Lobbies have long been the heart and soul of a hotel. They set the tone for the guest experience, combining design, art, and atmosphere to create a lasting first impression. From hi-tech integrations and dual-purpose social areas to curated art and signature design elements, these lobbies range from sleek, modern spaces to historic grandeur. Step inside 15 stunning hotel lobbies from around the world, where architectural brilliance, thoughtful design, and unforgettable guest experiences set the stage for an extraordinary stay.
Jump to: Caribbean & Mexico | Asia | Europe | North America | India
Caribbean & Mexico
Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection, Riviera Maya – Contemporary Elegance
Etéreo, part of the renowned Auberge Resorts Collection, embodies the brand’s signature approach to luxury that blends thoughtful design, wellness, and cultural immersion. The lobby is designed with clean lines, light-filled spaces, and a palette that mirrors the nearby Caribbean waters. Custom furniture, locally sourced art, and natural materials create a modern yet welcoming environment that reflects Auberge’s dedication to authentic, place-based experiences. Guests can enjoy exceptional culinary offerings, wellness retreats, and curated cultural programming, all anchored by the brand’s commitment to personalised, meaningful stays. The lobby sets the tone for a visit that balances contemporary elegance with the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Mayakoba region.
Website: https://aubergeresorts.com/etereo
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico – Nature and Design
Banyan Tree Mayakoba’s lobby is designed to seamlessly connect guests to the lush mangroves and waterways of the Riviera Maya. Open-air layouts, natural materials, and soothing water features create a tranquil atmosphere that encourages relaxation upon arrival. The brand is known for combining sustainable luxury with authentic cultural experiences, and the lobby reflects this ethos with bespoke furniture, local artwork, and a welcoming sense of place. Guests can easily access wellness facilities, spa treatments, and guided ecological tours, making the lobby both a practical hub and an aesthetic introduction to the property’s immersive approach to hospitality.
Website: https://www.banyantree.com/en/mexico/mayakoba
Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay – Timeless Elegance Meets Tropical Charm
The lobby at Round Hill Hotel and Villas welcomes guests with a seamless blend of classic Caribbean elegance and modern luxury. High ceilings, hand-crafted furnishings, and natural materials set a warm, inviting tone, while floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the lush gardens and turquoise Caribbean Sea. Guests are immediately immersed in a refined tropical atmosphere, enhanced by curated local artwork, bespoke lighting, and a sense of understated sophistication. The lobby also serves as a hub for social connection and relaxation, with comfortable seating areas perfect for meeting fellow travellers or enjoying a quiet moment. Signature touches such as fresh floral arrangements, artisanal décor, and attentive service ensure a lasting first impression that reflects the hotel’s commitment to timeless luxury, personalized experiences, and its iconic Montego Bay setting.
Website: https://www.roundhill.com/
Asia
Aman Tokyo, Japan – Zen Tranquillity
Aman Tokyo is renowned for its serene, Zen-inspired lobby, which perfectly embodies the Aman philosophy of understated luxury and mindful design. Reflective pools, rock gardens, and dramatic ikebana floral arrangements create a space that calms the senses and encourages contemplation. The open layout draws natural light into every corner, while subtle use of traditional Japanese materials—like cypress wood, stone, and washi paper—provides texture and authenticity. Guests can start their stay with a tea ceremony or simply admire the panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline, setting the stage for a journey of cultural immersion and refined comfort. Aman’s commitment to wellness and harmony extends throughout the property, making this lobby a quiet yet powerful introduction to the brand’s philosophy.
Website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-tokyo
Hotel ICON, Hong Kong – The Garden Lobby
At Hotel ICON, the lobby combines a sense of calm with striking greenery. Asia’s largest indoor vertical garden, designed by botanist Patrick Blanc, features over 8,000 plants cascading across the lobby walls. Guests enter into a space where natural light, verdant textures, and dramatic views of the city create a tranquil urban oasis. The lobby café, Green, offers a sleek spot to enjoy fresh meals while surrounded by living architecture. The design emphasises sustainability and sensory appeal, encouraging guests to linger, relax, and connect. Recognised for both its eco-conscious design and luxurious comfort, Hotel ICON’s lobby exemplifies the harmony of modern architecture and natural beauty.
Website: https://www.hotel-icon.com/
Europe
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – Parisian Grandeur
The lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel George V is a celebration of Parisian opulence, art, and floral mastery. Spectacular seasonal floral displays, original tapestries, and bronze sculptures create a space that is both grand and welcoming. Built in 1928 and steeped in history, the property has long been a hub for haute couture clientele and international jet-setters. Guests entering the lobby are greeted by gilded architectural details and marble floors, while the design subtly references the hotel’s legacy as a centre of luxury and sophistication. The George V brand elevates every aspect of the stay, from Michelin-starred dining experiences to personalised concierge services, making the lobby a prelude to the refined elegance that defines Parisian hospitality.
Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/paris/
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – Opulent Grandeur
In the heart of Paris, the Four Seasons George V is renowned for its spectacular floral displays, historic tapestries, and bronze sculptures. The lobby exudes grandeur, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over intricately detailed floors and ceilings. Guests entering the lobby are immediately immersed in a blend of French elegance and world-class luxury. Dining options within the hotel include the Michelin-starred Le Cinq, while the spa and wellness areas provide refined relaxation. The George V lobby is emblematic of Parisian sophistication and has received countless awards for design and service excellence.
Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/paris/
North America
Union Station Hotel, Nashville, USA – Historic Landmark
Housed in the iconic Union Station building, this Nashville hotel boasts a lobby that is both monumental and intimately tied to the city’s past. The 65-foot vaulted ceilings, intricate Tiffany-style stained glass, and polished marble floors evoke the grandeur of the late 19th century, while modern touches ensure comfort and functionality. Guests can admire historical architectural details while enjoying live music events or networking in lounge areas. The hotel seamlessly blends heritage with modern luxury, offering visitors a sense of place that is as culturally rich as it is visually stunning. Union Station Hotel has become a symbolic entryway to Nashville’s music and arts scene, reinforcing the city’s unique identity for travellers.
Website: https://www.unionstationhotel.com/
The Siren Hotel, Detroit, USA – Musical Heritage
Housed in the iconic Wurlitzer building designed in 1926 by Detroit native architect Robert Finn, The Siren Hotel blends history, artistry, and contemporary design to create a lobby that is both immersive and inviting. Preserving the Italian Renaissance-style architecture, the lobby showcases restored travertine floors, original terra-cotta signage, and ornate plaster detailing on historic ceilings, while 18th- and 19th-century Italian antiques, curated art installations, and custom furniture from Ash’s collection add a modern, multi-sensory layer. The hotel’s lobby embodies Ash’s signature aesthetic with a soft palette of whites, pale pinks, rich oxblood, and crisp navy, creating a warm yet sophisticated setting. As a cultural hub, it hosts locally sourced retail, pop-up flower installations, a coffee bar, cocktail lounges, and curated music experiences, including performances at Paramita Sound and Sid Gold’s piano karaoke bar. Celebrated as both a destination for travellers and a dynamic part of Detroit’s cultural scene, The Siren has received numerous accolades, including Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader’s Choice Awards and Fodor’s Finest Hotels, solidifying its place as a top-tier, design-forward hotel in the heart of the Motor City.
Website: https://ash.world/hotels/the-siren
citizenM, New York, USA – The Modern Living Room Lobby
citizenM’s Times Square lobby is a dramatic blend of high design, technology, and comfort. The soaring 26-foot ceilings, expansive floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and curated art pieces—including works by Andy Warhol and David LaChapelle—transform the lobby into an interactive gallery space. Guests can settle into oversized designer sofas, play chess by the fire, or work at integrated co-working tables. The lobby’s functional zones are seamlessly integrated into its aesthetic, creating a space that caters to travellers who value both style and practicality. From the vibrant social areas to the subtle lighting and tactile materials, citizenM’s lobby ensures every guest feels immersed in New York’s cultural and creative pulse from the moment they arrive.
Website: https://www.citizenm.com/
Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour, Sydney – The Social Butterfly Lobby
Sydney’s Ovolo 1888 marries Old-World charm with contemporary vibrancy. The lobby is a social hub, complete with an Instagram selfie stand and playful social interactions designed to engage guests both online and in person. With bold colours, striking artwork, and dynamic lighting, this lobby is a living, breathing space that encourages social engagement. Business travellers can enjoy functional spaces for work, while leisure travellers are drawn to the lively, creative atmosphere. Ovolo 1888 has received recognition for its innovative guest experience and continues to set the standard for modern boutique hotel lobbies in Australia.
Website: https://ovolohotels.com/
India
Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan, India – Palace Heritage
Set within a restored 700-year-old palace, the lobby of Six Senses Fort Barwara marries historical architecture with contemporary luxury. Stone arches, carved wood panels, and antique furnishings evoke Rajasthan’s royal past, while modern amenities provide comfort and functionality. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and wellness is evident in every aspect of the space, from natural ventilation to locally sourced materials. Guests are invited to experience immersive cultural programming, from traditional music performances to curated culinary experiences, making the lobby an introduction to both the property’s heritage and Six Senses’ global philosophy of holistic, eco-conscious luxury.