Grand hotel lobbies will transport you. They are portals to another world; another time.
I love hotels of all kinds. I’ve been fortunate to have stayed in hundreds around the globe. Everything from 5-star to Oh my!
Grand hotel lobbies have fascinated me since I was five. Mom deposited me in a musty, green-velvet, wing-backed chair in a cavernous waiting area of the now demolished Dallas Hotel. Watching people come and go fascinated me. Arriving and departing guest’s luggage was especially intriguing. I imagined ladies hat boxes held black evening hats or bright yellow straw sun bonnets. A man’s valise would hold his dinner jacket and white tie. All my fantasies came from the silver screen. Images of glamorous travelers off to exotic ports and grand hotel lobbies.
Outside the Dallas Hotel’s revolving door traffic and people bustled in a cacophony of street noise. Inside the dark cool lobby, sound was absorbed by heavy drapes, dusty tapestries, velvet and brocade furnishings, and carpets. People spoke in quiet tones at the front desk.
Today, sitting in a hotel lobby with a cup of tea or cocktail is one of my favorite things to do when traveling. Enjoy these 14 lobbies from my travels.
Ahwahanee Hotel – Yosemite National Park, CA When you step into the Ahwanee’s lobby, time stops and slips backward. When you go to Yosemite, don’t miss a visit to this American treasure. 
Avila Village Inn – Avila Beach CA It’s like being in a giant’s cabin in the woods. Grand fireplaces and intimate seating areas are perfect for morning coffee and newspaper enjoyment. 
Bank House B&B – Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, England The grand lobby has an even grander staircase in this Georgian era masterpiece. The fabulous split staircase is your first sight as you enter the Bank House. 
Cornwall Hotel and Spa – St Austell, Cornwall, England What this modern lobby lacks in width, it makes-up in height. The lighting is mesmerizing. I thought it looked like birds, another guest said angels. 
Courtyard – Paso Robles CA A modern hipster vibe fills the Courtyard’s expansive lobby. Food bar, coffee bar, wine bar, and food pantry surround lounging, working, and socializing areas. 
Graduate – Berkeley CA The Graduate’s lobby is a bit like a flower. There’s a central area with pods for different uses surrounding the hotel desk and lounge. The walls of National Geographics behind the front desk add a sunny glow. 
Grand Hyatt – Denver CO This massive lobby has a warm color pallet that invites you to sit and relax, people watch or chat with companions and guests. The lobby bar is in my top 10. The U-shape encourages folks to engage. 
Harbor Court – San Francisco CA The lobby is designed for guest interaction. Comfy conversation inducing seating makes it easy to say hello to fellow travelers. 
Hotel e – Santa Rosa CA Overlooking the town square, e’s lobby is perfect for catching up with a friend and a glass of wine from the wine bar. The old Santa Rosa Courthouse was repurposed to be one of Sonoma County’s newest lodging additions. 
Hotel Kabuki – San Francisco Japantown One of San Francisco’s hidden gems, the Kabuki lobby is grand in size. It’s beautifully divided into different spaces. My favorite is the lobby bar with a view of the Japanese Gardens. A Sake tasting is a special experience in this setting. 
Kendra’s River Inn – Nehalem OR Perhaps not a grand lobby in size, it is truly grand in spirit. Stop in and sit by Kendra’s fire. You will never find a more welcoming lobby anywhere. 
Oceano Hotel and Spa – Half Moon Bay Coastside, CA The skylight makes this lobby brilliant. On each floor, you step out to a birdseye view of the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon libation. 
Residence Inn, Redwood City, California So California casual, an outdoor lobby. This is how to have a ‘Lobby Happy Hour.’ 
Rick Stein’s Rooms and Restaurant, Padstow, Cornwall, England. The lobby is small in scale but grand in impact. The lounge at the end of the passageway beckoned me to relax.
Mary – great post, and your photos are gorgeous! I’ve stayed in a few of these myself so it also brings back some fond memories. Thanks,
Thanks, Terry. Which hotel lobbies are your favorites?
What a great idea for a travel article! And wonderful photos too! Makes me wanna travel again, but only in my memories nowadays. Thanks for the virtual tour! Need to add some of these places to my bucket list.
Thank you Deb. Photo sorting is one of my daily activities. My hotel photos are pulling at my heart strings to travel.
Thank you, Terry. Whish hotel lobbies are your favorites?