Cool Hotels: Design Trends for Hospitality Interiors in 2014

In recent years, there has been a shift in the use of hotels that now cater to a growing variety of functions. Suffice it to say, hotels have become destinations by themselves. Every space in hospitality interiors is now designed with a different strategy to accommodate the needs of every guest- from those who decide to stay in their rooms up to those who view hotels as a new place for business, networking, socializing and relaxation.

The Lobby
In the past, hotel lobbies mainly served the function of catering to stay-in guests who were checking-in at the hotel reception counter. Thus lobbies only featured a few seating areas within a large space designed to strike that very first impression on guests staying in the hotel.

Today, the lobby has become the epicenter of social and business activities. The surge in business travel has created a growing trend for hoteliers to provide multifunctional spaces that offer both comfort and functionality for guests who are there to conduct transactions, create networks or engage in casual conversations. The newest trends in hotel lobbies feature creative spatial segmentations that divide intimate conversations, spaces for socialization and business negotiations.

Tables for laptops, charging stations and a sufficient number of outlets are now making their way into hotel lobby design. Aside from guests, hotels are now seeing an increase in revenue from non-guests who are using hotel lobbies as multifunctional spaces. While some hotels will charge around $50 per hour of stay, other hotels such as the Marriott chain are offering their spaces free-of-charge. Even with no fees of this sort, hotels can expect to receive a return as chances are their non-guests will eventually end up ordering food and drinks from the lobby bar while staying for long periods of time.