The Historic Mount Washington Hotel at Bretton Woods, NH — Photo by East Carolina University

What makes a great hotel space?

The hotel industry is changing the way properties operate and serve their guests.

From renewable energy to new hotel designs, alternative lodging, and everything in between, hotels are adapting to meet the changing needs and preferences of travelers.

I am not an architect or a designer, but I enjoy a well-built and comfortable lodging environment. Similar to our guests, the architecture and design of hotels is and has been evolving and will continue to do so. The questions revolve around what guests want and need in a hotel regarding architecture and design, or more simply, what makes a good hotel space?

Consider the descriptors people may have for describing a great space: comfort, roominess, efficiency, luxury, sharp lines and more. Also to be considered are architecture and design for great, manageable space. Hotel operators do not want space that is difficult to manage and maintain, even if it looks good. From an operational perspective, one question could be, are grand public spaces easy to clean and maintain? Are they functional? In modern circles, which means the space is multi-functional. Additionally, the big brands appear to be introducing new brand concepts regularly, along with new styles, new looks, new spaces and new environments. Lifestyle hotels, for example, appear to be in high demand.

In addition to new hotels, hotel space also considers renovations through architecture and design of already great or good space. Personally, I love historic hotels, but they need to be well-maintained and cared-for hotels. Omni, for example, has multiple historic and or signature hotels around the country. Omni sites include, for example, in New Hampshire, Bretton Woods, which includes the Omni Bretton Arms Inn at Mount Washington and the Omni Mount Washington Resort. In Massachusetts, they operate the historic Omni Parker House in Boston. In North Carolina, the Omni Grove Park Inn and in Virginia, the Omni Homestead Resort to name a few.

Each is a historic and or signature property that has been updated and maintained while keeping its' historic look and, in some cases, status and recognition as historic sites. Other brands (Fairmont, Marriott, Hilton, IHG, etc.) operate similarly and combine a modern look and feel for the guests that are looking for that type of experience. Ultimately it is necessary for hotel architects and designers to know what the goals of the hotel operation will be, who they want to attract, what activities will be in the space, and maybe a deep dive into the demographics of hotel guests.

Years ago, there was an ongoing discussion of a new building for our hospitality school program. We were visited by the university architect and were interviewed about who we were, and what we did, and then the architect asked if he could come along to class to experience the feel of the classrooms with the users, our students. I was fascinated by the level of background he wanted to achieve to provide the best possible plans and designs. Similar to how to design a great hotel room space, his questions were about the use of office space, light, views, functionality, classrooms and outdoor space options. Update to current times and we can see the changes in education to embrace virtual options. In modern hotels, there are similar changes (technology and virtual meetings) that pose the question, what makes a great hotel space, inclusive of guest rooms, public space, meeting space, recreational space, food and beverage options, and examining both indoor and outdoor spaces?

Another key factor in design will be cost. Hotels are businesses, and the cost-benefit analysis for the delivery of value needs to be accurate. I worked in a hotel space that was a product of a relationship between a university and a hotel company. It was a new hotel, and the premise was that the hospitality school would be housed in the hotel. The hotel was nicely built, with good rooms (all-suite), and good meeting space, plus the third largest ballroom in the city. That ballroom became a regular venue for major events in the city.

One detail I noticed was that there was a singular escalator run (no upside and downside). The escalator led to the second-floor ballroom. I inquired what happens when people are leaving and of course, the answer was reverse the direction on the escalator. I was reminded that you only needed one escalator run and a key to reverse it. That is right, of course, and the planners and builders determined it was too expensive to build up and down two channels. While some might argue with the decision, the point is that cost in design and architecture needs to be considered when making architecture and design decisions.

What Does Architecture and Design Mean?

I tend to think of architecture in terms of its descriptors. Think of how people describe buildings. They use terms like imposing, majestic, sophisticated and grand. For building and architecture, there are a few key words that tend to come to mind, such as strong, sturdy, reliable, and long-lasting. More formally, architecture can be defined as the art or science of building; Specifically, the art or practice of designing and building structures and especially habitable ones. Or the formation or construction resulting from or as if from a conscious act.

I have come to realize that the architecture and design of buildings, hotels and more, need to be part of the art and feeling of a community. Therefore, the adjectives for architecture and design need to be comprehensive of a hotel and its' people and its' communities. For example, I remember a hotel setting in Vancouver, British Columbia. I was delivering a workshop at a downtown hotel. I arrived late the evening before the event and checked into the downtown hotel; an attractive hotel selected by my host. I was tired after a long trip and went to sleep without looking around. I woke early and opened the curtains to see a great view of the Vancouver harbor to see glimmers of sunshine, with a small seaplane landing, boats at their moorings and other surrounding waterfront buildings, both new and historic. I remember that my thought was that the building had been designed and positioned to provide the right light, the right views and the right setting of the hotel. It was a great hotel design to enjoy! Further exploration of the guest room, public spaces and meeting rooms, etc., revealed a beautiful and functional hotel space.

Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada— Photo by East Carolina UniversityFairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada— Photo by East Carolina University
Fairmont Empress, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada— Photo by East Carolina University

Hotel Types

Additionally, when considering the architecture and design of hotels, one needs to consider accommodation types and levels of service offered, whether independent and or branded. Each hotel type has its own architecture, design standards and innovations. As noted, new concepts and brands also bring forward new and innovative design ideas. The entrance of Airbnb and other short-term rental companies have also expanded the view of architecture and design options and opportunities for hotels and the lodging-related industry.

For example, during the pandemic, it was noticeable that a large number of what had been old motel concepts in beach or mountain destination areas were being renovated for short-term rental resort properties. After reviewing several of these development projects, it made perfect sense to redesign and renovate motels in this way. In an era of no-touch, motels typically have individual outside entrances, many in destination areas have small kitchenettes and a manageable number of rooms for renovation. The concept became popular enough for Michelin to create a guide publication, America's Restored Motels Have Proven Their Resilience.

The point is that all accommodation types require architecture and design that is thoughtful of the type and level of service a hotel will operate in. Who are the potential guests? What activities will the hotel host? Will there be restaurants, retail? Community events? The consideration of hotel type, style and service is inclusive of new build projects and potential renovations of older properties that can perhaps with news designs, come back to life. Additionally, the addition of short-term rentals in a competitive mix is also indicative of changes in guest demand for hotel types that reflect lifestyle changes and are inspirations for new brands within the lodging sector.

Additionally, other trends associated with an enhanced connection to nature for resorts, golf destinations, ski destinations, and more, related to architecture and design trends with focus on sustainability and other trends to be discussed further in this article. Below is a list of lodging types and styles as planners and managers consider architecture and design options.

  • All-Inclusive
  • All-Suite
  • Apartments
  • B&B/Inn
  • Boutique
  • Condo
  • Conference Center
  • Convention Center
  • Destination Resort
  • Extended Stay
  • Full-Service Hotel
  • Gaming/Casino
  • Golf
  • Hotel/Motel
  • Limited Service
  • Lifestyle Brand
  • New Build
  • Short-term Rentals
  • Resorts
  • Ski destinations
  • Soft Brands
  • Spas
  • Timeshare
  • Waterpark

Architecture and Design Trends

Hotel design is constantly evolving, with new trends regularly emerging to shake up what guestrooms and public spaces look like from year to year. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind. These trends include a diverse collection of appearance, form and function ideas. Additionally, hotel interior design is of vital importance when it comes to creating a positive experience for your guests, planners and their attendees, your staff, and anyone else who steps foot on your property. The design of a hotel represents the audience that you'd like to attract, communicates your brand promise, highlights all of the amenities that you offer, and much more.

In a Hotel Management article, a discussion offered trends for hotels and design that include some of the following, in a condensed version.

  • Maximalism- denotes a more playful approach to design. Perhaps inclusive of fashion influences, described a quiet luxury and focusing on shapes and materials.
  • Storytelling Design- suggests spaces with feeling. For some perhaps described as branded inspiration and hotel space designed with a focus on innovation, experience, and memories.
  • Wellness Spaces- connect wellness and spas in hotels and make them a place for guests to escape to. Additionally, expanded fitness centers are becoming popular to meet guest demands for accessible and connected work out space. Also consider fitness spaces in guest rooms.
  • Colorful evolution– to include, case goods, carpeting etc. Personally, I tend to like darker shades, things like mission furniture etc. However, I understand and like bright spaces, so I get it. My wife is much better at colors than I am.
  • Sustainability appears to be everywhere these days. I remember once suggesting integrating sustainability with the goals of an association I was engaged with, and I was told, maybe next year. In this author's opinion, which was because people did not understand or appreciate what sustainability really means or what it could mean. It is fascinating to me that sustainability appears to be everywhere now. Remember, sustainability involves the environment, the community and the business. Included in these discussions could be community-focused projects that also connect to the environment and community business. Note that the community is inclusive of its people, heritage, crafts and history. Employing the local population is also part of a sustainable workforce. Hotels have a history of being part of the heritage of their communities. Therefore an enhanced focus on social and public spaces could be beneficial. Additionally, the use of local craftsmen and local styles of architecture can help to make a hotel sustainable and inclusive of quality local art. Sustainability can also be tied to Regenerative Projects, which are described as creating a net-positive impact on the environment, the community and wider society. Hotels can also be the staging areas for these projects and staging areas for guests to explore and engage in the local community and beyond. This thought process is also related to the concept of bringing the outdoors in-design with natural products and the ability of a space to open to the outdoors.
  • Hybrid Workspaces are in demand. Some question if guest rooms have too much furniture?, or maybe the wrong pieces of furniture. Personally, I need a good space, a comfortable space but not a space where I am distracted, to work on the road. Also, some note that many travelers never unpack their suitcases. I know I do not and never unpack and use a dresser drawer. So, what is the point of a dresser? This thought process might not be a decision for all rooms but perhaps relates to the customization of rooms for working travelers. Customization, design and building custom guest rooms could include furniture requests, unique lighting, decor, and technology.

Hotel interior design is of vital importance when it comes to creating a positive experience for your guests, planners and their attendees, your staff, and anyone else who steps foot on your property. The design of a hotel represents the audience that you'd like to attract, communicates your brand promise, highlights all of the amenities that you offer, and much more. Another example could be a Design Hotel, which is, as the name implies, a hotel that is notable for its design. It is focused on the visual concept, its architecture, interior decoration, on aesthetics style and decor. The appearance is the main appeal of a Design Hotel and the aim is to evoke a 'wow' feeling in the (potential) guest.

According to some architect experts, the future of hotels and hotel design is all about "multi-functional spaces." In addition to re-imagining areas with contactless technology in mind, hotel designers say the new priority is to create flexible, multipurpose spaces. For example, public areas will need to be designed to prevent bottlenecks and minimize contact but give guests ample space to move around comfortably. Additionally, design considerations also need to be made for changing traveler preferences to include:

  • Lightweight, moveable furniture in public spaces which can be easily reconfigured based on guests' needs.
  • More communal spaces for socializing.
  • Dedicated remote working spaces, like co-working areas in the lobby or upgraded workspaces in guest rooms.

Benchmark Hotels

In referring to benchmark properties, it is my intent to look at spaces that, by all accounts, have been successful and are perhaps noted for architecture and design. As I have said in classes, there are no secrets in hotel architecture and design once the doors open to the public. I encourage our students to explore hotel spaces, new and old. Hotel properties can exude a feeling and style. Review of hotel guides, directories and articles suggest some trending hotels that may be worth a visit, at least an online visit. These are The Pinch, Charleston, South Carolina, The Madrona, Healdsburg, California, Columns, New Orleans, Louisiana, Tempo by Hilton Nashville, and Ritz-Carlton Portland.

Also suggested is a review of the new brands coming out from Hilton, Marriott, IHG and others. Marriott for example has over thirty unique brand names. These examples can be an interesting look at architecture and design of hotels. Additionally, another resource for a more global look at benchmark architecture and design is offered.

For renovations and helping hotels resources to be sustainable, improving existing structures, is "truly the most sustainable thing," is noted by Davidson Hospitality Group creative director Staci Patton, who re-imaged Atlanta's 3,000-acre Barnsley Resort. Patton notes, When we think about the incredible amount of assets across the globe, so many of them just need some love, [and] obviously some investment. Along these lines, as mentioned previously, renovations, maintenance and hotel upkeep can be seen in diverse locations and also provide some ideas for sustainability of hotel assets. As I noted previously, I love a historic and well-kept hotel, and some personal favorite examples from Omni and Fairmont are offered as resources to explore unique architecture and design and well-maintained hotels. The links below provide some examples to consider and appreciate. You are encouraged to create your own list of hotels.

Going Forward

Hotel Executive editors framed the discussion of architecture and design noting that advances in communication technology have helped make the remote work phenomenon accepted. Additionally, many people have discovered they can work from anywhere and that hotels are adapting by creating spaces to accommodate those travelers who wish to remain connected to the office while on the go.

Additionally, architectural and design considerations can include, new generational impacts, i.e. millennials and gen Z driving travel trends, adaptive hospitality and the diversification of revenue, glamping as an accepted concept, enhanced wellness environments that are transformative, curated, and communal, vertical architecture, building hotels up and a focus on golf's revival connected to outdoor spaces and golf course design. More specifically, interior design experts remind us of the seven elements of interior design. These elements are noted as color, space, texture, pattern. lines, light and form.

I am far from an interior designer, but I do know what I like and what I experience as inviting, comfortable and enjoyable. When considering all these factors I tend to think like a guest and as I do in many instances consider price and quality to determine the value of a hotel product. Lodging decision makers should create their own version of this process.

Finally, as a reminder, a great hotel, architecturally and by design needs to tell a story, reflect it location through local elements, make a great first impression, pays attention to its guest rooms and designs public areas for experiences.

Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from http://www.hotelexecutive.com/.