The Viv Hotel, Anaheim The Viv Hotel is Anaheim’s Newest Attraction

The Challenge

HKS faced the task of providing an interior design for the The Viv Hotel, Anaheim, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel that could garner client approval in just six weeks. The client’s vision called for a Southern California casual elegance hotel with nods to the local amusement parks and sports attractions without being too themed.

In addition, the project had a scheduled opening that was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a major challenge that slightly delayed the opening and also lead to constantly changing standards.

The Design Solution

To meet the client’s vision, the project’s materiality used evoked a more casual interior, using a natural light and an airy, beach-like palette. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a sculptural, hand-planed, wood-clad wall and a bespoke glass sculpture installation created by a major California artist to capture the soft breezes from the monumental doors, which graciously open to the lobby’s exterior lounge.

Because of COVID-19, the HKS design represents a warm and gracious response to the new safety standards. The Three Meal restaurant was inspired by the artist’s sketch pad, with the black and white materials only punctuated by the art. To address potential acoustical issues with the restaurant’s hard surfaces, the art pieces are made from thick felt and represent the signature colors of assorted animated Disney movies. The level one pool deck is an extension of the black and white curves of the animator with periwinkle accents; framed with cabanas and activated by the colorful splashpad. 

On the 12 stories up to the rooftop, there is the subtle juxtaposing of “the Force” and “the Dark Side” with black and white mirroring each other in the elevator banks and guestroom corridors. The rooftop dining and exterior lounge and pool were inspired by a certain mischievous, absinthe-colored fairy and the nightly Disneyland fireworks.

HKS worked the design firm, GBD Architects, on the project to provide an experience that enhances the amusement park guests’ time but also creates an enjoyable experience for the non-amusement park visitor. The art package was curated for multi-generational amusement by celebrating the candy and toys of the 1960s and 70s. From the curves of a roller coaster expressed in a 92” high Lite Brite board, a pair of modern-art inspired acrylic displays with Lego figures of classic heroes and villains, and a multi-function utility knife sculpture with 36” long candy bars – this hotel is for the young and young at heart.

The Design Impact

The The Viv Hotel, Anaheim will be at the center of Anaheim’s extensive entertainment offerings, Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center to the West and Angel Stadium to the East. Anaheim now has a four-diamond property to activate Anaheim Boulevard’s entertainment area where it meets I-5 and a unique property to offer visitors a custom-made Anaheim experience.