A Sense of Place

The hotel’s restaurant, Rooftop at the Envio, has year-round water views and outdoor dining when weather permits. – photo courtesy of Colwen Hotels

It’s the perfect storm: Coinciding with tourism’s post-pandemic explosion, travelers’ tastes in accommodations are growing more discerning and sophisticated. In response, the hospitality industry has doubled down on the amenities and all manner of other extras. Some perks are splashy, while others contribute to guest comfort in a more subdued way. This is where hotel design comes in.

The art featured in the hotel’s public spaces includes New Hampshire native Shaun Glasier’s “Herb,” lobster traps in a triangular repeating pattern, situated above the fireplace in the lobby. – photo courtesy of Colwen Hotels

Curious to learn more about how a hotel makes design decisions, I accepted an invitation to the AC Hotel in Portsmouth, where I was struck by the ambience: a modern, urban vibe merged with the seaside heritage of the city. The hotel’s location on the Piscataqua River and views of its iconic bridges informed many of the design decisions, particularly the selection of art — much of it regional and local — that is on display in just about every nook and cranny, on every floor and in every area of the hotel, from the lobby and guest rooms to the meeting spaces and rooftop restaurant.

To further explore the thought process behind mixing local and European design (AC Hotels have Spanish roots), New Hampshire Home reached out to Brittany Morin, design manager at Colwen Design & Purchasing.

The vast art collection displayed throughout the hotel includes regional and local art like these two copper, bronze and brass sculptures by Danielle Gerber — top, “Droplet,” and “Canyon,” above. Says Gerber: “The natural patterns in these pieces are based on the movements and shapes of water and how it affects landscapes by eroding the Earth’s surface.” – photo courtesy of Colwen Hotels

New Hampshire Home [NHH]: How does creating an interior design scheme for a hotel differ from the approach a designer takes for a private home?

Brittany Morin [BM]: In hospitality design, it is important to incorporate brand values and localization of the site. In the words of the Marriott AC Hotels branding package, the AC Hotel brand values are harmonious, discerning and modern. The brand was designed with the business traveler in mind and strives to bring personality that is intelligent, assertive and refined.

NHH: How does your design philosophy set you apart from your competitors?

BM: Our designs are set apart because they feel non-branded. We make each hotel feel unique and special with a heavy emphasis on art, creating inti-mate moments for a guest to pause and appreciate.

NHH: What are some specific examples of finishes and furnishings you chose?

BM: In the guest rooms we chose a wood-looking LVT because it brings a warm texture to the space, is durable and easy to clean. It is also an important part of the brand finish package. In the public space we chose tile with linen, fabric and wood textures to soften the strong lines of the architecture. We layered this with accents of bronze metal, soft rugs, leather and boucle furniture to balance the design. Many of the tables are made of lighter reclaimed wood to balance the dark wood of the architectural millwork.

NHH: How do the interiors of the AC Hotel Portsmouth reflect its New Hampshire Seacoast location?

The vast art collection displayed throughout the hotel includes regional and local art like these two copper, bronze and brass sculptures by Danielle Gerber — top, “Droplet,” and “Canyon,” above. Says Gerber: “The natural patterns in these pieces are based on the movements and shapes of water and how it affects landscapes by eroding the Earth’s surface.” – photo courtesy of Colwen Hotels

BM: The design is very much in line with other AC Hotels in its space planning, architecture and refined elements. Part of the identity of the AC Hotel brand is localization and the influence of art, which we feel is strongly represented in this hotel.

NHH: How did you go about selecting the artwork?

BM: We worked with local artists to build a collection of art for the hotel and create gallery spaces. It was very important for us and the brand to collaborate with local artisans. Each piece in the hotel has a gallery card with info about its artist so that guests can reach out or visit their showrooms while in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas.