Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama

Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama
Apr 25, 2011 A collaboration between Darlene Pierpoint, Design Works Studio, and architect Catalina Beiner creates a distinctive character for the Pacific destination
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Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama_01 The Bristol Buenaventura Hotel is surprisingly handsome. Its 256 rooms and suites surround a 200-year-old tree of vast size or face out over an elaborate complex of pools and palm trees. Darlene Pierpoint of Design Works Studio teamed with architect Catalina Beiner to tweak the structure and infuse it with a distinctive character.

 

 

Source: Hospitality Design
Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama_02 "I was inspired by old family photographs and celebrities who vacationed here," says Pierpont. "Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope sported Panama hats, deep-pocketed linen suits, and brown leather wing-tips, and the ladies wore elegant cocktail dresses. I wanted the spaces to feel timeless and classic, upscale and relaxed, with guests as the focal point, rather than a clichéd ethnic theme."
Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama_03 Outdoor areas are paved with Jerusalem stone, inset with pieta serena (a gray sandstone from Italy), to evoke a sandy beach.
Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama_04 Vintage photographs of the canal under construction were sourced from the Smithsonian.
Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama_05 Interiors have hardwood floors and walls are clad with grass cloth set off with white wainscoting and generous crown moldings.
Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama_06 In the lobby, a bleached tree root hovers over the reception desk, while a wrought iron chandelier is suspended from the lofty roof vault.
Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama_07 The spa has a green tile soaking pool with a ribbed rock back wall and pebbled edges to corridors.
Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama_08 Bathrooms open onto spacious bed/sitting rooms and terraces.
Bristol Buenaventura Hotel, Rio Hato, Panama_09 The Buenaventura is a tropical playground with an urban level of refinement and taste.