Hotel Furniture Design & Meeting Guest Expectations Today, Tomorrow

There’s an interesting dichotomy when it comes to the experience you’re trying to offer guests at your hotel. 

On one hand, you want all those who pass through your hotel’s doors to have a near-identical experience regardless of the duration of their stay. Those renting a room for an overnight while en route to their destination should feel just as comfortable and at home as those who may be with you for the better part of a week or two. 

At the same time, no two guests are the same and their individual expectations for a quality stay vary greatly. The needs of a business traveler are often drastically different than those of a family of four. Suffice it to say, meeting the individual needs of each of your guests may seem like a tall order.

While there’s no formula that’s universally applicable to giving guests the ideal stay at your facility, it’s very possible to meet each of them on their own terms for the same result: an experience they'll remember for the right reasons.

We’re seeing that in a host of ways already – from intentional guest room design to the hotel furniture design trends of today and likely tomorrow. 

In this article, we’ll dig into the finer points of how this is happening, looking at:

• Trends in hospitality design that appeal to all ages

• Hotel furniture trends with integrated technology

• Creating healthier spaces

• Current design trends you should be paying attention to

• The future of hotel furniture design trends

Generational Trends in Hospitality Design

As we noted no two guests are the same.

This is perhaps no more apparent than the nuances between generations. Another way: a 20-something (usually) has a different set of expectations for a top-notch hotel stay than their grandparents.

And though they all want to stay in a hotel where they feel comfortable, safe, and taken care of,  how do you find that middle ground of sorts?

It starts and ends with understanding each generation of traveler and what their wants and – more importantly – needs are.

Certainly, that's not to say you'll end up designing a hotel or creating blocks of rooms that are generation-specific. Rather, it's more about taking the time to see where a little bit of generational tailoring could make all the difference throughout your entire facility and getting closer to offering customized stays.

Generation by generation, the trends in hospitality design that are driving design decisions:

Baby Boomers (Born 1945-1964)

Baby Boomers prefer comfort and predictability in their hotel stays. They gravitate towards familiar experiences and often stick with known hotel chains. This generation appreciates:

• Easy-to-use in-room technology.

• Proximity to local dining and attractions.

• Health and wellness options.
  
  

Generation X (Born 1964-1980)

Gen X travelers value a balance between comfort and economy. They are well-educated, research thoroughly, and prioritize both business travel and family experiences. Key preferences include:

• Practical amenities that cater to both business and leisure.

• A mix of economical and unique hotel options.
  
  

Millennials (Born 1980-1996)

Millennials prioritize experiences and are keen to share their travels on social media. They spend significantly on travel and appreciate:

• Regional aesthetics and local artwork.

• Combined work/living/social spaces.

• Technological conveniences like smartphone-controlled lighting and charging ports.
  
  
  

Generation Z (Born Mid-1990s to Early 2010s)

Gen Z expects seamless digital experiences and places high importance on social responsibility. Their key preferences are:

• Mobile check-ins and keyless room entry.

• AI-powered concierge services.

• Hotels that prioritize sustainability and inclusivity.

• Personalized travel experiences and room amenities.

How Hotel Casegoods Transcend Generational Preferences

Hotel casegoods have the unique ability to cater to diverse generational preferences by blending timeless design with modern functionality. Regardless of generation, guests appreciate high-quality, aesthetically pleasing furniture that enhances their comfort and convenience. By incorporating versatile design elements such as clean lines, neutral colors, and durable materials, casegoods can appeal to the refined tastes of Baby Boomers while also satisfying the minimalist and functional preferences of Millennials and Gen Z.

What's more, integrating technology into casegoods – such as built-in USB ports, charging stations, and smart storage solutions – ensures that all generations have their technological needs met without sacrificing style.

Hotel Furniture Design Trends: Integrating Technology

If there's one hotel furniture trend that isn't going away any time soon (quite frankly, ever), it's integrating technology into your casegoods. These days, it goes far beyond simply having an inset outlet in a nightstand or desk.

Guests of all ages are more technologically savvy than ever and the thought of life without their electronics (think: smartphone, smartwatch, wireless headphones, etc) isn't one they'll spend much time on. The simple fact is that guests bring technology with them and expect hotels and guestrooms to feature technology throughout them.

What does this look like? Right now, hotel technology trends include:

1. Smart Rooms: Guests appreciate the convenience of controlling their environment via tablets or smartphones, such as adjusting lighting and temperature or ordering room service. Voice-activated devices enhance this experience by allowing hands-free control.

2. Predictive Analytics: Hotels can use predictive analytics to offer personalized recommendations and services, enhancing guest experiences by anticipating their needs and preferences based on past behavior and trends.

3. Data Security: Protecting guests' personal and financial information is a given these days. Robust cybersecurity measures ensure that transactions and data remain secure, fostering trust and safety.

4. Artificial Intelligence: AI in hotels includes chatbots and virtual concierges that handle guest requests 24/7, providing services like room service, local recommendations, and booking reservations, thus improving efficiency and guest satisfaction. 

5. Smart Furniture: Integrating charging ports and data access points into furniture pieces like headboards and desks provides guests with convenient access to power for their multiple devices, enhancing their stay.

6. Health & Wellness Technology: Hotels offering fitness amenities such as standing desks, treadmill desks, and smart lighting cater to guests' health-conscious lifestyles, ensuring they can maintain their routines while traveling.

7. Keyless Door Entry: Utilizing smartphones and Bluetooth technology for keyless entry simplifies the check-in process and eliminates the common issues associated with traditional room keys, offering a seamless and secure entry experience.

8. Green Technology: Sustainable practices such as motion-activated lighting, LED bulbs, and energy-efficient appliances appeal to environmentally conscious guests and reduce the hotel's ecological footprint while cutting operational costs.
   
   
   

Creating Healthier Spaces Via Hotel Guestroom, Casegood Design

While guests are only becoming more tech savvy, there's another trend that's gaining steam: a focus on health and wellness. This is especially true in the wake of COVID-19, with travelers prioritizing cleanliness and safety in their hotel stays.

For guests, the days of a hotel fitness room outfitted with a treadmill with a loose belt and maybe a few free weights aren't cutting it. They're looking for better amenities both in common areas and in their rooms. Focusing on self care – be it a light workout or quiet meditation – in a space that is clean and comfortable shouldn't be a heavy lift when staying in a hotel.

In response, hoteliers are stepping up their game by incorporating healthier design features into guestrooms and facilities, particularly through casegoods. These include:

1. In-Room Fitness Equipment: Providing guests with fitness options like exercise bikes, yoga mats, and resistance bands in their rooms allows them to maintain their routines privately and conveniently, enhancing their stay experience.

2. Health Technology: Integrating digital fitness kiosks, smart TVs, and heart monitors in rooms enables guests to track their fitness activities, watch their favorite workout programs, and monitor their health metrics easily.

3. Multi-Functional Items: Designing furniture that serves dual purposes, such as a luggage bench that can also be used as a weight bench or a coat rack that doubles as a pull-up bar, maximizes room functionality without compromising on space.

4. Wellness Enhancers: Features like circadian rhythm lighting, HEPA air purification, and water filtration systems help regulate sleep, reduce allergens, and create a healthier environment for guests.

5. Mental Health: Incorporating elements that promote mental wellness, such as natural light, calming color schemes, and biophilic designs with indoor plants, reduces stress and fosters relaxation, making guests feel more at ease.

6. Sustainable Cleaning Products: Using environmentally friendly, low-chemical, and non-toxic cleaning products ensures a safer environment for guests and demonstrates a commitment to sustainability.

Current Hotel Furniture Design Trends That Should be on Your Radar

It's no secret for hotel owners and designers that what's "in" one year might be completely "out" the next. As you know well, hotels get refreshes every so often to not only remain current and contemporary, but also provide guests with the best experience possible.

The last thing anyone wants with bringing a hotel in line with current trends is to invest in hospitality FF&E (fixtures, furniture, and equipment) that has a short shelf life. Making such an investment in hotel FF&E is simply a waste of time, money, & effort.

Unfortunately, no crystal ball has the answers to completely future-proof your design plans today against the trends and guest preferences of tomorrow.

What hotel furniture design trends are dominating today's casegoods and are expected to be relevant for a while?

Let's look at a few in several categories:

Further Reading: Take a deeper dive into the hotel furniture trends of 2024 & beyond. 

The Future of Hotel Casegoods Design

Remember that crystal ball we mentioned earlier?

While it indeed does not exist, we are seeing some inklings about where things are headed – some more obvious than others. What’s more, what we’re seeing reminds us in some respects of the adage: The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Knowing this list could change, trends for hotel room design and the casegoods of the future are shaping up to include:

• Home Away From Home: Customizable casegoods furniture creates a home-like environment, enhancing guest comfort and encouraging repeat stays. Key elements include comfortable seating, storage solutions, and familiar amenities.

• Work and Living Space Optimization: Optimizing space to blend work and living areas caters to modern travelers. This includes integrating ample power outlets, USB ports, and reliable Wi-Fi, with multifunctional furniture like pull-out platforms.

• Health and Wellness: Incorporating health-focused features such as fitness equipment, streaming technology for exercise programs, and virtual reality setups supports guests' wellness routines and preferences for private workouts.

• Mass Customization: Personalized environments through cloud technology allow guests to control room temperature, lighting, entertainment, and decor, creating a tailored experience for each visitor.

• Style and Comfort: Combining elegant, curved designs with plush, oversized furniture provides both aesthetic appeal and comfort, catering to diverse guest preferences.

• Technology Integration: Smart furniture with built-in charging ports, touch controls, and seamless tech integration ensures a modern, connected experience for guests.

Investing in Casegoods for All Guests

Again, meeting the expectations of all hotel guests on an individual level might seem like a near-impossible task. In truth, it is. 

But by partnering with a hotel casegoods designer and manufacturer that employs value engineering, it’s more than possible to come close(r) to achieving that. Value engineering ensures that the design process maximizes efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, all while delivering high-quality, customized furniture solutions. This approach not only enhances the guest experience but also supports the hotel's long-term operational goals.

Let’s Value Engineer Your Project! 

Set up a free, no-obligation consult today!