Source: Hotel Suppliers Show website. Hotels in the future will have a drastically different look and feel compared to what we are accustomed to.
The Hotel Suppliers Show, the largest hospitality trade show in the Philippines, highlights five key hospitality design trends expected to shape the industry’s future:
Guest Room Reimagined
The popularity of alternative lodging options like Airbnb has pushed traditional hotels to rethink their interior design, especially for guest rooms. The line between hotels and homes is becoming increasingly blurred, leading to a rise in adaptable, apartment-style bedrooms. Instead of typical guest room layouts, hotels are now designing multipurpose spaces with comfortable seating areas for relaxation. Bulky desks are being replaced by more informal coffee tables or compact, foldable versions that reflect the shrinking size of technology.
Inspired by extended-stay hotels, the idea of incorporating kitchenettes and other amenities to cater to guests staying for longer durations has gained momentum in the global hotel industry. Expect to see a decline in cookie-cutter interiors and furnishings replicated in every room. Instead, hotels are increasingly focused on creating unique and welcoming environments tailored to each guest.
The Lobby’s Transformation
As hotels move towards a more residential design aesthetic, the conventional lobby is being redefined. Gone are the days of traditional front desks. Lobbies are being reimagined as inviting, living room-like spaces. With the widespread adoption of remote and iPad check-ins, the need for expansive reception areas has diminished, giving hotel designers more freedom in reimagining these spaces.
This shift also caters to Millennials, who tend to prefer spending less time in their rooms and more time in shared spaces. Hotel lobbies are being transformed into social hubs, incorporating features such as cocktail bars, self-service stations for coffee and wine, libraries, individual workstations, and collaborative workspaces. As modern hotel lobbies evolve into cultural destinations, expect to see a greater emphasis on creating versatile communal areas that cater to a range of needs and social interactions.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
With a growing focus on environmental responsibility, the hospitality industry is embracing sustainable practices. This includes utilizing solar panels, incorporating recycled wood, and sourcing locally crafted and repurposed furniture. These choices not only minimize environmental impact but also connect guests to the local culture. Natural lighting and other eco-friendly elements are being seamlessly integrated into hotel design and operations.
Recycled and natural materials, while not entirely new, are gaining popularity due to their reduced environmental footprint. Recycled rubber, cement tiles, recycled fibers, and cork are just a few examples of the sustainable flooring options being adopted by hotel designers. These materials offer the added benefit of improved sound insulation and energy efficiency. Expect to see increased support for locally handcrafted and repurposed furniture in hotels. As the industry embraces its role in reducing carbon emissions and prioritizes creating meaningful guest experiences, this trend will continue to gain momentum.
The Rise of Smart Hotels
Hotels are increasingly embracing on-demand technologies. Hospitality operators are investing more in technologies like beacon technology, messaging services, and intelligent in-room entertainment systems. In public areas, interactive walls entertain guests with art and games, provide news and weather updates, facilitate virtual business meetings, and offer local tourist information.
Other technologies, such as 3D printing, will unlock new possibilities for designing everything from furniture and upholstery to amenities and electronics. Hotels are also incorporating personalized tablets into guest rooms, allowing guests to control various aspects of their environment, such as lighting, temperature, blinds, and entertainment, all from a single device. Strategically placed workstations and charging stations ensure that guests have constant connectivity. Wellness Redefined
Wellness travel has been steadily growing over the past ten years, prompting hotels to adapt their design approach. Many have upgraded their gyms, spa facilities, and overall wellness offerings to cater to health-conscious guests. Air purification systems, energizing lighting, and vitamin C-infused shower water are just a few examples of how hotels are embracing wellness.
Some hotel rooms are being designed to include exercise equipment or dedicated workout areas. As guest rooms require less space due to smaller desks and wall-mounted TVs, there is more opportunity to focus on bathroom design. Luxury hotels are starting to replace standard bathrooms with luxurious spa-like bathrooms in every suite. These bathrooms offer amenities such as whirlpool tubs, air tubs, massaging showerheads, steam rooms, and even spa beds. Established hotels are also introducing new, specialized spa experiences that focus on mindfulness and well-being rather than traditional massage treatments. Expect to see more dedicated yoga and meditation spaces integrated into hotel designs.
Interested?
Now in its eighth year, the Hotel Suppliers Show 2017 will be held at the SMX Convention Centre in Manila from September 21st to 23rd. Organized by Global-Link Exhibitions Specialist, in partnership with the Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines (CFIP), this annual exhibition provides a platform for leading manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers to connect with buyers and distributors in the Philippines’ growing market of hotels, restaurants, and resorts.