Pennsylvania’s gentrifying downtown Reading neighborhood is a blend of old historic shops with newer commercial buildings. Among these is the new DoubleTree Reading, a hotel designed and built for its guests to experience a very couture and contemporary sophistication while reflecting the innate community’s characteristics.
Led by RD Jones + Associates in collaboration with Reading Hospitality LLC, the project marks a new level of modern contemporary designs without compromising aesthetics of the historic town. In this hotel, structural and architectural elements shape the interiors. The design demanded high levels of detail and texture, and was executed through salvaged wood walls and blackened metals meet forming an artisan-like space. A color palette of warm grays and whites sets a subdued and softening tone throughout, local photographs and sculptures line the wood panel walls incorporating the native elements found around the historic neighborhood. Urban and rustic aesthetics influenced the creation of custom lighting and furniture.
The interiors of the guestrooms manifest a more restrained and refined sophistication. Simple elegance and efficient use of space are essential; featuring a continuation of the neutral color palette and modern décor. Spacious suites feature floor to ceiling corner featuring the spectacular view overlooking the Santander Arena in downtown Reading’s business and arts & cultural district.
Creating an impressively open space was essential to welcome the guests as they entered the lobby engaging them with luxe. Behind the concierge desk, a white standing pebble accent wall creates depth and dimension adding an organic texture to a room of structured natural materials. The timeless details extend to the fireplace lobby lounge off of the lobby where chic finished wood shelves surround the room. The custom concrete fireplace and the eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary furniture and art pieces invite guests to the sophisticated gathering space.
Like most luxury hotels, DoubleTree Reading offers a package of amenities-restaurants, a fitness center, and 27,000 square feet of event space, including an amphitheater, executive boardroom and ballrooms- all of which incorporate the natural and modern designs. Filling the volumes of the event spaces, large-scale custom chandeliers cast a soft glow establishing mood and drama. The hotel’s exquisite dining experience, Cheers American Bistro, seamlessly features the continuation of wood panels, an exposed ceiling and eclectic custom dining furniture.
The client intended for the spaces of DoubleTree Reading to be impactful and distinctive from similar commercial buildings downtown, while reflecting the rich historic community in which it is located. The result of the collaboration between owner and designer is a fresh, vibrant and eclectic place, with the perfect blend of urban excitement and rural charm!