Trends in Hotel Design

"The Inn : Seven Radical New Trends in Hotel Design" by Jay W. Schneider, Senior Editor of Building Design and Construction

1. MULTIPURPOSE LOBBIES. Lobbies were once dead, formal spaces that had little usefulness other than for  users to check in. Now, hotel owners want to maximize space by making more areas useable. The result is lobbies that resemble great rooms or living rooms. They are becoming gathering spaces for guests, whether for social or business purposes.

2. RESIZING GUEST ROOMS. Guest rooms are becoming smaller and more square. Previously typical rooms were about 13x29 feet (375-425 sq. ft.) compared with an average of 18x18 feet (350 sq. ft.) which is more typical now. Although the square footage is less, the room feels bigger. By removing bulky items, like armoires, and adding amenities like flat screen tvs, hoteliers actually get more yield from the newly-dimensioned rooms.

3. LOSE THE TUB. Guests rarely use the tubs in hotels. They are perceived as not clean enough to use. Plus they are only five feet long and usually only about nine inches deep. So hotels are going for the shower-only option. With upscale tile walls and floors, or even glass, these showers prove to be an appealing option. better lighting and larger showerheads can also sweeten the deal.

4. ENERGY EFFICIENCY. Common in foreign markets, rooms that require a hotel key to activate electricity and HVAC are becoming more common. Hotels are also introducing the ability to remotely control thermostat settings and lighting in guest rooms to save energy.

5. CHECK-IN KIOSKS. Self check-in kiosks will allow guest to save time by avoiding the front desk. This idea was first introduced in the late 1990's, but did not catch on until it caught on in airports.

6. 'EXPERIENCE DESIGN'. The goal is to create a unique experience for guests... one that they feel comfortable in and can relate to. One of the biggest examples is the "casual, comfortable, clean-line elegance" seen in Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel. New coatings allow designers to achieve tactile richness in a less expensive way. It also is worth considering experience hotels that are completely immersive. Imagine an Apple or Nike hotel...

7. UPSCALING OF LOWER-END BRANDS. Global Hyatt Corporation's Hyatt Place and Starwood Hotels' aloft  are two lower-end brands going through upgrade processes. They are doing so by employing some of the same techniques that were discussed in this article.

For the original article, click here.