While there's no denying that holidays and travel are one of life's greatest joys, the design-minded amongst us also get the same excitement out of the places we get to stay at and explore around the world. On that note, we've curated our five 'stand-out' lobbies from across the globe - from a former palace to a tropical outdoor lobby, take a look...1. Four Seasons George V, Paris Positioned just near the Champs-Elysées, Paris' five star Four Seasons George V hotel is like stepping back in time to a bygone era, complete with 18th century French antiques, original tapestries and bronze sculptures. What's almost more impressive however is that the hotel spends approximately £1 million per year on flowers, which is one of the reasons the lobby is such an alluring space. Whether you're a guest in one of the 244 lavishly appointed hotel guest rooms and suites, or simply one of the many visitors who go to see the floral masterpieces in the lobby, you won't leave disappointed.
Images from here.
Nestled into a 350-hectare estate, Granada's five start Barceló La Bobadilla hotel exudes a sense of royal charm, being built within the walls of a former palace. The lobby uniquely opens onto the hotel's lush tropical gardens and is propped up by arches and marble colonnades. Housing just 70 rooms, this hotel provides a taste the authentic Andalusian countryside and history.
Image from here.
3. The Raffles Hotel, SingaporeOpening its doors in 1887, and this year undergoing a three stage renovation project due for completion in mid 2018, Singapore's Raffles Hotel Singapore has become an icon of Far East luxury and history. Featuring colonial design and sitting in the heart of the business and civic district, the romance starts as soon as one pulls up in the lobby. Sikh doormen welcome you inside the lobby, with its white marble colonnades, an atrium that soars three floors up and polished teak verandas that lead to 103 suites, 14 restaurants and bars, event spaces and a shopping arcade. It's no surprise that this hotel is listed as a National Monument by the Singapore Government.
Images from here.
4. W Retreat Koh Samui, ThailandThe least traditional lobby of the lot is Koh Sumui's W Retreat. It's a semi-outdoor lobby which circles a lotus pond and overlooks the Gulf of Thailand. Pop art covers the walls inside, while lotus shaped sunken seats surround water features as you step outside. It's a modern and chic destination to stay with 74 private pool retreats and six restaurants and bars to explore.
Images from here.5. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, DubaiTouted as 'the world's most luxurious hotel', Dubai's Burj Al Arab Jumeirah's lobby can best be described as kaleidoscopic. A symbol of modern Dubai, and home to 202 lavish suites and even a helipad, the hotel was built to resemble the sail of a 'dhow' (an Arabian vessel). Once inside, guests are witness to a 180m atrium, 24-carat gold leaf pillars in a unique honeycomb design, numerous fountains, Statuario marble and hand-crafted rugs. It's a combination of traditional Arabian design elements with 21st century applications.
