Top 10 funky hotel design features

Funky interior design elements get people talking. From light fittings that look like they belong in an alternative dimension to ‘aquarium’ walls, it often takes just one or two striking elements to make a whole hotel memorable.

Here, in no particular order, are ten of the funkiest interior design features that we’ve come across.

Click on the image to the right to see pictures of all these elements.


1. W Doha Hotel – the horse-shaped lampshade

A lampshade shaped like a horse? Has there ever been a cooler thing?


2. Okku at The Monarch, Dubai – jellyfish tank wall-feature

Okku restaurant in The Monarch, Dubai features a tank fully of gently-glowing pink jellyfish. Maintenance might be an issue but when it comes to original ideas, this has to be up there.


3. The Address, Dowtown Burj Dubai – light fittings

Original and other-worldly, alien-like light fittings from Preciosa descend from the ceiling in The Address.


4. Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah – ‘aquarium’ wall

It’s the hotel everyone loves to hate but who doesn’t secretly want to stay in those suites that look into the Aquarium? As design features go, surely the most wonderfully extravagant of the lot.

5. Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, Oman – oversized bathtubs

In a property brimming with innovative design features, we’ll go with the massively oversized bathtubs.


6. The Palace, The Old Town – a fountain of gold

The inside of the fountain is clad with shimmering mosaic tiles – made up of 70% gold and 30% silver. Meanwhile, it’s base is brown marfil with a bowl of golden onyx. And it looks as impressive as it sounds.


7. Desert Islands Resort, Sir Bani Yas Island – a collection of lights

A collection of traditional-style light fixtures tumble from the ceiling, proving that sometimes ‘less is more’ just doesn’t apply. 


8. La Moda, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek – a lot of bottle

A wall full of brightly coloured bottles ushers you into this popular Italian eatery.


9. InterContinental Festival City – glittering sofas

Curvaceous, gently-shimmering sofas add a touch of glamour to the InterContinental lobby.


10. Qamardeen, Downtown Dubai – handcrafted chandelier

A beautiful hand-blown glass chandelier greets you as you enter.