Hospitality Style

Have you ever had a pleasantly memorable stay at an airport hotel? Thought not. Such on-site hotels are typically utilitarian affairs catering to stranded travelers -- and as such, not usually notable examples of contemporary hotel design.

Looking to change all that is the Langham Hotels International, which plans to open a 373-key luxury hotel next month at Beijing’s Capital Airport that it boasts will be the envy of guests staying at rival city-center hotels. The new Langham Place hotel was designed by the hotelier’s in-house team, in cooperation with the Beijing Design Institute, and sports hospitality interior designs that include loft-style suites and a 24-hour bar/internet hub. “We are not just creating a convenient stopover hotel but one of the most fun places to be in the capital of the world’s largest nation.” said General Manager Mark Francis. “We aim to make staying at the airport in Beijing an exciting thing to do.”

Only time will tell whether Langham will make good on that goal. But I give credit to the company -- a 145-year-old luxury hotel chain with properties operating under The Langham, Langham Place and Eaton flags -- for spicing things up in an often-uninspiring sector of hotel architecture and design.

Go to Hospitality Style to read the complete article and view more images of the new Langham Place hotel. While you're there sign up to receive a free Hospitality Style subscription.