Aga Artka Interior Design, LLC

CityFlats Hotel

November 16th, 2009 4:36 pm

Not by accident, my husband and I traveled two hundred and forty miles (one way) this weekend. We wanted to get away in celebration of my birthday for once. But also, being a hospitality interior designer and enthusiast myself, I was really excited to check out this fairly new LEED Gold Certified site. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to CityFlats Hotel in Holland, MI.

We couldn’t have asked for a better weather than this past weekend. Thanks Mother Nature! We made it to Michigan in no time (just under 4h), driving by Haworth, office furniture manufacturing headquarters, and Baker factory on our way in. Coming around a block, you can’t miss this 5-story, brand new, sleek looking building.

We were able to check in earlier than expected. The receptionist welcomed us with a smile. As we started to look around, we couldn’t miss the large scale digital wallcovering, exotic woods, contemporary lighting fixtures and a very interesting and unique branding introduced throughout. Funky upholstery patterns worked well with the custom design furniture and gave the lobby a modern yet comfortable feel.

We took the elevator to our room, which by the way had the most marvelous woven flooring tiles installed in the cab. Same flooring material was carried throughout the corridors.

The product I’m speaking of is called PLYNYL TILE and is made by Chilewich. It is a woven vinyl fabric bonded to a heavy-duty commercial backing. It comes in variety of patterns and colors and have recently been awarded Green Label Plus certification.

Inside our room, the cork flooring throughout conveyed a high-end look, while keeping the warmth and comfort under foot. High & unfinished concrete ceilings gave the room a grandiose feeling while providing interest and character.

The gigantic and unbelievably comfortable bed was a definite focal point of the room, but with the built-in side tables with a drum-shaped glass pendant fixture over each, a unique headboard that successfully balanced the size of the bed, and a custom bench at its foot, it fit in the room perfectly. I felt that the color scheme was calming, young and refreshing all at once. I loved the small scale and very contemporary wallcovering used in the room and the bathroom. Adding frosted Plexiglas openings to the wall between the bedroom and the bathroom was a clever idea. They added interest to the wall and invited a ton of natural light into the bathroom as well.

Spacious walk-in shower, separate water closet, large vanity with a recycled glass mosaic tile backsplash, a mix of recycled glass and concrete counter top and a contemporary vessel sink, created a high-end, downtown loft feel.

Most materials used to construction of the CityFlats Hotel as well as seating, and décor elements came from local manufacturers thus improving the amount of fuel and energy needed to transport the goods. The entire project was designed and specified by also a Holland-based firm, Charter House Innovations, which specializes in custom furnishings for fast food industry.

Back in the lobby is where the CityBru Coffee, which serves all fair trade coffee, as well as the CitySen Lounge are located. Both areas were not only well defined, but also very uniquely branded. Lees Carpet tiles add comfort and help create smaller conversation areas while revealing the minimalistic concrete floor.

On the 5th floor, CityVu Bistro serves all natural foods menu from morning to night. The back wall of the bar caught my attention right away – it’s 3Form! In summer months, a great patio space attracts most customers, but in winter, a wonderful interior remains the focal point.

I was genuinely impressed with CityFlats. Who would have thought that the small town of Holland is home to such a great hotel!