Nestled in downtown Tampa, FL, Hotel Flor, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, honors its bustling location with curated, intentional design. Its F&B location, The Dan, challenges the norms with whimsy and charm. Jenn Lindner, design director, Jacki Arena Interiors, gives us a look inside:

What inspired The Flor’s design?

The Flor’s primary focus was preserving the building’s original character. We aimed to achieve a delicate balance between maintaining its historical essence and incorporating contemporary elements to ensure its relevance in the present era. Our overarching objective was to cultivate an atmosphere where guests could appreciate the building’s heritage while indulging in the modern amenities and aesthetics it has to offer.

How did location, local culture and history, specifically, influence the design?

In the world of hospitality design, the integration of location, local culture and history plays a pivotal role in shaping the ambiance and character of a property. For establishments like Hotel Flor and The Dan, this process of infusing art with the essence of the locale is paramount. It’s not just about decoration; it’s about curating an experience that allows guests to deeply immerse themselves in the unique heritage and traditions of the region.

At The Dan, this commitment to authenticity is evident in the carefully curated selection of more than 30 art pieces adorning its walls. From original 1920s hotel images to local newspaper clippings, each piece tells a story of the surrounding community. One notable inclusion is a vintage cigar plaque from Ybor, Tampa, paying homage to the city’s rich history as a hub for cigar manufacturing. These artworks serve as more than mere adornments; they act as conduits, inviting guests to connect with the narratives, history and culture of their surroundings.

Similarly, Hotel Flor embraces this ethos by incorporating artwork that serves as a gateway to Tampa’s vibrant past. A standout feature in its guestrooms is the 3D book artwork, which delves into the origins of Gasparilla, a legendary pirate festival synonymous with the city’s identity. Through visual storytelling, guests are not only treated to a feast for the eyes but are also taken on a captivating journey into local lore and legend.

In both cases, the art selection process becomes a means of honoring and celebrating the unique identity of the location, enriching the guest experience with a deeper sense of connection and appreciation for the surrounding culture and history.

What makes The Flor unique? What will keep guests coming back?

Delving into the essence of The Flor’s distinctiveness and its allure for returning guests, one can’t overlook our unwavering commitment to preserving the narrative of yesteryears. Stepping into the lobby, visitors are greeted by a meticulously refurbished original 1920s mailbox holder—a tangible testament to our reverence for the hotel’s rich history. Once languishing in disrepair, this cherished piece now stands as a beacon of bygone eras, forging a palpable link to the hotel’s storied past. Beyond mere aesthetics, this restoration effort serves to deepen guests’ connection to the hotel’s legacy, offering them the opportunity to not just witness, but to touch, feel and experience a slice of history firsthand.

Our dedication to crafting unforgettable moments extends beyond the visible realm. Nestled within our original art package lies a vintage postcard featuring the hotel—a nod to its enduring legacy. However, what sets this particular piece apart is the subtle surprise concealed within: a personalized note addressed to our client, bearing an inside joke known only to us. This “easter egg,” discreetly nestled in plain sight, embodies our ethos of delighting and surprising our guests. The sheer joy of discovery, as our client uncovers this intimate token, underscores the heartfelt connections we strive to cultivate in every facet of our endeavors.

What inspired The Dan’s design?

Exploring the design narrative behind The Dan, we delve into the inspiration drawn from the illustrious history of this iconic Tampa landmark dating back to 1926. This ambitious endeavor provided a canvas for pushing the boundaries of design, seamlessly melding progressive materials and artwork. The fusion of whimsical elements with timeless aesthetics has given rise to a space that is both strikingly unique and deeply resonant with the legacy of the historic Floridan Palace Hotel. Our creative quest began with unconventional concepts like a woman walking a tiger on a leash in stilettos, eventually leading us to the whimsical world of drunk monkeys. The incorporation of wallcoverings infused with mischievous adult humor strikes a delicate balance between playfulness and tastefulness, echoing the radical spirit of the prohibition era. It’s a design element that never fails to captivate, inviting guests to indulge in a moment of whimsy and wonder.

What makes it a destination in the community? How will it bring both guests and locals in?

The heartbeat behind the Hotel Flor + Dan project in Tampa, FL was rich and layered. It aimed to invigorate a previously dormant city corner, leveraging revitalization efforts to cultivate a dynamic locale with positive impacts on the local community and economy. Positioned beyond mere lodging, the project sought to curate an unparalleled experiential destination, enriching the area’s appeal with a diverse array of amenities and activities. Central to this strategic vision was the introduction of a new restaurant and coffee concept within the hotel premises. This strategic move wasn’t merely about meeting guest demands; it was a deliberate effort to attract both locals and tourists, transforming these dining and coffee spaces into bustling social hubs that fostered community connections and reinforced Tampa’s communal spirit.

Can you talk about the materials, textures and colors used in the design process?

Originating in 1927, this iconic hotel once stood tall as the pinnacle of Tampa’s skyline until 1966, embodying an era of opulence and grandeur. Our restoration journey was anchored in a vision to revive its original magnificence, embracing a refined palette of black, gray and white, accented by bursts of jewel tones. Central to our approach was a dedication to accentuating the architectural motifs of the 1920s, weaving together a luxurious tapestry.

Every detail, from materials to textures, was meticulously selected to authentically capture the essence of the 1920s era. Fabrics were chosen to mirror the tailored sophistication of women’s suits from that period, while patterns reminiscent of the Art Deco movement adorned our spaces with a timeless allure. A standout feature emerged in the form of custom art deco-inspired carpet patterns, serving as a grand focal point that seamlessly united the entire property. In essence, our design narrative intertwines the past with the present, honoring the legacy of this historic landmark while ushering it into a new era of contemporary elegance.

What design challenges did you face? How did you overcome those?

With the building’s rich history spanning nearly a century, the initial demolition phase unveiled numerous unforeseen obstacles, demanding swift and strategic design decisions to preserve the intended aesthetic. A notable challenge emerged during the development of guestroom vanity designs, as the century-old infrastructure presented variations in pipe locations across each room. This necessitated a reengineering of the original plans to ensure seamless integration. Collaborating closely with our casegood manufacturer over several months, we embarked on a journey to devise a solution that would harmonize with the historic framework while remaining true to our design intent. Through a meticulous and flexible approach, we crafted a design strategy capable of accommodating the diverse conditions of aged pipes without compromising on functionality or aesthetics. Out of the hundreds of guestrooms types on-site we were able to solve to have only six different vanity solutions vs. having what could have been 20+ different vanity configurations.

What do you hope guests take away from the design of both The Flor and Dan?

Ultimately, our greatest hope is that the designs of both The Flor and The Dan serve as catalysts for memorable moments and meaningful connections, leaving an indelible impression on every guest who crosses their threshold.

Is there anything else readers should know?

Fun fact: Our flapper girl with a monkey on her shoulder mural in The Dan was created and designed in-house by Senior Designer Christina Kirkpatrick.  She has become quite famous on Instagram and has since been named Lady Flora by her followers.

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