While many associate hotels with luxury and pleasing design, a selection of properties around the globe are noted for their unconventional and, for some, unappealing architecture. These establishments, ranging from Brutalist concrete structures to uniquely shaped buildings, often generate strong opinions from guests and observers alike.
Architectural Debates Worldwide
In Da Lat, Vietnam, the Hang Nga Guesthouse, popularly known as the Crazy House, is designed by architect Dang Viet Nga. This property features guest rooms shaped like tree trunks and is described as a tourist destination in itself, notable for its whimsical gardens and peculiar decor. While some appreciate its unique artistic expression, others find its eccentric design jarring.
France's Hotel Le Flaine, located in the Flaine ski resort, exemplifies the Brutalist architectural style. Its sharp concrete blocks and geometric lines stand in contrast to the traditional mountain setting. The hotel's website highlights its Bauhaus influences and avant-garde character, noting that its roof was listed as a historic monument in 1991. Despite its architectural merits, the style has been a subject of debate, with some considering it an eyesore in the alpine landscape.
North Korea's Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, intended to be the world's tallest hotel, remains unopened. Construction paused in 1992 due to economic crises, leading to significant delays. The massive pyramid-shaped structure, now covered in LED screens, is a prominent, albeit unfinished, landmark.
Tunisia's Hotel du Lac, an inverted pyramid design that opened in 1973, has been undergoing demolition. While some developers see it as an eyesore, preservation advocates argue for its historical and architectural significance as a symbol of a young nation's modernist aspirations.
In Hebei, China, the Tianzi Hotel is designed to resemble three giant Chinese gods representing fortune, prosperity, and longevity. Despite the symbolic intent, its appearance has led to it being ranked as China's ugliest building.
Malaysia's First World Hotel in Genting Highlands is noted for its colorful and imposing facade, housing thousands of rooms. While it features an indoor theme park and shopping mall, guest reviews have frequently pointed to poor service and cramped rooms, detracting from its massive scale.
U.K. and U.S. Examples
The Britannia Hotel in Coventry, UK, has been frequently criticized. The Daily Mail's Hotel Inspector described its exterior as a "dirty concrete jungle." Guest reviews have cited issues such as loose bath panels, flickering lights, and dirty windows.
Sarajevo's Hotel Holiday, formerly a Holiday Inn, is a bright yellow, block-like structure representative of Brutalist architecture. Though it once served as a base for war correspondents during the 1990s siege, recent reviews suggest it now offers a comfortable and clean stay with good service.
The Standard, High Line in New York City's Meatpacking District, is characterized by its concrete, Modernist-inspired architecture. While its sweeping views may appeal to some, its imposing slab-like appearance has been described as a stark contrast to the city's more iconic buildings. Noise from a nearby bar has also been a point of criticism.
Spain's AC Hotel Gran Canaria features a cylindrical concrete design that towers above its surroundings in Las Palmas. Described as industrial-looking and grey, its Brutalist architecture has been called a "real eyesore" against the coastal city's backdrop.
These hotels, whether celebrated for their unique artistic vision or criticized for their aesthetic, represent a range of architectural approaches that stand apart from conventional hospitality design.