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Design Concept: “Aimai” – The Art of Subtle Boundlessness

The K5 Hotel, located in Nihonbashi Kabutocho, is a striking blend of history, culture, and modern design. Originally constructed in 1923 as a bank, the building was transformed into a unique design hotel in 2020. Nestled next to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the K5 bridges traditional Tokyo with the trendy eastern districts. Its central location makes it ideal for exploring landmarks such as Tokyo Station, the Imperial Palace, and Ginza, all within walking distance.

Designkonzept: „Aimai“ – Die Kunst der subtilen Grenzenlosigkeit

The K5 Hotel’s design, envisioned by the Swedish architectural studio Claesson Koivisto Rune, revolves around the Japanese concept of Aimai, meaning “vague” or “ambiguous.” In Japanese culture, this term has a poetic and positive connotation, emphasizing openness and harmony.

This principle permeates the hotel’s spaces: boundaries between areas are softened, and functions blend seamlessly. The library doubles as a bar, the café transitions into a lounge, and the wine bar merges with the restaurant. Materials like cedarwood, Japanese stucco, and concrete, paired with bespoke furniture and calming indigo-dyed curtains, create an atmosphere of tranquility and balance​.

The lush greenery curated by Yard Works enhances this ambiance by integrating nature into the urban setting. Plants are thoughtfully placed throughout the hotel, transforming it into a green sanctuary amidst the concrete-heavy Nihonbashi district.

Rooms: Fusion of Elegance and Functionality

The K5 Hotel offers a variety of thoughtfully designed rooms that combine comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Each room features custom-designed furniture, vinyl record players, and a curated selection of books, emphasizing individuality and sophistication. Indigo-dyed curtains add intimacy, while high ceilings and open layouts foster a sense of spaciousness.

Room Categories at a Glance:

Best Room: The K5 Suite

The K5 Suite stands out as the most luxurious accommodation in the hotel. Spanning 80 square meters with 4.5-meter-high ceilings, it offers an extraordinary sense of space. The suite includes a private dining area suitable for small gatherings, a mini kitchen, and custom furniture, making it an unparalleled expression of the K5 design ethos​

Culinary Highlights: A Feast for the Senses

Das K5 Hotel bietet nicht nur außergewöhnliche Zimmer, sondern auch eine vielfältige Auswahl an gastronomischen Erlebnissen:

The K5 Hotel is more than just a place to stay – it’s a concept. With its innovative design, prime location, and exceptional dining options, it offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to explore Tokyo’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity. The K5 embodies the future of urban living in the city​

An Urban Retreat with Parisian Flair

Hotel MOTTO is located in the heart of Vienna, right on Mariahilfer Straße, one of the city’s most vibrant shopping streets. Its central position makes it an ideal starting point to explore the charming Austrian capital. Just a short walk away are attractions like Naschmarkt and the MuseumsQuartier, and nearby metro stations provide quick connections to all parts of the city.

Style, Design, and Atmosphere

Hotel MOTTO enchants with its distinctive blend of Parisian Art Deco chic and Viennese elegance. The vision of renowned Viennese restaurateur Bernd Schlacher, who owns the hotel, is reflected in every detail. The interior combines modern elements with nostalgic flair—from artfully decorated ceilings and velvet fabrics to delicate Jugendstil details. The design is playful yet sophisticated, creating a relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere.

BEST ROOM

The rooms and suites at Hotel MOTTO combine hand-selected furnishings, high-quality fabrics, and warm colors to create a sense of comfort and style. The highlight is the Suite Junior, which boasts ample space, a freestanding bathtub, and breathtaking views over Vienna. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and elegance, giving guests a genuine feeling of home.

Cuisine: A Journey for the Senses

The in-house restaurant “CHEZ BERNARD” is a culinary gem and a gathering place for food lovers. Here, French bistro cuisine meets Austrian classics—with a modern twist. The hotel’s own bakery, which creates fresh bread and pastries daily, is particularly noteworthy. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, all ingredients are regional, seasonal, and prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The rooftop terrace is a must-visit, offering a glass of wine and stunning views of the Vienna skyline.

photographed by stefan kokovic
by Stefan Kokovic
photographed by stefan kokovic

Special Features

Along with its bakery, Hotel Motto offers an exceptional fitness and wellness experience in a private, urban setting. Regular events and pop-ups make the hotel a lively hub for both locals and guests alike.

Art and Culture: A Creative Hub

Hotel Motto is not just a place to stay but also a stage for art and culture. Local artists’ works are displayed regularly, and the public spaces feature carefully curated pieces that capture the city’s artistic spirit. The hotel’s close connection to Vienna’s cultural scene is also evident in collaborations with theaters and museums.


Hotel Motto is a perfect blend of urban lifestyle, timeless elegance, and warm hospitality. Bernd Schlacher has created a retreat that captivates travelers and pays homage to Vienna and Paris—two cities celebrated for their style and appreciation for the finer things in life.

Artful and idyllic amidst a UNESCO World Heritage site

From a craftsman’s house to one of the most beautiful art hotels in Europe, the story of Schlossberghotel reads like a captivating tale. In 1596, it was appointed as the Imperial and Royal Court Carpentry in Graz, a tradition of craftsmanship that has endured for centuries.

A significant turning point came in the 1960s when the historic building transformed into the renowned “Gasthof Bierstrom,” marking the beginning of a new chapter. Later, from 1980 to 1982, the house underwent extensive renovation and modernization, reopening as Schlossberghotel. In the following years, the hotel expanded to include two adjacent buildings. Another milestone occurred in 2011 with the construction of new apartments in the Domenig-Spitz.

Art appreciation at the highest level

From travel pleasure to the enjoyment of art at the highest level and boundless individuality, Schlossberghotel seamlessly combines charm and sophistication. In its 49 rooms, 4 suites, and 8 modern apartments, original artworks and precious antiques merge to create a unique living experience that invites guests to return time and again.

Feeling at home is paramount, especially in the apartments of Schlossberghotel where contemporary art and luxurious functionality promise maximum living quality even for extended stays. Located in the opposite Domenig-Spitz, designed by the outstanding architect Günther Domenig, the fully equipped apartments captivate with spacious and modern living areas.

The lobby and bar area form the heart of Schlossberghotel inviting guests to engage in intense discussions, stimulating conversations, and lighthearted banter. A refreshing glass of wine, a steaming cup of coffee, or a cozy cognac elevate spirits and facilitate effortless conversation.

Stay relaxed.

The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views over the UNESCO World Heritage-listed skyline of Graz, while the winter garden or the cozy breakfast room serve a diverse breakfast spread. For relaxation and rejuvenation, guests have access to the leisure area with sauna, infrared cabin, and fitness room 24 hours a day. During the warmer months, the outdoor pool on the rooftop terrace invites guests to enjoy a refreshing swim. At Schlossberghotel an unforgettable stay is guaranteed, with the guest at the center of attention.

Raw Luxury

Nestled in 80 hectares of untouched nature on the southeastern coast of the secluded island of Folegandros. The luxury resort Gundari rises high on rugged cliffs, overlooking the azure depths of the Aegean Sea. This extraordinary oasis is designed to inspire and invigorate.

Luxurious Seclusion

Seamlessly integrated into the landscape, Gundari draws aesthetic inspiration from the ancient tones of the island itself. Cycladic simplicity and serenity meet modern design with understated luxury.

With 25 suites and 2 villas, all boasting majestic sea views, the interior design reflects Cycladic simplicity in harmony with the surrounding earth. Organic materials such as natural stone, ceramic, and wood create a warm atmosphere. Designed with intimacy, serenity, and elegance in mind, Gundari epitomizes restrained luxury. Each suite and villa features a private pool.

Mediterranean Elegance

The in-house restaurant, Orizon, offers a refined, contemporary Greek menu crafted by the renowned Michelin-starred Chef Lefteris Lazarou. The culinary experience is accompanied by the finest local and international wines.

Best Room Superior Cave Suite

The Superior Cave Suite with a private outdoor pool and sea view is approximately 70m². It consists of a master bedroom with a king-size bed, a bathroom, separate toilet, and a spacious living area. The outdoor space covers about 60m² with a shaded deck featuring a large daybed, dining table, and chairs, a sun deck with double loungers, and a heated infinity pool. The outdoor heated infinity pool offers direct spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.

An oasis of tranquility in the bustling heart of the metropolis. A place of contemplation and retreat, serving as a counterpoint to the bustling activities of the urban surroundings. The historically preserved ensemble, consisting of a former courthouse and a women’s prison, has been redesigned, expanded, and repurposed by the architects Grüntuch Ernst. It now houses the Hotel Wilmina, the Lovis Restaurant, and an art and cultural space called Amtsalon.

From the rooftop terrace, a soothing view of courtyards, gardens, and green rooftops unfolds. The lush garden, adorned with trees, shrubs, and climbing plants, invites relaxation and rejuvenation.

For those who prefer to unwind inside the hotel, there are opportunities in the Fireplace Lounge with a cup of tea or in the Library with books that reach up to the ceiling. Elegant billiard tables and classic board games beckon in the Billiard Room.

In the 44 light-filled rooms, you’ll encounter a calming aesthetic with bright colors and natural materials. Notably, the luxurious comfort of handcrafted COCO-MAT beds ensures you wake up fully rested to embrace the new day.

Best Room

Penthouse Suite

The new Penthouse level seamlessly blends clean lines with panoramic views. Floor-to-ceiling glass facades are shielded by metal chains, offering privacy while gracefully enveloping the historic structure. These additions are minimalistic and tranquil, yet they carry a poetic touch. In contrast to the Penthouse Compact, the Penthouse Suite features a separate room with a workspace and a sofa bed, which can be separated by a sliding door.

Wellness

For relaxation after an eventful day, guests have access to a sauna and a gym equipped with high-quality fitness equipment.

During the summer, guests can cool off in the 10-meter-long refreshing pool, while in the winter, a revitalizing ice bath awaits them after the sauna.

For those looking to escape the stresses of everyday life, a massage is available. Book a massage and indulge in a pampering experience.

Kulinarik

Lovis Restaurant and Bar

Chef Sophia Rudolph and her team reimagine traditional dishes, bringing to life a hidden place nestled amidst lush gardens.

LOTTA

A stroll through the lush gardens of the Wilmina leads you to the day bar LOTTA. With a selection of seasonal drinks and homemade specialities, it’s the ideal place for breakfast or an aperitif.

Wilmina Brot

The in-house bakery Wilmina Brot is located next to the hotel entrance. Watch how fresh bread is baked daily in the glass bakery and choose between various sourdough breads and fine baked goods.

Amatsalon

Amtsalon is a multidisciplinary space for temporary projects from the realms of art, architecture, design, and beyond. A former courthouse transformed into a unique event venue in the heart of Berlin.

Right on the quay, between the Schlossberg and the river Mur, you’ll find the building housing the Kai 36 hotel, which has been listed for several decades. With its modern feel, stylish design and outstanding quality, it’s a popular meeting place for travellers from all over the world.

One of the most striking features of Kai 36 is its unique design and architecture. The hotel building presents a fusion of modern and classic styles, with elegant, clean lines and contemporary artworks to be seen throughout the hotel. The interior design of the hotel impresses with its eye-catching artworks on the walls and in the public areas. The attention to detail and sense of style is sure to leave a lasting impression on guests.

Best Room – Poolhouse

The Poolhouse room has a breathtaking view over the rooftops of Graz. It is located just a few steps away from the pool on the rooftop terrace, making it a perfect retreat for guests who want to take a refreshing dip or sunbathe. The room also has its own small, landscaped terrace where guests can relax in a tranquil setting. Whether for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, the Poolhouse room offers a perfect blend of relaxation and comfort.

Outdoorpool

Experience luxury and relaxation 20 metres above the streets in the outdoor pool at Kai 36. The open-air oasis provides the perfect escape from the hectic city scene and allows you to unwind in style. Whether you want to swim a few lengths, relax with a book or simply chill in the water, the pool at Kai 36 is definitely a highlight.

Café Bar

The Café Bar at Kai 36 offers guests a comfortable and relaxed environment in which to enjoy breakfast or a drink. A host of delicious dishes from the local area feature on the menu. The use of regional and fresh ingredients is a prerequisite so as to create unforgettable culinary experiences. The warm and inviting atmosphere of the Café Bar means it is also the perfect place for those who want to spend a quiet and pleasant evening in Graz.

Kai 36 - Food

Art

This is a place where art and culture are placed front and centre. With over 150 works of art throughout the hotel, there’s inspiration to be found at every turn. 50 of them can be found in the Café Bar alone. Esther Stocker will be happy to keep you company over a cup of tea, while the gaze of a Harding Meyer will become more intriguing than stern after one – or two – glasses of wine. In the rooms also, you’ll find the walls adorned with original works by international artists.

A gem in the vibrant city of Antwerp

In the heart of the historic city of Antwerp is the upscale and beautifully designed Hotel Julien. This urban retreat offers guests an oasis of calm in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Housed in two 16th century buildings, the hotel has been lovingly restored, effortlessly combining authentic elements with modern furnishings to provide guests with every comfort.

The hotel’s location makes it the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful city. A haven for cosmopolitans, it is within walking distance of the main shopping streets and some of Belgium’s most famous design studios and hottest restaurants.

In the rooms, heavenly beds await with custom Egyptian percale linens and soft down pillows to lull you to sleep at night. Designer furniture and limited edition photographs by Gallery 51, highlight the unique character of each room. The softest, fluffiest towels to snuggle into after a luxurious shower or bath in a Carrara marble bath. The exclusive skin care products are from AESOP.

A concierge service is available day and night. From private chauffeur, insider tips, restaurant reservations, tickets for events at the best places in the city to flower service, here no wish remains unfulfilled.

Restaurant

Hotel Julien serves light meals and finger foods during the day and evening. The menu features homemade dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients. Please note that the breakfast lounge, bar, and rooftop terrace are not only open to hotel guests, and outside guests are also welcome.

Bar

Enjoy a delicious cocktail at the bar before dinner, relax in front of the fireplace with the daily newspaper or enjoy a good glass of wine on the roof terrace with spectacular views of the cathedral.

Wellness

The SPA, a hidden treasure in the historic cellars of the Hotel Julien, is your personal sanctuary in the city. Take a break from everyday stress and experience wellness in its purest form. You will be pampered from head to toe as soon as you enter the SPA. The ancient teachings of Feng Shui have been applied in the design to ensure complete harmony and inner balance.

The highly qualified massage therapists offer a wide range of facial and body treatments, as well as innovative rituals. The soothing treatments, pampering packages and award-winning Bamford products have been carefully selected.

Places of interest

The hotel is in a prime location, so most of the sights are within easy reach. The Belgian port city is the perfect city for a short vacation. Especially for those interested in fashion, design and art. Antwerp is also famous as an important trading center for diamonds.

A former Augustinian monastery as an urban retreat

A former Augustinian monastery is transformed into an urban retreat that embraces the sacred soul of the site while captivating with modernist touches in every little detail.

The hotel is located in Het Groen Kwartier (the Green Quarter) a traffic-free area on the site of a large 19th-century former military hospital that once belonged to the Belgian Army. Van Hool and De Scheemaecker, the owners of the hotel, immediately recognized the potential. It is a lively neighborhood with many new stores, restaurants and small cafes. It is close to the Zurenborg neighborhood with its impressive Art Nouveau and fin-de-siècle mansions.

For the reconstruction, of the property consisting of 5 buildings, the well-known Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen could be won. He is one of the leading figures in the Antwerp design scene. His style is unobtrusive, subtle and timeless. In some ways, he combines modernity with a touch of conservatism.

The former monastery houses 44 rooms and suites, ranging in size from 16 to 41 square meters. All have a double bed, a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning, a laptop safe, a well-stocked minibar, wireless speakers, Egyptian percale bedding, a private bathroom with a walk-in shower (some with a freestanding bathtub), and Le Labo toiletries.

BEST ROOM

The crowning glory of Augustinian heritage. The lavish august Suite welcomes you with a personal living room, a large sleeping area and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and large bathtub. Enjoy views of the courtyard, chapel and swimming pond from your private balcony. The room is accessible via a small staircase.

RESTAURANT

The restaurant is located in the corridor surrounding the original chapel. From the beginning of the restoration, everything has been carefully planned to offer a unique dining experience in the authentic spaces of the monastery.

Expect seasonal menus that focus on the produce, the season and the terroir. A creative culinary experience curated by Nick Bril. Nick and Chef Pieter Starmans define august’s cuisine as modern brasserie fare. Enjoy a refined meal under the black steel and glass roof of the conservatory.

BAR

Enjoy elegant drinks and tasty bar food at the august Bar. The august Bar is open to everyone. Experience the beautiful garden with covered, heated terrace and the atmospheric ambience inside while relaxing in the lounge.

WELLNESS

The hotel’s own wellness area invites you to warm up in the sauna and hammam. Cool off with a fresh ice scrub, in the outdoor shower on the adjacent “Cour Anglaise” or in the outdoor swimming pond. August Wellness has a separate entrance and is also accessible to non-hotel guests.

The Neighborhood

The hotel is adjacent to PAKT, an exciting repurposed industrial site that houses a melting pot of creative businesses in renovated warehouses and has an ambitious “agriculture in the city” rooftop project.

Also nearby are the Zurenborg district, with its impressive Art Nouveau and fin-de-siècle mansions, the De Koninck brewery – a family business that has been brewing the local beer “Bolleke” since 1833 – and the main thoroughfare. Jane, a two Michelin-starred restaurant, is located in the former hospital chapel in the center of the complex.

The area is perfect for exploring by bike, on foot, or by public transportation.

This is where old world elegance meets modern design.

After careful restoration, the classic structure of the house blends seamlessly with the local architecture and complements the beauty of the surroundings.

The heart of La Valise is the oasis in the courtyard. Here, time ceases to exist. The gently swaying lemon trees, the murmur of the water and the sun’s incoming rays make space and time melt away.  A double Chichimeca staircase forms the center of the garden and frames the ancient cultural omens. The aesthetics of the architecture and the staged design elements create a serene, almost mystical athmosphere.

The rooms and suites highlight the uniqueness of Mexican craftsmanship and Aztec symbolism. Contrasted with modern design elements, an ensemble is created that combines the past and the present.

La Valise San Miguel was designed by Mexican-Italian artist Pedro Friedberg, who left his signature on the wall embossments in the hotel’s suites. The artist and designer is known for his surrealist works characterized by lines, colors and ancient symbols.

They enjoy their breakfast either in the suite, in the courtyard or another cozy niche in the hotel. Ingredients for the delicious smoothies or local pastry specialties all come from the region. La Valise doesn’t have a restaurant, but it does offer a range of appetizers, wines, and cocktails to round out your culinary stay.

Spa treatments are performed right in your suite. The experienced therapists offer a range of massages, facials and rituals for body, mind and soul.

Best Room – Master Suite

The master suite, Grande Dame, is the largest suite that acts as the ultimate pied-à-terre in San Miguel, your home away from home. It features a cozy living room and spacious bedroom with contrasting black and white mid-century design. The bathroom houses a granite tub under two domes that create a surreal mood with stars, mirrors and shimmering lights.

Once a home, always a home

Along the colonial street of La Roma in Mexico City are the most elegant townhouses in the Mexican capital. One of these houses is home to the exclusive boutique hotel La Valise Mexico City. This hidden gem with only 3 rooms, has become a real insider tip since its opening. Those who want to stay here should plan well in advance. Curated collectibles and antiques combined with Namron’s own design create a world that enchants. In the middle of the lively metropolis and yet an oasis of tranquility.

Valise Mexico – Affyrm Studio

Best Room – La Terraza Suite

In the La Terrazza Suite you have the choice – do I sleep under the open sky, or rather with a roof over my head.  A king size bed slides onto the large private terrace if you wish. Under the open sky, under a cozy blanket, you can enjoy your favorite movies over the city streets. Refined luxury and selected art complete the extravagant ambience of the suite.

Culinary delights

The hotel doesn’t have an in-house restaurant, but renowned chef Elena Reygades of the Italian-Mexican restaurant Rosetta, will whip up a unique menu for guests to enjoy in their suite upon request.  Those who prefer to go out to dine are spoiled for choice in the La Rosa neighborhood. Countless gourmet restaurants are on the doorstep.

Hotel La Valise Mexico City

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