For decades, the hotel lobby was used to check into your room and confirm your itinerary in a quick and efficient manner. Today, people are traveling for work, play and everything in between and the hotel is no longer just a resting place. The modern traveler is seeking a unique experience from every part of their trip, including the moment they step into your lobby. It is important to create a space that makes a great first impression and satisfies every type of guest.

The Lobby as a Multiuse Space

Whether it’s a backpacker needing high-speed internet to share snaps of their trip on social media, a marketer finishing the details of an important pitch, or a tourist looking for a space to relax with a coffee before a full day of sightseeing – the modern lobby is the social hub of the hotel.

Make use of your lobby space with pop-up events from local vendors, live book readings and other events and activities that promote social interaction and give guests those special experiences they crave while traveling.

Think about each kind of traveler when designing your lobby – business travelers shouldn’t have to find the nearest coffee-chain to find a comfortable place to work. Classic board games are popping up in many public areas such as bars and restaurants and public feedback is overwhelmingly positive. Board games are a fun, nostalgic way for guests to pass time and interact with one another, and they make a great distraction for kids while parents seek information at the help desk or make dinner reservations with the concierge.

Technology in the Hotel Lobby

As a hotelier, it’s important to recognize your guests’ needs and provide them with the best experience possible. With smart hotel rooms now becoming a requisite rather than a luxury, we are also seeing there is a demand for technology in public and shared spaces. Living such a fast-paced lifestyle and constantly on the go means less time to stop during the day and find a place to charge up our devices, and with everything from ear pods to watches now running on batteries, it’s important to show guests you’re a step ahead.

Make their lives simpler when you provide them with charging options. Many public spaces such as malls and airports now have charging stations, which is a great option for guests needing a quick charge before heading out. A more practical option may be furniture with built-in charging ports, as many sofas and coffee tables include USB ports or wireless charging that blend seamlessly with your lobby design.

Eco-Friendly Features

As more consumers learn about the dangers of global warming and our direct impact on the issue, it’s crucial for businesses to practice sustainability and implement eco-friendly features. In a 2018 study performed by booking.com, it was discovered that 87% of global travelers want to travel sustainably. The study found that the largest factor to inspire people to travel more sustainably has been their own impressions of the beauty of nature during their travels.

Millennials enjoy being near houseplants, and with good reason. Indoor plants help to filter toxins and allergens, boost mood and productivity, aid in reducing stress and improves focus. People living in heavily populated, metropolitan areas enjoy plants as an escape from the concrete world, so if your hotel is in a big city, guests will be pleasantly surprised to be welcomed by greenery.

Local Flare

One of the best parts of traveling is discovering the things that make a place unique by trying the local cuisines, visiting art galleries and partaking in community events. By designing your lobby as a multi-use space, you can help educate your guests on the local culture.

Here are some creative ideas to consider for your hotel lobby:

• Organize a monthly bazaar where local artisans and small businesses can expand their business to visitors.
• Convert your lobby into a mini art gallery, displaying the works of local artists.
• Collaborate with an influencer in your town to create a travel guide that allows visitors to explore their surroundings through the eyes of a local insider.
• Work with speakers and business owners to provide educational workshops and fitness classes.
• Your ultimate goal as a hotel brand is for your guests to leave happy with unforgettable memories that will encourage them to stay at your establishment again in the future. Consider some of these lobby trends for a sure way to provide guests with the special experiences they crave.

Your ultimate goal as a hotel brand is for your guests to leave happy with unforgettable memories that will encourage them to stay at your establishment again in the future. Consider some of these lobby trends for a sure way to provide guests with the special experiences they crave.