This book takes architects and designers on a worldwide journey to discover the most stylish and appealing spots, from an urban getaway in Europe to a resort on a South Pacific island, providing a serene ...
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Can London-based design firm Priestman Goode do as much for Motel 6's aging image as it did for Europe's cheap/chic start-up, Yotel hotels? Accor North America, Motel 6's parent company, clearly hopes so. After conducting an international design competition and soliciting input from franchisees and guests, Carrollton, Texas-based ANA selected Priestman Goode's Euro-style concept as the basis of the economy chain's first prototype in 12 years. The result is the bright, minimalist Motel 6 Phoenix, above, set to debut in summer 2009.
Named for the mythical bird that symbolizes rebirth, Motel 6's Phoenix brings flair to a flag best known for clean, comfortable low-priced rooms. "The design embodies the heart of Motel 6 in that it's no-frills, uncomplicated and efficient, but it incorporates a new modern edge," says Jim Amorosia, president and coo of Motel 6 and Studio 6.
Multifunctionality is one of Priestman Goode's signatures, and it's applied with space-saving savvy in the Motel 6 Phoenix. Towel cubbies double as accent lighting. Pedestal beds create storage space underneath. Even the entertainment unit does double-duty, providing plug-and-play options for guests' MP3 players, CD players and laptops, plus room to stow away personal items.
Guests also have upmarket surprises in the bathroom: a vessel sink, a black granite countertop and a walk-in shower that includes a molded seat. The large vanity is still part of the design, but it's modernized with strategic accent lighting.
In the public spaces, a settee/banquette seating area is more coffee house than coffee shop. All that's needed to supplement this is the new 24-hour food and beverage vending market place. Priestman Goode designed the new concept to work for retrofits as well as new builds.
New exteriors by BOKA Powell take this same kind of sleek appeal to the architecture. The three-story design saves 6,000 square feet of land over its two-star counterpart. Interior rather than exterior corridors could cut fuel costs by 8 percent or more.
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