With help from New Jersey-based studio KKAD, Boston’s Kimpton Marlowe Hotel has completed phase one of its redesign by successfully updating all 237 guestrooms and suites.

Kimpton Marlowe Hotel, located at the entrance to Cambridge, has just completed a significant makeover that removes unnecessary clutter and creates a real sense of space for visitors.

“This is a very unique time to be debuting a brand new guestroom product to the market and our guests,” says Joe Capalbo, area director of operations, Kimpton Hotels of New England, and general manager of Kimpton Marlowe. “A new guestroom redesign would ordinarily keep us competitive with what’s happening in Boston overall, but now it sets a different tone entirely.

“Our rooms, given that they are brand-new designs from top to bottom, offer some of the cleanest and freshest rooms in the market. And in this era of Covid19, when you combine brand new rooms with Kimpton’s Approach to Clean, our guests can be assured that our guestrooms are some of the safest available in Boston and Cambridge.”

Thoughtful design details courtesy of KKAD

Led by KKAD, working together with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ in-house design team, the revamped guestrooms are inspired by the academic and literary history of the neighbourhood, resulting in a fresh new look with lots of carefully considered details.

“The aesthetic is tailored but definitely not buttoned up. Mostly in shades of gray and blue, it’s thoughtful, grounded and unexpectedly casual,” said James Goldsmith, design manager, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants.

Kraig Kalashian, managing partner and founder of KKAD, meanwhile, called the redesign “quiet, elegant, reflective, articulate and contextual”.

Unexpected discoveries abound inside

A mix of materials such as leather, marble and bronze are revealed through striking design elements such as the wave-pattern blue carpeting inspired by the Charles River outside; the plush channel-stitched headboards; the supple cognac leather benches; the cosy velvet blue green lounge chairs; and the custom-designed ottomans, upholstered in fabric that bears a cross section of literary masterpieces. “This custom piece is a surprise and delight moment for the Marlowe,” concludes Kalashian. “The hotel is all about unexpected moments of discovery and adventure, and every aspect of Marlowe’s new guestroom design encourages guests to embark on that journey.”

The second phase of the redesign, which is currently under review, focuses on improving the common areas, lobby, and meeting and function spaces.