotel design, and we’re excited to share a collection of hotels that blend aesthetic vision with exceptional comfort and functionality. Reflecting winners across IIDA's design competitions, these five standout hotels each embody a unique approach to creating unforgettable experiences. From Toronto to South Korea, these properties push boundaries, embrace cultural narratives, and enhance the communities they inhabit. Each hotel elevates the guest experience while telling a story that’s as rich and diverse as the surrounding locale. What unites them all? An unwavering commitment to immersive design that leaves a lasting impression.

The Royal Hotel | Picton, Ontario, Canada

Once a dilapidated Victorian hotel, The Royal Hotel in Picton, Ontario now stands as a testament to what happens when history meets bold imagination. Transformed by Giannone Petricone Associates Inc. Architects, the hotel went from moss-covered staircases and a caved-in roof to a collection of 28 modern guest rooms, a café, spa, and more.

In a nod to British tradition, the design marries old-world charm with rural Ontario informality. Take the dining room, for example: The original ceiling rosette was reworked to resemble the underside of a mushroom. And in the guest bathrooms, tartan tiles transform a traditional fabric pattern into an unexpected mosaic. At The Royal, every detail — from a DIY cocktail station hidden in a custom armoire to the scalloped bathroom vanities — balances the old with the new in delightful fashion.

The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai | Playa del Carmen, Mexico

The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai fuses contemporary luxury with nature’s beauty. Surrounded by mangroves and the ocean, the resort — a thoughtful collaboration between Ian Schrager Company, Rockwell Group, and architecture firm Edmonds International — integrates seamlessly into its surroundings. Guests are first greeted by a dramatic triple-height lobby draped in lush greenery, creating a bold yet intimate entrance.

Near the lobby, a 52-seat honed marble bar stands opposite a massive feature wall with wooden niches set before a handmade plaster mural inspired by Mayan glyphs. Guests can indulge in a range of inviting experiences: A beachside, bohemian-inspired restaurant offers sweeping views, while the circular, skylit spa invites relaxation and evokes a feeling of peace. Here, the lush landscape and thoughtful design elements create an escape that is as serene as it is stunning.

The Karl Lagerfeld | Macau

In Macau, The Karl Lagerfeld hotel brings fashion and art to the forefront. Designed by CHIL Interior Design to reflect Lagerfeld’s cosmopolitan, fashion-forward sensibilities, the hotel — the first and only designed by the late creative genius — is a visual journey through Eastern and Western design. Guests can sip cocktails in a lounge brimming with books, or unwind in a spa surrounded by opulent gold accents. The hotel’s restaurant, an homage to Lagerfeld’s sharp attention to detail, boasts striking design elements, including oversized graphics and bold hues. Here, cultural motifs (think intricate jade carvings and traditional Chinese lattice patterns) are juxtaposed with luxurious touches, allowing guests to step into a world curated by one of fashion’s great icons.

Wyndham Grand Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng | Taiyuan, Chin

In Taiyuan, the Wyndham Grand Shanxi Xiaohe Xincheng celebrates the rich history of the Shanxi province, known as the “Dragon City.” Designed by Wanda Hotel Design Institute, the hotel honors Chinese heritage while embracing contemporary luxury. The centerpiece? The grand atrium, a dramatic “Dragon Court” that transforms the space into a courtyard under a vast skylight.

Dragon scale-inspired walls snake through the hotel, adding texture and visual interest while connecting the story of Shanxi’s past with its future. Here, China’s rich cultural heritage is seamlessly woven into a modern, luxurious stay, where tradition and contemporary comfort exist in perfect harmony.

The Hanok Heritage House | Yeongwol, South Korea

In Yeongwol, South Korea, the Hanok Heritage House reimagines traditional Korean architecture for a modern world. Set across 73 acres, the design beautifully balances the time-honored wisdom of the hanok with contemporary needs. Collaborating with local artisans, Listen Communication’s design team used natural materials and unique techniques to maintain the cultural integrity of the hanok while enhancing guests’ comfort.

From wood drying methods that enhance durability to Nakhwajang walls — where patterns are burned into wood or paper — every element honors craftsmanship. The design seamlessly integrates large windows that frame the ever-changing landscape, allowing seasons to shape the guest experience.

Learn more about IIDA design competitions