All Good In The 'Hood: Six Community-Centric Hotels

 

Every neighborhood has its own secret rhymes and rhythms, happenings far from the well-tread tourist trails, tucked down small side streets or behind a dusty shop sign. Design Hotels™ champions hotels that are gateways to the communities that surround them.

From the bustling streets of London to the quiet sun-drenched beaches of the Mexican Coastline, tour six hotels that are not only a soft spot to land, but a firm jumping off point to delve deeper into a destination and experience true neighborhood integration first-hand.

Hotel La Semilla, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Mayan ruins and hip restaurants are just down the street from one another in Playa del Carmen, the hometown of Hotel La Semilla. Found on the Yucatan peninsula, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, this seaside town has been populated with trendy bars and restaurants in recent years. The hotel collaborates with the Amigos de Sian Ka'an organization, a local consortium of scientists who are dedicated to sustainable development and conservation. The worldly owners of this 9 room boutique hotel are always on hand to provide insider tips of the best places to eat and drink around town.
www.designhotels.com/hotel-la-semilla

Covent Garden Hotel, London, United Kingdom
A short walk from the Royal Opera house in London's legendary theater district, Covent Garden Hotel is
surrounded by some of the best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping in Britain. The Brasserie Max restaurant has become something of a local legend, known for serving up exquisite lunches in airy, art-deco surroundings.

At night, the finely-crafted cocktails at the bar attract a well-heeled mix of locals and theatergoers pouring out of the 21 live venues located just walking distance from the hotel's front doors. 58 rooms and suites provide elegant accommodation in an ideal location for any thespian or gastronomic adventurer.
www.designhotels.com/covent-garden-hotel

The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon, Tokyo, Japan
Across the street from the famous Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, The Gate Hotel Kaminarimon is at the
crossroads of an ancient cultural district and a bustling modern-day metropolis. The Asakusa neighborhood is one of Tokyo's oldest, featuring ancient Buddhist temples and various traditional festivals taking place
throughout the year. At certain times of the year, the lobby of the hotel gets transformed into an amezaiku
workshop, where guests can learn traditional candy-making craft. Any of the 137 cutting-edge rooms and
suites is just a crosswalk away from ancient Edo.
www.designhotels.com/the-gate-hotel-kaminarimon

Hotel Matilda, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Hotel Matilda is a 32 room boutique hotel, nestled among the terracotta houses and colonial-era church spires of San Miguel de Allende. Less than three blocks from the city's main plaza and near to many of the region's rejuvenating hot springs, this hotel celebrates the area's rich historical past with its stylish and elegant design.

Maybe that's why it's the centerpiece of the annual San Miguel ART festival. This four-day jamboree is a
showcase of local and regional artists, and has been growing exponentially larger since its debut in 2012.
www.designhotels.com/hotel-matilda

The Flushing Meadows Hotel & Bar, Munich, Germany
In the heart of Munich, The Flushing Meadows Hotel and Bar is fast becoming a hotspot for discerning
travelers visiting the Bavarian capital. Located in the Glockenbachviertel neighborhood, this vibrant quarter of the city is known for being young and eccentric, featuring chic boutiques and cozy café-lined avenues.
Complimentary bike rentals from local shop stilrad and the 'Outside" city guide (entirely written by the
hotel's charismatic owners) ensure guests will be gallivanting around the city like they'd lived there for years.
www.designhotels.com/flushing-meadows

Boundary, London, United Kingdom
Designed by Conran & Partners, Boundary is a Victorian-era warehouse that's been transformed into a
bustling hub in London's Shoreditch district. Featuring 12 rooms, five suites, three restaurants, and a rooftop bar, the hotel's community centerpiece is the Albion café and shop. A hit with locals and visitors alike, this quaint establishment serves up some of the freshest baked goods and most authentic British products to be found in the East End. From the Whitechapel Gallery to the Geffrye Museum, all the artistic energy of Shoreditch is just a stone's throw away.
www.designhotels.com/boundary