Despite their names, the newly debuted Treehouse Manchester in England and Treehouse Silicon Valley in California aren’t actually built in trees, but that doesn’t mean that the spirit of the property doesn’t invoke the feeling of being in one.
Created in 2019 by Barry Sternlicht, the man behind the newly relaunched Starwood Hotels, the concept aims to transport guests to “a world of nostalgia, creativity and whimsy” while maintaining modern luxury standards.
“Barry’s idea was always about creating something different: a place where people can have an experience that sparks curiosity and adventure, like when you were a child and built your own treehouse, a private clubhouse to escape to,” said Raul Leal, CEO, Starwood Hotels.
That sense of wonder is woven into the fabric of every Treehouse hotel, creating spaces that feel intimate, creative and home-like, designed for both relaxation and interaction with others, he said.
Each Treehouse Hotel features elements like reclaimed materials, cozy furnishings and quirky decor—drawing inspiration from the local community and history while maintaining a playful and imaginative design.
“The design is whimsical, but we always ground it in the local community,” said the CEO. “For instance, we use materials that reference the area’s unique character, creating a hotel that feels integrated into its surroundings.”
This is evident at Treehouse Silicon Valley, where a beer garden with a food-serving trailer and an outdoor Volkswagen-themed arrival space provide a playful introduction to the hotel.
While the design of Treehouse Hotels is all about creativity, the brand doesn’t forget its business guests. Leal stresses that the concept is not limited to leisure travelers; it is equally designed to cater to corporate needs.
“These hotels are meant for both business and leisure,” he said. “We want to offer a place that feels inspiring, even for a corporate retreat, where the design encourages creativity and collaboration.”
This dual-purpose approach extends to the amenities, which are equipped for both relaxation and work, he said, offering spacious meeting rooms and high-speed WiFi without the “cold, impersonal” feel of typical corporate hotels.
“Treehouse may not be for everyone, but it’s for those who are looking for something different—a place where they can truly be themselves,” said Leal, adding that each hotel’s programming encourages interaction and exploration.
Sustainability plays a central role in the Treehouse Hotels brand, as exemplified by Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley.
“The creative vision for Treehouse Silicon Valley embraces both innovative design and sustainability,” said Aggie Zamir, VP, Cumming Group, which oversaw the construction of the Silicon Valley location. “We’ve worked with designers and contractors to ensure the hotel meets modern environmental standards. The building process embraced natural materials and energy-efficient designs that has created a final product that is both warm and inviting while capturing the local character of Sunnyvale.”
One of the major challenges faced during the construction of the project was balancing sustainability with brand identity.
“Whenever possible, we repurposed existing roofing materials instead to minimize waste while preserving quality standards,” she said. “We improved site operations by using local soil for trench backfilling and compaction rather than importing non-native fill materials. Local arborists and nesting specialists assisted us in safeguarding existing trees and wildlife throughout the construction process. Every decision made was designed to minimize the environmental impact while staying true to the playful spirit of the brand.”
Both Leal and Zamir emphasized the importance of creative collaboration in bringing the Treehouse vision to life. “It’s the level of collaboration between designers, contractors and sustainability experts that has truly made this project stand out,” said Zamir.
As for the future of Treehouse Hotels, Leal emphasized quality over quantity, noting, “We’re not aiming for a thousand properties. We want to maintain the culture of the organization and ensure that each hotel has its own unique identity designed to meet the needs of today’s consumers.”
