New dual-branded hotel designed by AXIS/GFA’s San Francisco studio
As part of a new two-building hotel campus in the heart of Palo Alto, AXIS/GFA recently joined project partners T2 Hospitality to celebrate the grand opening of the first-of-their-two new properties: AC Hotel Palo Alto. Featuring two of Marriott’s newest brands, the development’s second property – Hotel Citrine, Palo Alto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – will celebrate its official grand opening this summer.
A five story, 81,000 square foot, 144 room project, AXIS/GFA’s Los Angeles studio’s design for the AC Hotel Palo Alto ingeniously blends inspiration derived from the surrounding coastal redwood forests that define the nearby landscape with a sophisticatedly elegant and tech-forward aesthetic that’s audaciously mused by the hotel’s famous tech industry neighbors.
Experientially, guests are welcomed by way of a private auto court reminiscent of the elegant inset entrances of Europe’s most iconic hotels. On the AC Hotel side of the courtyard, the court’s function is softened by way of landscape planters and patio seating areas around the perimeter, seamlessly transforming the non-driveway portions of the court into a human-centric pedestrian courtyard. Flanking the courtyard, two striking yet airy pergolas guide guests to each hotel entrance, “tunneling” them along a runway bordered by destination outdoor lounge seating. On the AC Hotel side, a fire feature was integrated into the pergola to draw guests into the hotel reception, and for their enjoyment when seated on the adjacent patios.
Elsewhere on the exterior, AXIS/GFA’s design of the building features a stepped-back façade retreating from the streetscape; through this ingenious terraced approach, the crowning floors of the hotel boast significant patios for feature guestrooms and dining spaces alike.
A view of the AC Hotel Palo Alto’s sophisticated lobby bar and lounge.
On the interior, the two hotels’ brands take center stage. For the AC Hotel interior, public spaces celebrate the sleek lines and minimal details of the brand’s sophisticated European-inspired aesthetic. Embracing the brand’s colors, deep organic slate hues are balanced by bright stone counter features and modern lighting fixtures that stand-in as decorative art pieces unto themselves. Interior design expertise by Gensler.
Be sure to watch future editions of The Praxis for the announcement of Hotel Citrine, Palo Alto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel’s official grand opening.
AXIS/GFA Principal Architect Gene Fong, and Los Angeles studio Associate Lana Ung take in the celebrations of the AC Hotel Palo Alto’s grand opening.
See more AC Hotel by Marriott Palo Alto dual-brand hotel project images
This article was included in the March-April 2021 edition of The Praxis.
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AXIS/GFACollaboratively delivering unforgettable architectural design and innovative technical solutions for America’s intrepid multifamily residential and hospitality leaders.
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