With its casual-luxury vibe and Art Deco styling, the Courtyard San Francisco Union Square is not your prototypical Courtyard. The historic hotel was originally constructed in 1929 and most recently operated as a 150-room student housing facility. RLJ Lodging Trust acquired the hotel, formerly known as the Vantaggio Suites Cosmo, in June 2013 and subsequently closed it. Studio HBA, a division of Hirsch Bedner Associates, then completed a $38 million renovation of the property, which reopened as a 166-room Courtyard in September. Studio HBA’s redesign incorporates subtle Art Deco touches, such as elegant, jewel-like detailing and clean lines, but with a modern-day spin. Eclectic artwork is featured throughout the public spaces, guestrooms, and corridors. “Every part of the hotel is inspired by the San Francisco art scene,” says David Dunphy, principal designer at Studio HBA. “It makes a unique statement for the assembled look of the hotel, rather than being something that is part of a cohesive, prototypical package like you would normally see of Courtyard.”
Making a Splash
A paint-splatter headboard wall makes a bold statement without overpowering the room. The graphic went through several iterations before achieving the right 3D look. “As we worked with it, we were able to get the shading and light reflection added to the splatters so they actually look like they are projecting off the wall,” Dunphy explains.
Room with a View
Aside from pops of cobalt blue, the room has a fairly neutral color palette to provide an understated backdrop to the San Francisco skyline. “It’s almost like a framed piece of living art when you look out the window,” Dunphy says.
Gleam & Glisten
An overscaled stainless steel floor lamp with chrome shade and a full-length mirror with stainless steel beads lend a jewel-like sparkle to the room. “Since they are reflective, they pick up other elements that have pop, like the view out the window and the cobalt blue lounge chair,” Dunphy adds.
