Steampunk, a mermaid, belly dancers and rock and roll. . .an opening as eclectic and sumptuous as the Hotel Nia. The VIP grand opening event on May 10 was the icing on the cake for Hotel Nia, which officially opened in April. The hotel – designed by Cuningham Group, McCarten and Lifescapes – features 250 rooms over 11 stories in the heart of Menlo Park.
Met with champagne, the guests, including my wife Lorelei and me, followed a fun scavenger hunt leading to every corner of the property. From the 11th floor Nia Suite, complete with a mermaid in the bathtub, to the beautiful courtyard, meandering paths and garden area, guests were invited to be part of the outdoor space, while the spacious pool deck surrounded by large oak trees served as beautiful backdrop for the festivities.
Music, food and drink drew the guests to explore, finding unexpected details around every corner – Blue doors on the ceiling double as light fixtures, a mammoth sized ball of yarn winds its way down the stairs, and a garden with twists and surprises in every corner. All of these quirky details are framed by the fashionable, modern presence of the hotel.
Check out more images of the event on Hotel Nia’s Facebook Page!