Swung by the Gladstone Hotel today for a look at their newly launched artist designed hotel rooms.

Since January, while the Gladstone has been working hard to restore the hotel lobby, ballroom and exterior for their grand re-opening in September, a number of local artists have been toiling away on unique expressions for the individual rooms.

The great thing about the results is that the unique style of each artist really comes through. Each artist submitted a proposal and then worked with Gladstone management to finalize a budget which included furnishings, time and the artist's fee.

As a bonus, each artist gets to stay one night free in their room anytime during the next few months.

All in all, I was totally won over by the whole display. The rooms oozed personality, and when taken as a whole, they give the Gladstone a unique, contemporary and accessible vibe I haven't seen since, well, the Drake.

Here are some more pics: