Drift Hotels, the second brand from California-based TMC Hospitality, has joined the Design Hotels portfolio in a bid to broaden its reach to a new audience. As part of the collection, Drift Hotels will be available to members of Marriott’s Bonvoy loyalty program. Design Hotels has locations in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico; Palm Springs, Calif.; Santa Barbara, Calif.; and Nashville.
"We are honored to join the Design Hotels community,” Philip Bates, co-founder and CEO of TMC Hospitality, said in a statement. “Our inclusion in the portfolio underscores our commitment to design excellence and immersive hospitality. This partnership will allow us to further highlight the exceptional design and local artistry that define Drift Hotels.”
"We are delighted to introduce Drift to the Design Hotels portfolio,” said Stijn Oyen, managing director at Design Hotels. "Drift’s fresh approach to hospitality, combined with its discerning design and dynamic program of social happenings, aligns perfectly with the needs of our culturally connected traveler. We’re thrilled to welcome Philip and his team into our community of visionary owners, and look forward to a longstanding, successful partnership.”
Baja-Inspired Design
Each Drift property has a Baja-inspired design developed in collaboration with local artists. At Drift Santa Barbara in California, dark walls and cool, gray concrete contrast against oak millwork, diffused lighting and natural fibers. Black painted walls, headboards constructed from repurposed redwood indigenous to California and pops of brass accents are dotted throughout the venue along with art by Will Adler and Anacapa Ceramics.
The new Drift Nashville uses warm colors and a mash-up of materials like leather, concrete and terra cotta. Local artisanal touches include the custom wood door handles, the handmade plaster lighting sculptures over the front desk and the handmade tiles from Red Rock Tileworks in the rooms, cafe and lobby bar.
The Drift San Jose del Cabo and Drift Palm Springs have minimalist architecture and a restrained material palette inspired by desert textures. The Palm Springs property has handmade ceramics from Mexico City, artisanal textiles from Oaxaca and handcrafted millwork. At San Jose del Cabo, handmade finishes like polished concrete and white plaster walls are complemented with Mexican fixtures and fabrics.
Room sizes range from one to four-bedroom suites. Living rooms have full kitchens equipped with full-sized refrigerators, dishwashers and Balmuda toaster ovens.