LIFESTYLES
A recent renovation blossoms at the Royal Park Hotel TEXT BY MEGAN SWOYER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE ROYAL PARK HOTEL
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Snapshot
Secret Garden
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he Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester has turned over a bright new leaf — as in a refreshing, garden-themed design vibe. This is the first design overhaul since the hotel, now owned by Fairwood Capital and managed by Davidson Hospitality Group, opened in 2004. “We wanted to bring an English garden feel to the entire property,” says Sarah Osbourn, director of marketing for the upscale facility. The refurbishment took about seven months to complete. Guided by what designers are calling a “bud to blossom” concept, soft floral wallcoverings with a serene color palette can be found throughout the hotel. “It’s inspired by the original architecture of the building and the beautiful grounds surrounding the property,” says designer Chris McDonough
DETROIT DESIGN | Fall 2026
of The Gettys Group in Chicago, which led the undertaking. A light-filled, welcoming atmosphere now reflects the property’s natural surroundings along the peaceful, 17-mile-long Paint Creek, which flows into the nearby Clinton River. “Our goal was to invite guests to slow down, take notice, and truly enjoy their surroundings,” adds Danielle Gilligan, general manager of the Royal Park Hotel. Each of the facility’s 143 guest rooms (including 15 suites) has been refreshed, and a significant collection of spacious suites were designed to accommodate longer stays, celebrations, and group travel. The glorious modern wallpaper (from MDC) in the lobby and hallways is especially impressive. Large-scale peony blooms in hushed