Omni Louisville Hotel, Kentucky

Posted in Projects on 15 March, 2018

Considered the tallest hotel in the city, the 30-story Omni Louisville Hotel officially opened yesterday, following two years of construction. Dallas-based interior architectural design firm waldrop+nichols studio conceived the interior spaces for the $300-million hotel, which is located within one block from the Kentucky International Convention Center.

The concept for the 612 finely appointed guest rooms and suites—housed within intersecting towers—as well as the hotel’s public spaces, showcases interior elements that blend together the city’s rich heritage, culture, and characteristics. waldrop+nichols studio employed its unique proprietary design process— ‘spatial mythology’—to create a sense of place for Louisville’s newest hotel property.

From the moment of arrival, travellers and locals are greeted in the lobby by historic colloquialisms in the form of neon pendants. Stone and iron interior architecture guides guests to the impressive art gallery installation, which features works from local artisans.

“Louisville’s iconic landmarks, heritage and distinctive multi-faceted lifestyles provided the framework and foundation for the interior architecture layered with contrast and colour,” said Reggi Nichols, President and Founding Partner of waldrop+nichols studio. “Much like the city itself, the interior architecture strikes the perfect combination of grit and polish, showcasing unique individual elements that work together to complement, support and celebrate each other.”

The unique food and beverage options embrace the past of the Derby City. The 139-seat Bob’s Steak & Chop House honours the history of Louisville’s sporting legacy with the presentation of vintage boxing gloves and colourful textiles inspired by jockeys’ caps. The Library Bar, designed as the ‘heart of the hotel’, showcases a two-story, feature-wall installation comprised of individually wrapped books depicting a steamboat floating on a river of bourbon. The 184-seat Neighbourhood Services restaurant features reclaimed bricks from the Morrissey Garage, a former parking garage on the hotel site. Another memorable spot to grab a cocktail can be found at Pin + Proof, the private speakeasy and adjoining bowling alley, which are tucked away in a hidden location.

Culture meets style in the elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, which incorporate subtle touches throughout that radiate the hospitality of Louisville including bourbon-inspired splashes found on the carpet and a curated bourbon bar.

Capturing the essence of water and surrounding beauty, the Mokara Spa pays homage to the city’s waterscapes, the Ohio Falls, and the iconic Louisville Water Tower. Behind the reception desk, a water wall with aquamarine and silver surfaces creates a sensory experience.

“We were very inspired by the city, and we want the hotel to inspire the guests,” said Laura McKoy, creative direction + vice president of interior design, Omni Hotels & Resorts. “I hope the locals feel proud and recognise that we captured the essence of Louisville when they enter the space.”