There’s always a certain level of detail and perfection promised by luxury fashion brands, and the same is true of fashion designer-owned hotels.
Serving only decadence, opulence and the highest level of comfort, each of these 12 fashion designer hotels offers the entire package. From Christian Louboutin and Karl Lagerfeld’s 2023 hotel openings, to Palazzo Versace in Australia and the Ralph Lauren Villas in Jamaica, these ultra-luxurious designer hotels guarantee fine food, decor and pampering.
In March 2023 footwear icon Christian Louboutin opened Hotel Vermelho – his first ever hotel – in the village of Melides on Portugal‘s Alentejo coast. This 13-room hideaway pays homage to the legendary work of Louboutin; the hotel name, “Vermelho” means red in Portuguese and you’ll find touches of red adorning every corner – from floor tiles to furniture. Louboutin’s maximalist aesthetic is blended with his eclectic taste, complete with personally-sourced ceramics, art and furniture – yet the hotel also champions the authentic craftsmanship of Portugal through intricate murals and decorative woodwork and tiling. The surrounding town of Melides – home to rice fields, endless vineyards and chi-chi boutique shops selling local produce and artisans – has long been a well-kept secret, but with this high-profile opening, that may be about to change.
Karl Lagerfeld’s 271-room hotel, The Karl Lagerfeld Macau opened in 2023, almost nine years from conceptualisation. The hotel – designed by Lagerfeld himself – brings the boldest, brightest, most unthinkable corners of his imagination to life: walls are coated in lacquered glossy black and whites; chandeliers hang courtesy of Terzani; furniture pays tribute to the designs of the Ming Dynasty; and moon gate-shaped walls and golden mosaics further reference the Chinese traditional craftsmanship. Two large, art deco-inspired pools occupy the second floor while The Book Lounge is home to more than 4,000 books selected to reflect his eclectic tastes.
Located in London’s sought-after Knightsbridge, the Bulgari Hotel is a haven of luxury and relaxation in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw away from Harrods. Since opening its doors in 2012, the hotel has set a glamorous bar among designer hotels with the brand’s luxury heritage at its core. Designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, the hotel boasts sleek architecture with modern interiors, dark-leather furnishings and soft textiles made exclusively for Bulgari. The luxe hotel houses 85 rooms and suites, with seven signature Bulgari Suites and comes complete with sustainable design features and state-of-the-art technology.
Rooted in a modern, futuristic aesthetic and designed by Giorgio Armani himself, the Armani Hotel is located within the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa. Set in vibrant Downtown Dubai within walking distance of The Dubai Mall, the hotel boasts panoramic views across Dubai and the Arabian Gulf. The 160 guest rooms and suites all offer impeccable decor and modern interiors and the hotel also houses a renowned spa and wellness centre, as well as a range of dining experiences, from Japanese to Indian. Armani/Privē is a nightclub located inside the hotel and a great place to get a glimpse into Dubai’s nightlife.
Located in a private enclave, Tortuga Bay at Puntacana Resort and Club was designed by the late Oscar de la Renta, and celebrates chic Caribbean living in a 1,500-acre nature reserve alongside miles of private beaches. Tucked away in the lush and tropical Dominican scenery, a stay here is a stay in paradise with minimal-yet-luxurious interiors combining the designer’s Dominican heritage and unique vision. The 30 rooms and 13 luxurious villas are situated along pristine white-sand beaches and offer unparalleled luxury, privacy and comfort. Unwind at its Six Senses spa, relaxing with a treatment or massage, or recharge with a Pilates session in the fitness centre or an outdoor tennis session.
Built on a 110-acre span of land surrounded by pristine natural beaches, Round Hill Hotel and Villas features a collection of luxury villas, ocean-view rooms and suites. This quiet haven in Montego Bay offers understated luxury and warm Jamaican hospitality for a truly distinctive holiday experience. Designed and spearheaded by American designer Ralph Lauren, the villas afford comfort with a clean Caribbean aesthetic and ocean views. Guests will be taken on a culinary journey via the refined dining experiences of authentic Caribbean cuisine. Relax with a massage at sunrise, treatments at the spa or simply by lounging beachside or poolside.
Set in the heart of Florence, Continentale is the second of Salvatore Ferragamo’s hotels. Designed by Florentine architect, Michele Bönan, and inspired by 1950s Salvatore Ferragamo, the hotel evokes minimal opulence through its simple-yet-contemporary design. Over the years Continentale has been a hotspot for romantic getaways, its location perfectly mirroring the city’s romantic charm. The hotel houses 43 rooms and luxury suites and offers an eclectic range of dining options, from Borgo San Jacopo, an elegant riverside Michelin-starred Italian restaurant to La Terrazza Rooftop cocktail bar. You can also enjoy a selection of treatments or massages at the hotel’s White Iris Spa.
Hotel Le Bellechasse is a boutique hotel in Saint Germain, Paris, artistically designed by Christian Lacroix. Inspired by art, literature, music, theatre and cinema, the interiors showcase Lacroix’s over-the-top imaginings and gothic decadence. Its timeless exterior conceals a remarkable personality; showcased in the 33 rooms featuring neoclassicism and a bohemian spirit. The hotel is only a stone’s throw away from Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre.
Located on Australia’s Gold Coast, Palazzo Versace was one of the very first fashion designer hotels. With its spectacular waterfront setting, the hotel is a symbol of grandeur, glamour and decadence. The five-star luxury hotel exudes the character and spirit of Gianni Versace through the palatial Roman-style architecture, ambience, furnishings and interiors. The hotel houses 200 rooms and suites along with 72 condo-style suites all complete with bespoke Versace home furnishings. Guests can enjoy unforgettable dining experiences at award-winning restaurants and bars, rejuvenating treatments at the spa and afternoons lazing in a cabana by the pool.
In 2011, the St. Regis New York debuted its opulent Dior Suite, a collaboration between the designer and the hotel. The iconic suite in an already iconic hotel shows off the elegance of Dior through Parisian glamour and features a living room, master bedroom, one and a half bathrooms and a dressing room all designed and furnished to perfection. Overlooking Central Park, the suite comes with a complimentary 24-hour butler service, tea or coffee upon arrival, packing, unpacking and pressing services.
The Sir Paul Smith Suite at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, London, is a creative collision of two British bastions. Designed and curated by Sir Paul Smith in collaboration with Olga Polizzi, this new suite at one of London’s oldest hotels showcases the designer’s use of signature stripes and trademark colours. There’s a fun gallery wall of quirky prints and frames alongside cushions, blankets and more from the Paul Smith homeware collection. Nodding to the hallmarks of Paul Smith design, almost every corner of the room reflects his imagination and creativity while other elements, such as the Maharam headboard and rugs, make reference to the iron facade of his flagship store located just minutes away from the hotel. This one-of-a-kind suite was designed to inspire and spark creativity.
To celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021, Gucci debuted The Savoy Royal Suite by Gucci. The founder of the design house, Guccio Gucci, worked as a luggage porter at The Savoy and so, to commemorate his journey and success, the two brands partnered to create a beautiful heritage experience that pushed the boundaries of luxury. With an unparalleled view over the River Thames, this suite is furnished head-to-toe with the Gucci Décor Collection. Featuring a master bedroom, living and dining room, marble-clad bathroom and an adjoining dressing room, the experience also comes with a private butler, chef and bartender and a VIP shopping experience at Gucci’s flagship London store.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?