Words By ToBy MaxWell
THE FIVE-STAR BoTree aims to capture the luxury and ‘small neighbourhood’ feeling of London’s Marylebone through its interior scheme by Concrete Amsterdam, spanning the bar, lobby, and 199 rooms and suites.
The BoTree Bar; the hotel has 199 guestrooms, including 30 suites; the lobby. Image Credit: Simon brown
The lobby – with a seating area designed to feel more residential than hotel-like – is intended to evoke the feeling of a contemporary conservatory, with wooden fins, spanning from floor across the ceiling, arrayed along a curved line, creating a natural flow through different zones. The wooden ceiling adds an extra touch of natural warmth and showcases the unique craftsmanship that went into creating this space.
The lobby’s colour scheme incorporates warm greens, cognacs and reds, which complement the natural materials, with couches and leather poufs in natural tones combined with colourful styling and design classics. The back-lit shelves, wrapped around the central column, shed a warm lantern-like glow into the lobby space.
The BoTree Bar; the hotel has 199 guestrooms, including 30 suites; the lobby. Image Credit: Simon brown
A custom-made swivelling installation in the entrance of the hotel spans the entire expanse of a wall, capturing the attention of guests as they walk in. Adapting to different times of the day or season, triangular elements reveal artwork on one side, mirror on another, and an open shelf on the third, showcasing the works of local artists. The installation can be changed seasonally or daily.
The design of The BoTree Bar takes inspiration from the display of a peacock’s tail, drawing from the concept of ‘peacocking’ – the deliberate effort to stand out and leave a lasting memorable impression. The pattern of a typical peacock plumage is translated through the interior elements, connecting ceiling, walls and floors in one 3D gesture.
Upon entering, the attention is drawn to the illuminated ceiling, featuring gold-tinted shapes, encapsulating lights that shift in colour to reflect the time of the day. During daylight hours, the bar radiates a warm and inviting glow, while in the evening, it transforms into a scene of petrol and red tones, creating a more subdued atmosphere. The vibrant colour palette of emerald green, deep royal blue, and turquoise unites all elements in the interior into one coherent ambiance.
The ‘peacock pattern’ is reflected in custom furniture, following the lines and contours of the abstract feathers above. The brass inlays around the handcrafted two-tone terrazzo flooring complete the design concept.
The BoTree’s 199 guestrooms (including 30 suites) feature a layout that aims to eschew traditional boundaries to create open, adaptable spaces. Upon entry, guests are greeted by a residential-style privacy lock. Beyond the foyer, double doors unveil a dressing room that serves as a transitional space between the entrance and the bedroom. Marble tiles, brass, oak wood, and gold accents are used, with custom-designed headboards featuring floral motifs inspired by Marylebone’s shopping street flower displays.
The suites embrace a unique theme, inspired by both flowers and fashion. Each suite category is named after a local street and has been designed with a unique character. The suites offer versatility, with interconnected areas that can be unified into one expansive loft-style room or discreetly sectioned off with sliding panels. Japanese-inspired paper features on the sliding doors, and materials including oak wood, gold accents, marble, ribbed marble tiles, fluted glass, and frosted glass have been used throughout.
Rob Wagemans, creative director and founder of Concrete, says: ‘In the evolving landscape of hotel rooms, sleep remains crucial, but today’s guests expect more. A hotel room is now a central hub in a guest’s city experience, not just a place to rest. The BoTree’s reinvented guest rooms exemplify this shift; we’ve eliminated traditional boundaries, creating open, flexible spaces. At The BoTree, our rooms offer a temporary city residency, embracing the modern guest’s lifestyle.’ www.concreteamsterdam.nl
