Monday, July 20, 2009

A step inside the Ritz





This is the inside of the Ritz-Carlton Philadelphia's rotunda building. It holds a lobby, a bar and a small restaurant. When we first walked in, I wasn't sure if I liked the clash between the modern decor and the classic architecture, but it soon grew on me. Notice the circular structure in the center of the room. This used to be a circular bank teller window. Now it's a fancy wine cabinet, and if you look into the center of its oculus, you will see the top of the ballroom chandelier of the floor below, which is aligned with this oculus and in the one in the ceiling above.
The mixture of natural and man-made lighting illuminated the granite in very interesting ways depending on what time of day or night it was.
You can find my other posts about this hotel here and here.
To see My World Tuesday posts from other bloggers, please click here.

27 comments:

Sally in WA said...

It is quite the contrast between modern and classic. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think the colors that you captured in photo #1 is neat. It all looks rather cold though as far as atmosphere goes. Maybe that's why the introduction of some wild color.

Sylvia K said...

Definitely a contrast, but your photos are terrific! Interesting what they do with old buildings to bring them up to date. Have a great week, James!

Carver said...

Great shots. I can see that the contrasting styles could take some getting used to but they make great photographic opportunities.

Indrani said...

Amazing architecture! It is huge and majestic.

Eve said...

Interesting mix of architecture. I don't know... maybe I'd have to see it in person to like it. ;)
Thanks for sharing - great photos!

Anonymous said...

Great photos...but I'm not so sure I like the colors mixed in with the older looking building. Interesting to say the least

crocrodyl said...

Really original and interesting!

penny said...

So that's what the rotunda looks like on the inside. Its beautiful! The Ritz-Carlton should comp you a room for your wonderful photo-ad.

Thanks for finishing my rhyme :D

Ebie said...

I blog here.
There's a lot of glitz in the Ritz! Beautiful series. Interesting and colorful.
P.S. Santa Barbara would be a good place. You can write to the Visitors and Convention Bureau to get more information of the places to visit. It is very helpful.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow! Really glitzy eh? Thanks for showing us this.

Marja said...

Very impressive Beautiful pictures I love all these colours

VP said...

It looks huge and it is really an impressive lobby, this is a very interesting series and probably my only way to see this kind of hotel from the inside. Very good images.

Lowell said...

Love those neon lights! The Ritz Carletons are rather special. We stayed in one once upon a time in Naples, Florida, but our daughter paid for the whole business as an anniversary gift.

I can afford to drive by a RC about once a week.

Lots of excellent photos here, James!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Sparkling world. Glamour and excess, but just so pretty.

Inday said...

So much details here James. And they are beautiful indeed! The chandelier is unique. Your fancy is absolutely about architecture. You must be ONE! :) I agree with Babooshka.

Irene said...

It's ritzy and yet there's all that old columns so it's a great combination.

Anonymous said...

Despite the fact that I like modern architecture, I like to see classic, older buildings reused as well. I've actually been inside the Ritz Carlton in Philly, and I don't remember it looking like this. I must have been in the budget end of the hotel (LOL).

Ice said...

Wow, it is so cool inside. Why do they have a circular bank teller inside? Was this buiding converted from a bank before?

Jenn Jilks said...

Beautiful shots! I like hotels.

Bogey said...

I too, have a hard time dealing with the mixing of architectural styles. Sometimes the modern day thinkers just don't know to leave things alone. Maybe I'm just old-fashioned that way. Look at what's happening to me...I just described myself as old! I also love staying in Ritzy places like that. Kind of makes you feel all 'hoighty toighty' if only for awhile. Awesome as usual James. Love the wall mural too!

kayerj said...

I agree, I think I'd like a preservation of the old classy building.

Julie said...

Not sure, James. some of these don't sit easy on this minimalist sensibility. However, the elegance in the second image I do like!

Arija said...

Well photographed and presented and interesting as well.

B SQUARED said...

I'm still not sure I like it. It might take some personal research.

Cezar and Léia said...

Hello Monsieur James! :)
wow fabulous pictures! I can see that "your world"is très chic my friend! ;)
This place is outstanding and I loved these neons lights!Very elegant and charming!
By the way, many thanks for your kind comments and visits in our blogs!
Greetings from Luxembourg!
God bless you
Léia

SandyCarlson said...

It does offer an interesting mix of styles. Your perspective takes it all in at once for us. Nice.

Swarna said...

You are right about the apparent clash of the modern and the older designs. So long as the aesthetics are intact, the 'convenient marriage' is most welcome, perhaps?