G, You Look Good to Me!
An outstanding style icon on the west of Ireland hotel scene, Galway’s g Hotel has upped the style stakes even further in a dramatic one-million-euro refurbishment of its spacious foyer, signature lounges and opulent restaurant and cocktail bar.
Under the direction of Choice Hotel Group Ireland, the five-star luxury destination on the edge of Lough Atalia has assumed a refreshing new look, distinguished by originality and the very distinct individual personas of its ground-floor spaces.
Since first opening in 2005 with the pomp and ceremony surrounding its signature designer, Phillip Tracey, the g Hotel has always been a go-to place for those with an interest in fashion and design. While never shying away from standing out from the crowd the g’s use of dark and light, bold colors, large scale reflective lighting and mirrors, brash artwork and imagery nodding to the Supermodels of the day, all added up to an iconic brand that strives to never be ordinary.
The concept for the €1 million refurbishment was to draw inspiration from the avant garde, the diverse and the opulent and to create a distinct identity for each of the hotels’ infamous signature lounges that celebrated individuality and uniqueness.
The Grand Salon known for its natural light, generous double height ceilings, views over Lough Atalia and the much photographed bespoke mirrored lighting installation by lighting designer Tom Dixon. The design team from GW Design wanted to maintain the chic and elegant atmosphere of the grand salon and for the room to have a feeling of subtle sophistication. A new jewel like cocktail bar, with a dramatic mirrored back bar display reflects the view of the Lough and the lighting installation. A palette of luxurious leathers and textured fabrics, in soft taupes, grays with hints of plums, create a warm and relaxing backdrop to enjoy afternoon tea or a pre-dinner drink.
The g Hotel’s restaurant has been renamed GEO and has had the most dramatic alteration of the entire refurbishment. Originally two separate rooms, the design team removed the dividing wall between the restaurant and cocktail bar and has created a more spacious and open synergy between the two. GEO Restaurant opens out onto a new garden terrace completing the fresh botanical feel of the décor.
A new cocktail bar now anchors the open plan room, where the walls are lined with a paradise scene of blossom with ferns, palms and leaves - a true eye catcher for guests visiting. Statement chandeliers and smoked mirrors draw the eye through the restaurant with a subtle sparkle and a palette of olive greens, and accents of coral and an abundance of greenery complete the new theme of GEO.
The Hotel’s two other Signature Lounges have been redesigned to still evoke glamor and luxury but with a more subtle hint. The Pink Room evokes class and intrigue with blush pink velvets, tasseled chairs and brass accents create a luxurious feel. In contrast is the Blue Room with its color palette of ginger, charcoal, and rich timber. A texture palette of leathers, timber and fabric wall paneling make this an inviting lounge to linger in.