Hotel Design Trends Sweeping the Hospitality Industry

What makes for an unforgettable guest experience?

Nowadays, it’s much more than a comfortable bed and walkability to tourist attractions.

An unforgettable guest experience means creating moments that linger long after the guests have checked out. And with the competitive landscape of hospitality, every little detail counts and even small things can get you ahead of the competition.

That’s why social media has been abuzz with videos showing personalized welcomes and thoughtful amenities in hotel rooms. But other features can also garner a lot of attention and encourage people to book a stay at your hotel: the interior design.

A bed and a hanging picture frame above it no longer do it.

But read on for 6 things that do.

Global monthly hotel occupancy rates have rebounded back to pre-pandemic levels and currently sit at about 68%. This tells us that a lot of people are on the lookout for good hotels.

Although the hospitality industry is diverse, experts have observed ubiquitous trends found in many hotels worldwide. Here are 6 of the most popular hotel design trends you should know about:

Textured Glass

Textured and patterned glass is becoming more common in hotel design. While this feature is mostly for aesthetic purposes, it’s also useful. For example, many hotels use textured glass as room dividers and shower enclosures for privacy and spatial division.

We often see frosted glass in bathrooms to maintain privacy while also allowing natural light to filter through. Yet, hotels have begun including textured glass partitions in lobbies or reception areas to create zones without completely blocking views. By doing so, you maintain a sense of openness while ensuring the space isn’t haphazard.

Inclusivity

Universal design means creating accessible spaces for all guests, regardless of disabilities. This trend reflects the hospitality industry’s growing awareness of social responsibility. Some hotels have the financial means to renovate entire spaces with inclusivity in mind by widening doorways, investing in height-adjustable furniture, or installing ramps alongside stairs and elevators.

Unfortunately, smaller mid-tier hotels may not be able to go as far due to budgetary constraints. Yet, there are still ways to accommodate guests of all ages and abilities with easy-to-implement solutions like:

• Grab bars
• Shower ramps
• Shower benches
• Information in Braile
• Clear, readable signage
• Adjustable showerheads

There are many things a hotel can include to ensure that all guests have a memorable stay.

Comfort

When staying at hotels, modern travelers seek comfort that mimics the coziness of their homes. As a result, hotels respond by integrating residential-inspired design elements to make guests feel at home instead of at a pit stop. This tells us that the days of beige rooms devoid of personality are a relic of the past.

Nowadays, hotels must offer guests their creature comforts, such as plush bedding, ergonomic seating, soft textiles, stocked bookshelves, and ambient lighting. Some boutique hotels even use custom-made furniture and locally sourced materials to translate the importance of a bespoke experience.

Make sure guests don’t see your hotel as just a place to sleep, but a place they’d love to return to.

Wellness

Following the pandemic, wellness is on everyone’s agenda. As a result, wellness-focused hotel design is becoming essential as managers prioritize guests’ well-being. The downside to this trend is that it’s not as easy (or cheap) to put in place as the others.

Namely, many amenities in the ‘wellness’ category will guzzle significant funds. For example, fitness centers, spa-inspired rooms, and meditation spaces are at the forefront of wellness-focused decor. But there are still ways to design for wellness without spending a fortune. Some ideas include:

1. Providing in-room wellness amenities like yoga mats or aromatherapy kits
2. Including organic and plant-based options on dining menus
3. Offering optional wellness programs or classes on the property
4. Incorporating biophilic decor and natural accents

Biophilia

On the last point in our previous advice, biophilic decor and natural accents may be the easiest (and fastest) improvement. A profound driver of change in the hospitality industry is design inspired by nature and natural shapes. Hoteliers have begun integrating principles of biophilia into large-scale design plans to meet guests’ changing tastes.

There are many ways to include biophilic decor in a hotel. For example, rooms with views, sustainably sourced and local materials, water features, and boundless natural lighting are all great options. But since many can be more difficult to implement, focus on the easier ones first, like greenery.

In hotels, artificial green walls are gaining popularity due to their low maintenance and ability to brighten up a space instantly. These features look good in lobbies, corridors, and restaurants, and don’t depend on your staff’s care to thrive.

Art

Last but not least, we would be remiss to overlook the significance of art in any hotel. Art evokes emotions, tells stories, and contributes to a hotel’s identity. Art has become a cornerstone of good hotel design and has even led to the phenomenon of “art hotels” - hotels catering to travelers who prefer experiential travel. Creative artists convene in art hotels to exhibit their work and contribute to cultural tourism.

While not all hotels can (and should) be art hotels, all hotels can include art to add to the guest experience. These art pieces can be small additions to rooms and common spaces that don’t overwhelm the space. Instead, they encourage guests to engage with the local culture, further enriching their stay.