Belgrade hotel checks out revamp

De Brant Joyce is working on a six-figure project for hotels group Hyatt to renovate the Hyatt Regency Belgrade, the first international hotel to be modernised in the Yugoslavian capital since the end of the Balkans conflict.

The redesigns of the bar, restaurant and Tea House at the eight-storey, 308-room hotel have now been completed. Next month, the consultancy begins work on the Regency Club Lounge. In December, a ‘soft refurb’ of the standard guest rooms and suites will be carried out, while plans to revamp the health club will be implemented when budgets allow.

The hotel was built and first opened just before war broke out in Yugoslavia in 1991.

De Brant Joyce director Stephen Newbold describes the original design style as ‘very old-fashioned, Eastern Bloc-looking with quite heavy treatments in terms of materials and finishes’.

De Brant Joyce associate designer Stuart Wilsdon is responsible for the interiors concepts, with senior designer Lynne Johnson.

‘The brief is to bring the design into line with the rest of the Hyatt hotels around the world,’ says Johnson. ‘We’ve gone for a contemporary and classic feel, with soft and subdued colours.’

Lighting specialist Elektra has been employed to help develop intimate and relaxed spaces in the bar and bring a sense of ‘grandeur’ to the restaurant. Elektra director Neil Knowles says, ‘Innovative use of wall niches give a modern twist to the seating alcoves, with cold cathode lighting outlining these wall coffers.’

De Brant Joyce won the work about a year ago without a pitch. The consultancy works extensively with the Hyatt group.