Hotel Azul, Oaxaca

A labyrinthian oasis from Mexico's buzzing, carnivalesque city

by Max La Frenais When arriving at Oaxaca‘s Hotel Azul, its soft blue facade is lit up by overhanging, fluorescent pink bougainvilleas. It exists as a welcome oasis, away from the buzzing, wired-up carnivalesque city. Constructed in 1874 as a large colonial house, the hotel was a family home and then (from 1940 to 1980) it was transformed into a vecindad—a group of small houses …

Inside NYC’s Storied The Beekman Hotel + Residences

One of the most anticipated developments in years finally opens its doors

There are few buildings in NYC that carry as much allure as 5 Beekman Street, once known as Temple Court. Built between 1881 and 1883, a central enclosed nine-story Victorian atrium defines the interior. It was unparalleled at the time and would play host to decades of activity—from a theatrical beginning to a law firm and publishing house. In 1998, the building’s facade would be …

11 Howard Hotel, NYC

Combining Danish minimalist design and hospitality with a conscience

Located in NYC’s SoHo, boutique hotel 11 Howard eschews gimmicks and over-the-top glitz for a timeless Danish minimalist aesthetic. The space feels entirely part of NYC and, at the same time, a world away from the city’s ceaseless pulse. Visitors’ initial view upon entering the hotel is a calming neutral palette, as a black 1975 Alexander Calder mobile floats overhead. To the left, a spiral …