Sophistication on the San Diego Waterfront- InterContinental
The InterContinental San Diego is the city’s waterfront gem where guests can indulge in making memories, while experiencing the highest levels of luxury. The 400-room property overlooks San Diego Bayfront and is the third InterContinental Hotel & Resort property in Southern California.
Linda Snyder Associates were tasked with the overall interior design of the hotel and related the site’s design story to the destination of the hotel and the brand connection to international travel. Located at the edge of the ocean and immediately adjacent to the cruise ship dock, the sense of floating and retreat, possibly to destinations unknown, is at the heart of the story.
A grand circular drive approaches the San Diego Bay, separated from the docks by the crescent shaped Lane Field Park. Emulating the layered decks of a cruise ship, the function, dining and pool terraces of the Intercontinental San Diego step gradually back from the water. The ground level entry lobby is protected by the shallow overhang of a double height glass box showcasing the pre-function reception lounge. The guest journey begins at entry court level where the interior finishes are refined, with a comfortably casual elegance that embraces the waterfront location. Materials contrast tactile natural stone with polished woods, accented by luminous surfaces. Lighting is functional, architectural and strongly influential upon the artistic aesthetic of the environment.
Arrival at Lobby Registration level 3 engages guests with the immediate impact of water front bay views. Simultaneous infusions of natural daylight reaches the interior lobby through the glass walls framing the transit lifts; the impact of the floating transit elevators within the glass enclosure reinforces the vertical continuity of the arrival experience. Level 3 is the heart of the hotel; the location for experiential lounge and dining options, the refined understatement of the reception lobby and access to Concierge and Club Member Lounge services.
The dining experience at restaurant Vistal is focused upon views to the Bay. The majority of seating is along the glazed wall that opens to the terrace, providing al fresco dining in temperate weather conditions. Lighting creates high contrast, texture and pattern emphasizing the volume within the central dining space. Radial axis lines create a dynamic division between the Club Lounge and the Bar Lounge. The angles direct the guest focus from the arrival point toward the Bay and the USS Midway.
The guestroom is a place of respite, a welcome escape from life’s daily rigor. The sleek, modern lines of the guestroom provide an uncluttered space from which to enjoy expansive ocean views. Dappled pattern created by accent lighting images the high contrast of light and shadow produced by the sun. Complimentary to the sense of floating, art by Jean Kazanjian references “the dream.”
Avery Graning, Project Senior Designer at Linda Snyder Associates (LSA) told Premier Hospitality International: “The art program for this project was carefully curated to enhance the theme of a dream, water and reflection. LSA collaborated with art consulting firm, Daniel Fine Art Services to create a truly international group of artists, who are working in many mediums. As guests approach the registration desk, they will see an immense painting of clouds and ribbons of gold in deep blue by artist, Tracie Cheng with Venice artist William Attaway’s skateboard fish creation displayed in the private dining area. The lobby and bar are divided by Pascal Pierme’s wood carved installation that gives the viewer a sense of water reflection as the color changes when viewing it from either side. Epoxy panels of beautifully rich, aqua blue by Cari Guerin hang in the ballroom and artist Trang Le has created a canvas of grays, blacks and threads of blue. A spotted canvas titled “Water Hymn” by Mark Gary enhances the walls in the corridor. The Guest elevators are an impactful experience, a suggestive introduction to the dream vision influencing the guestroom design with full wall glass panels of Roark Gourley’s elegant, flowing, underwater images allowing the guest to feel immersed.
The hotel is owned by Portman Holdings and is managed by IHG.
Avery added: “The hotel has received glowing guest reviews and we are extremely happy with the outcome of this important project.”
