A complete guide to hotel designs

As the desire for distinctive accommodation increases,

hotel designs have undergone significant transformation
over the past few decades. From architecture to interior
style that captures the essence of a destination, a hotel’s
design can truly set it apart.

Regardless of what type of hotel business you want to work

in, knowing about hotel design aspects can help. In this
article, we will explore the key elements that contribute to
creating a memorable design, while providing insights into
how to acquire the relevant skills and experience to
develop a hotel with a distinguished aesthetic.

Introduction to hotel
design
A hotel’s architecture and interior design go beyond how
things look towards transporting guests into immersive
experiences that incorporate culture, geography and a
sense of place. Executed well, a hotel can present guest
spaces that flawlessly integrate art, architecture, design
and decor. There is a genuine depth of skill that goes into
creating a memorable hotel.

Types of hotel designs

There are a variety of hotel designs that cater to different
preferences and styles. From traditional to contemporary
or minimalist, each design offers unique features and
atmosphere. While different types of hotels might tend
towards a specific style, there is a lot of freedom when
designing a hotel to incorporate elements that will appeal
to a wide range of guests. We will look at a few of the most
common types of hotel design below.

Modern design
In modernist design, simplicity and functionality are key.
Clean lines, neutral colors and uncluttered space define the
aesthetic. Structural elements can be highlighted using
materials such as steel, glass and concrete to create
visually stunning spaces that often have a calm, tranquil
feel.

Traditional design
Drawing inspiration from different eras, traditional design is
aimed at creating a cozy and familiar atmosphere. It can
incorporate luxurious textures, timeless furniture and
intricate details to cultivate an authentic experience.

Contemporary design
Contemporary design embraces the present by
incorporating the latest developments and trends. It’s a
flexible style that can celebrate a combination of bold
colors or create pleasing patterns with neutral tones and
often showcases unique materials or singular artworks.

Minimalist design
Focusing on meaningful simplicity, minimalist design
achieves this by using open floor plans, carefully chosen
interior elements and a restrained color palette to create
tranquil spaces. The emphasis is placed on quality rather
than quantity.

Factors influencing hotel

design
Designing hotels involves considering a range of factors be-
yond just aesthetics. The goal is to create spaces that not
only look appealing but also cater to guests’ needs, help
the hotel stand out in a competitive industry and possibly
reflect its setting.

Location
Design choices for hotels are often influenced by the
surrounding geographical context or the history of the
structure. In rural areas, boutique hotels might highlight
local artisanry and embrace a more rustic feel, while urban
establishments tend to incorporate sleek architecture and
modern technology. Additionally, hotel designs should also
take into consideration the climate to ensure guests are
comfortable.

Target audience
When designing a space, it’s important to consider the ne-
eds and preferences of your target customers. For e-
xample, business travelers appreciate efficiently calm
surroundings and access to business facilities. Similarly,
families may prioritize safety measures and pool or play
areas that are child-friendly, while those seeking luxury
may expect decadent amenities and dramatic public
spaces.

Size of the hotel

The size of a hotel will affect the design strategies
employed. Large resorts may offer a range of spaces with
different functions, whereas smaller properties usually
tailor their spaces to a specific clientele. Talented
designers can skillfully transform buildings created for
another purpose into successful and atmospheric designs
for small hotels.

Hotel interior design

Designing a welcoming and unforgettable interior is crucial
for creating a memorable guest experience in a hotel,
whether you’re managing one of the top hotels in the
world or own a small B&B. Important elements that
contribute to cohesive and alluring hotel interior design
include lighting, furniture, colors and textures.

Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important aspects of creating a
pleasant space. And it’s crucial lighting is tailored towards
an area’s specific purpose. For bedrooms, warm and cozy
lighting sets a relaxed atmosphere, while fitness areas
thrive with bright and invigorating lighting.

Strategically placed lighting in lobbies or bar areas can

enhance architectural features and create a welcoming
atmosphere. Additionally, incorporating task-specific
lighting, such as reading lights, provides functionality
where it’s needed.

Furniture
When choosing furniture, it’s crucial to find a harmonious
blend of style and comfort. Consider versatile seating
options such as sofas and dining tables that can cater to a
range of guest requirements. It’s important to select pieces
that complement the color scheme and, for high-traffic
areas, prioritize durability.

Colors and textures

Colors and textures can completely transform a space. Rich
hues and luxurious textiles can change even a basic area
into a luxurious retreat, while the use of vibrant color
palettes can inject life into boutique hotel settings. Earthy
tones tend to create a warm and inviting atmosphere,
whereas cool blues induce a sense of tranquility. Bold
colors and unusual textures can also be incorporated to
improve neutral schemes and add sophisticated accents.

Sustainable hotel design

As constantly evolving businesses, hotels need to stay
abreast of developing trends. With increasing emphasis on
environmental sustainability, it’s now becoming essential
for hotels to incorporate sustainable design principles.

Energy efficiency
Hotels consume significant amounts of energy and there is
now a shift to eco-friendly hotel designs that don’t use as
much power. However, it’s important not to compromise
guest comfort – for example, you can’t just keep the
heating low all year round. Some key energy-efficient
design elements in hotels are:
1. Natural lighting: embracing natural light reduces dependence on
artificial lighting, thereby reducing energy costs and consumption
2. Energy-saving appliances: equipping rooms with energy-efficient
appliances can significantly cut down on power consumption and
associated costs
3. Insulation: good insulating materials embedded in ceilings or walls
limit heat transfer and can reduce heating or cooling requirements
indoors

Water conservation
Water resources are significantly affected by tourism,
especially large hotels in rural areas. It’s now vital to
incorporate water-saving strategies into hotel design to
promote sustainability. These include:
1. Low-flow fixtures: these fixtures substantially reduce water usage
without sacrificing guest satisfaction
2. Rainwater harvesting systems: systems that collect rainwater
from roofs for non-potable uses such as garden irrigation or flushing
toilets
3. Greywater recycling: reusing greywater (water previously used
for washing dishes or from sinks) for non-drinking purposes
decreases overall freshwater demand

Innovative technologies in
hotel designs
Hospitality and tourism technology have revolutionized
travel and this has had an impact on smart hotel designs.
Tech-centric designs now cater to modern travelers,
seamlessly merging luxury and convenience for a better
overall experience.

Smart room features

Modern hotel designs incorporate a variety of advanced
features in rooms to improve guest comfort and
satisfaction. We discuss some of the most notable
examples of smart room technology below:
1. Controlled environment: some designer hotels have begun using
AI-based systems for environmental controls. By learning patterns
from previous guests, these systems can anticipate room
temperature preferences, adjust lighting conditions or even suggest
local attractions
2. Smart mirrors: modern hotel design has embraced smart mirrors
that offer personalized greetings, weather forecasts, news updates
or traffic information while guests are getting ready for their day
 3. Voice-activated services: ‘OK Google’ or ‘Hey Siri’ can now help
you request additional towels, schedule wake-up calls or order room
service without picking up a phone

Robotic services and

automation
The advent of automation in recent years has influenced
contemporary hotel designs too. By implementing robotic
services and automation into their operations,
establishments can further improve efficiency and
customer service delivery. Among the more prominent
applications are:
1. Robotic concierge: offering round-the-clock assistance to guests,
from providing directions in the establishment to answering
inquiries about local attractions
2. Automated cleaning: maintaining cleanliness standards in high-
traffic lobby or restaurant areas with automated cleaning devices
such as robotic vacuum cleaners
3. Robot delivery system: some routine tasks such as delivering
late-night snacks or extra pillows could be handled by robots
navigating using floorplans programmed into their system

Hotel lobby design

Vostok / Moment Via Getty Images
The lobby is perhaps one of the most important aspects of
hotel design. This is the entry point for guests and an area
that sets the tone for their entire stay. It’s vital to get this
space right, as it’s often the first impression visitors have
of your establishment.

Layout and furniture

arrangement
The hotel lobby is usually the first part of the hotel that
guests experience. Proper layout and furniture
arrangement are vital for an inviting ambiance. Designs
should incorporate:

 Clear traffic flow: guiding guests to the reception

and other areas with ease
  Relaxation zones: creating comfort with clustered
lounge furniture

 Aesthetic comfort: balancing style and function with

furniture inspired by the locale

Lighting and color scheme

There are two other pivotal factors affecting your hotel
lobby aesthetic – lighting and color scheme. Designers
need to factor in:

 Varied illumination: warm lights create cozy areas,

cool lights offer modernity and statement fixtures
attract attention

 Natural light optimization: for sustainability and as

a feature of smart design and use of materials

 Thoughtful night lighting: accentuate details

without overpowering the space

Then there is color scheme unification and mood-setting,

which needs to:

 Tie zones together: select a scheme that

coordinates diverse areas

 Borrow insights from hospitality design: apply

practical tips from design magazines and inspiration
from appealing hotels
Restaurant and bar
designs in hotels
The design of hotel restaurants and bars profoundly
impacts guests’ experiences. Creating well-designed
spaces that align with the hotel’s theme and encourages
enjoyment is key.

Seating arrangements and décor

Effective seating and inviting décor plays a vital role in
improving the dining environment, so designs should
include:

 Booths: offer privacy and intimacy

 Indoor/outdoor seating: provide unique views

based on location

 High-top tables: ideal for casual bar conversations

 Communal tables: encourage interaction,

particularly among millennials

Décor options range from classic elegance to contemporary

minimalism, for example:

 Classic design: combines sophistication with

coziness

 Modern styles: caters to contemporary tastes with

sleek lines
  Themed style: sets the hotel apart with a distinct
approach.

Lighting and music

Thoughtful lighting and music choices significantly
influence the dining experience. Lighting options include:

 Ambient lighting: comfortable illumination without

shadows

 Task lighting: positioned above tables for clear

visibility

 Mood lights: dimmers for adaptable ambiance

 Statement pieces: chandeliers for dramatic

emphasis

Music selection also impacts the atmosphere, so consider:

 Upbeat genres: motivates staff efficiency during

busy hours

 Slower tunes: creates a relaxed evening ambiance

 Curated playlists: builds rapport and encourages

repeat diners through personalized preferences

How to learn about hotel

design
Learning about hotel design and planning is a
comprehensive process that involves understanding the
various aspects of architecture, interior design, hospitality
industry standards and practical considerations. The
following steps will help you embark on this learning
journey:

 Start with research

 Enroll in courses

 Attend workshops and seminars

 Build your professional network

 Study hotels and case studies

If you want to learn all about hotel design, you should also
aim to get some knowledge of the hospitality business. You
can do this by studying for a hospitality degree at a world-
renowned school.

Make an impact in hotel design

Whether you want to design and manage hotels or oversee
the design of five-star luxury venues, our courses combine
teaching from industry experts with opportunities to get
experience and build essential professional networks.

Masters in hotel management

Conclusion
Hotel design requires a delicate balance between creating
an inviting atmosphere and ensuring optimal functionality.
Every element, from the overall architecture to specific
details such as lighting, textiles and furniture must
prioritize guest comfort and satisfaction.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in hotel design and

planning, it’s beneficial to gain experience and
qualifications that specifically cater to the hospitality
industry and provide an understanding of delivering
exceptional customer experience. This will provide the
valuable knowledge that can be the basis of a
distinguished hotel design career. Whether you aspire to
establish your own hotel or pursue a career as a designer
or manager in the hospitality industry, staying informed
about the latest trends and aspects of hotel design is
important. You can do this by studying for a hospitality or
hotel-related qualification at a renowned institution such as
Les Roches.

Main Image:
Carlina Teteris/ Moment Via Getty Images