LOCATION: Venice, California
SIZE: 33 keys
BDG SERVICES: Architecture, Interiors, Art & Design
COLLABORATORS: Mystery, Renee Labbe
PROGRAM: Adaptive reuse of historic building into the first boutique hotel on the Venice boardwalk
AWARDS: International Hotel & Property Awards finalist for Hotel Under 50 Rooms - Global Award by design et al
VENICE V HOTEL
The Venice V Hotel sits on the famed Boardwalk of Venice Beach in an historic 1913 brick building. This new, boutique hotel features a full restaurant, bar, lobby, and retail space, and 33 unique rooms. The local arts and Dogtown culture of Venice inspire the concept for the hotel. The Penthouse floor features 6 separate “bungalows” with private rooftop decks. Among hotel amenities, selected and curated by BDG, are surfboards and skateboards.
BDG not only designed the interiors and renovated the historic structure, but also curated and procured all FFE, as well as designing the amenity packages. Local art is featured in each room and is available for purchase. Custom light fixtures and furniture was designed and installed throughout.
Special to the Dogtown Rooms are custom-designed skateboards on display made by The Garage Board Shop, a Los Angeles-based non-profit that provides a place for kids to do their homework and rewards grades with skate supplies and time in their skate facility. Taking home, or using, this unique in room amenity will also give back to the kids.
The lobby portrait of Venice’s iconic founder About Kinney embodies the approach to designing this project—bridging the historic and contemporary aspects of Venice. While checking in, guests are greeted by this 450 SF wall mural made from colorful skate wheels—a playful take on history.
Featured artists include: Josh “Bagel” Klassman, Part X Studio, Bell Design Group, Jayme “Vision” Burtis, Frank Talbot, Guy Okazaki
Because of the height of the building, the boardwalk sort of disappears from view and guests experience bands of soothing color—sand, sea, and sky—punctuated with palm trees. The hotel is intended as a bit of paradise above the ever-bustling aspect of this urban seaside town.
There are other subtle surprises, including the careful curation of artwork and décor, including original art from local artists, books chosen to correspond with the room’s vibe, and personal touches uncommon to the typical hotel, allowing guests to feel like they’re staying in a curated apartment in Venice. Each room is styled to evoke the lifestyle of a Venice artist, bohemian or skater.
