“Hospitality is fundamental of everything; it’s etiquette. “ －Tony Chi
Tony Chi, the founder of Tony Chi Studios, hailed as the “Hotel Design Master,” believes that interior design is essentially a way of telling stories. He believes that every space must have a story because people remember the story, not the specific design elements. As a result, his works feature subtle details that add color to a common theme or concept, collectively creating a unique experience closely tied to the narrative of the space. This concept of invisible design is fully utilized in all of his designs.
Having immigrated to the United States from Taiwan with his parents at the age of six, he propelled the aesthetics of interior design in New York to a global scale and established a benchmark of excellence in the realm of top-tier hotels and restaurants. He has collaborated with numerous Michelin-starred chefs and world-renowned hotel groups.
Below, we have compiled six representative hotels located around the world that exemplify Tony Chi’s philosophy in practice.
Park Hyatt Kyoto
Park Hyatt Kyoto is a charming luxury hotel located in the ancient city of Kyoto, Japan. The hotel combines multiple concepts of Japanese architecture and design to create a unique blend of Eastern and Western styles. Inducted into the Design Hall of Fame as a modern-day mountain lodge, this hotel welcomes guests with 70 meticulously designed rooms and a range of luxurious amenities atop the hills of Kyoto, the enchanting ancient capital.
From the low-lying roofs and tile-covered arrival pathway to the artful curation inside, every detail showcases exquisite craftsmanship and carefully selected local materials, including fragrant Tamo wood. Contemporary furniture harmonizes with local craftsmanship, such as works by Carl Hansen and Søn and Giorgetti, creating a modern urban ambiance.
Through the glass walls, guests can enjoy up-close views of the lush surrounding landscapes, enhancing the experience of modernist design. You have the fortunate opportunity to book a specific suite, which comes with its own private Japanese garden—a tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Kyoto itself is renowned for its Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, imperial palaces, and traditional wooden architecture, and the hotel is conveniently located within the pedestrian area of Ninen-zaka, with a 10-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, making Park Hyatt Kyoto an ideal base for exploring the cultural richness of this ancient capital.
In 2020, Park Hyatt Kyoto was honored with the Best International Chain Hotel of the Year award, reaffirming its exceptional design and unique Eastern atmosphere. Here, every guest is treated to a comfortable, luxurious, and unforgettable stay, immersing themselves in the blend of tradition and modernity that Kyoto has to offer.
Rosewood Hong Kong
Tony Chi compares interior design to a symphony. He says, “If you deconstruct Rosewood Hong Kong, there are a lot of noisy elements, but when you put them together, it becomes music. The noise disappears.”
Asaya is the wellness center within Rosewood Hong Kong. Its goal is to create a haven of health and relaxation within the city, eliminating the need for a long journey to find serenity. Tony Chi designed the center as a tranquil oasis within the urban landscape. Materials such as water, stone, and greenery are incorporated into the design. The center features aromatherapy spaces, bathrooms inspired by Roman baths, and a serene room for meditation. Overlooking the harbor, a marble hydrotherapy pool introduces light and complements the serene atmosphere through large windows.
DarkSide Bar is one of the popular dining venues within Rosewood Hong Kong and quickly became a sought-after destination in Hong Kong. The bar offers a variety of high-quality beverages. The design of the space responds to this by creating an illusion of different eras through a series of first-class design elements. The passage of time is showcased through an hourglass ceiling installation, and the combination of antique and contemporary surface materials creates a timeless feel. Oak and bronze accents complement the space, forming a core feature in harmony with jazz music.
Rosewood, London
Rosewood London is situated in one of London’s most historic thoroughfares, High Holborn; housed in an Edwardian-era building, Tony Chi seamlessly integrates modern elements into the renovated design while preserving the classic British charm, giving the entire hotel a unique allure. He skillfully utilizes luxurious materials such as glossy lacquer, richly textured woods, and exquisite mirrors to create a lavish yet cozy ambiance.
From the lobby to the guest rooms, Rosewood London exudes a strong sense of British elegance. The lobby mesmerizes with its opulent decor and meticulously designed furnishings, transporting guests to a noble estate. The guest rooms are filled with exquisite details and a comfortable atmosphere, with each corner showcasing the history and culture of London.
Grand Hyatt Berlin
Located in the bustling Potsdamer Platz, Grand Hyatt Berlin is an architectural marvel designed by renowned German architect Helmut Jahn. It boasts a sleek and contemporary exterior with striking glass facades. Tony Chi took the lead in the interior design, creating a space that exudes modern elegance while blending traditional German design elements with a contemporary style. The hotel features 342 sophisticated rooms and suites, each equipped with luxurious amenities and captivating city views.
The hotel showcases impressive design elements, with contemporary artworks provided by internationally acclaimed artists. At Grand Hyatt Berlin, the dining experience is diverse, reflecting the multicultural character of the capital. The Vox Bar offers Berlin’s finest selection of whiskies along with an elegant cigar lounge. Next door, Jamboree Bar invites guests to relax in a space filled with art exhibitions and live music performances during the weekends. Additionally, Olympus Spa & Fitness provides a rejuvenating escape with stunning views of Berlin’s cityscape, allowing travelers to refresh and relax both body and mind.
W Hotel, Santiago
Located in the Las Condes district, in the Isidora 3000 building, W Hotel stands as a stunning visual spectacle with its 196 rooms, marking the brand’s first venture into Latin America. Tony Chi transformed this massive office space into a breathtaking oasis through extensive renovations, incorporating features such as frosted glass and silk partitions, captivating alpaca ceilings, mirrored walls, and an array of exquisite decorative elements. Drawing inspiration from Chile’s vibrant colors and textures, he employed a bright palette and various textured surfaces, most of which were crafted from locally sourced natural materials.
A highlight of the hotel is the Whiskey Blue bar, adorned with rows of wine bottles, where even Santiago’s elite indulge in the luxurious comfort of plush sofas. The hotel’s focus on design extends to the spacious guest rooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, wall coverings adorned with fabric drapery, sharply angled furniture, and an array of modern amenities that exude a masculine aesthetic.
Furthermore, the executive chef of NoSo restaurant, Jean-Paul Bondoux, skillfully applies French culinary techniques to Chilean delicacies such as Pacific sea urchin, abalone, and cod, elevating the dining experience to exceptional heights.
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
The Carlyle Hotel in New York City boasts a rich history dating back to the 1930s. During its renovation, Tony Chi Studios aimed to showcase the hotel’s traditions and its significance within the modern community. Tony Chi stated, “When designing The Carlyle, we paid attention to the passage of time.” The room designs seamlessly blend the past and the future, harmoniously integrating modern decor with the traditional elements and intricate details of the original hotel.
The renovation design of The Carlyle strikes a balance between its rich traditions and the incorporation of elements that cater to the needs and tastes of contemporary guests. The careful craftsmanship creates a sense of harmony that transcends time. Each guest room and suite exhibits meticulous attention to detail. Modern furnishings, stylish decor, and state-of-the-art amenities coexist with opulent finishes and luxurious fabrics, preserving the hotel’s timeless charm. In addition to the guest rooms, The Carlyle offers a range of exceptional dining experiences, from the elegant Carlyle Restaurant to the iconic Bemelmans Bar, where guests can indulge in exquisite cuisine and cocktails in an environment filled with history and charm.
The Carlyle stands as a true testament to the enduring legacy of New York City’s hotel industry. Through the fusion of the past and the present, it continues to attract guests, allowing them to glimpse the city’s rich history while providing modern comforts and impeccable service that surpass expectations.
With over four decades in the international design industry and a well-deserved place in the Design Hall of Fame, Tony Chi has become a legendary figure, embodying the qualities of a true master. He is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail and impeccable taste, which extend from lighting and greenery to menu formats and music selection. Year after year, he continues to devote exceptional care to every minute element. All of this stems from his genuine hospitality, with a desire to make every visitor feel right at home.
When you have the opportunity to personally visit hotels designed by Tony Chi, such as the Rosewood London and the Park Hyatt Kyoto, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that the man behind the elegant designs is anything but solemn. On the contrary, driven by his passion for design and a wealth of inspirations, he presents one stunning top-tier hotel after another, employing storytelling as his medium. Today, he remains true to his initial aspirations, showcasing his exceptional talent and the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures in his designs from a global perspective.