GRAND HYATT CHANGSHA

Situated at the apex of a landmark 61-storey building, the Grand Hyatt Changsha offers views of the majestic Xiang River and the city’s skyline, setting the scene for dramatic and sophisticated hotel interiors. 

Guided by LTW’s main design philosophy to showcase the property’s unique sense of place, the design team aimed to create a different modern Chinese aesthetic, while paying homage to the region’s landscape and history. 

Inspired by two classic Chinese red-ink paintings: “Changsha” by Fu Baoshi and “Ten Thousand Hills in Red” by Li Keran, the design employs a palette of red and white, which also references the autumn maple trees on the nearby Yuelu Mountain and Xiang River. 

The expansive lobby showcases a striking red and white feature wall, rising up two storeys with its dramatic vertical fins rendered in lacquered wave patterns. Bas relief motifs in flowing water and floral compositions also draw guests into the space. Portraying the movement of water waves, the wall is a sculptural art piece representing the constant flow and energy of the Xiang River.  

The hotel’s spacious guestrooms feature warm colour tones with thoughtful design details such as white slotted panels inset with art blocks in lacquered ombre shades, glazed brick red tiling and plush floral carpeting. Bespoke furniture complements floor-to-ceiling windows that offer spectacular views of the city and the adjacent river.  

Inspired by the city’s bustling local markets, the hotel’s massive all-day-dining restaurant makes use of double and triple-height volumes created intentionally to evoke drama and highlight the architecture. Diners can sample cuisines from East and West in the central display kitchen that bisects the restaurant. A myriad of seating options - from the counter seats to long banquettes and communal tables - are lit with cage-like wrought iron lighting fixtures hanging from above, adding a human scale. Furthermore, the Asian barbeque restaurant is designed with raised timber platforms and raw finished wall panels inset with oversized fish artwork to mimic the river villages built on stilts along the Xiang River. 

Photo credits: LTW