The hospitality industry has experienced immense change over the years. Gone are the days when hotels and restaurants were only designed with the idea of providing food and accommodation. Today, these establishments have grown into versatile facilities that embrace technology in design and construction.
Here are the top three trends that have sparked hospitality design and construction in recent years.
1. Versatile Lobby Areas
One of the features that characterize establishments in the hospitality industry is a lobby. The waiting area is common in hotels and restaurants that offer conference and accommodation services. However, in the past, it was merely a waiting area with couches and some magazines on the table. In recent years, the design of lobbies has evolved, and the space is now becoming more than a waiting area.
Lobbies are designed to act as a multipurpose space for waiting, living, and playing. The designers are dividing the lobby area into a waiting area, a living room, library, and even an evening bar. So instead of sitting on the couch bored, guests and hotel users can make use of the additional amenities to enhance their experience at the hotel. They can have a drink at the bar, read a book or magazine, or simply chill at the den.
2. Open Spaces
Designers today are ditching closed up spaces for open ones. They call it “bringing in the outdoors” and making the normally unseen, seen.” The hospitality design and construction industry has not been left behind. Today, you will find hotels with full floor to ceiling windows that open up the space and provide magnificent views. What’s more, hotels are adopting open plans for accommodation amenities, including open kitchen plans and walk-in bathrooms. Sliding bathroom doors and French doors are also a characteristic of new constructions in the industry.
3. Concrete Floors
Concrete flooring is becoming a big thing in the hospitality construction industry. Since hotels and restaurants are essentially for public use, maintaining the floors can be costly for hospitality managers. Concrete, especially polished concrete, is a beautiful material for flooring. It is easy to clean and maintain and can last for years when compared to other popular choices such as tiles. Designers are incorporating this material into their designs to improve the aesthetic value of the facilities while still being conscious about maintenance requirements.
The hospitality industry is one of the most popular sectors today. People love vacations, staycations, good food, and outdoor entertainment. With these trends, hospitality design has changed from just addressing the functional aspect to providing a modern, eclectic look to hotels, restaurants, and other establishments.
