With so many hotel options, it can be overwhelming for a traveler to know where to stay. For this reason, generally, when an individual has had a positive experience somewhere, they tend to remain loyal to the hotel brand.
Therefore, it is essential that you not only provide an unforgettable hotel experience to get more repeat guests but also that you offer something different to entice those who are unfamiliar with your establishment.
From the importance of working with top-quality hotel signage companies to the optimal way to design your lobby, read on to learn about the three innovative design features you need to include in your hotel.
1. Make your lobby a multifunctional and welcoming space.
First impressions are crucial, no matter who your target clientele is or wherever your hotel is located. As soon as your guests walk into the lobby, they are going to start noticing the ambiance and the atmosphere which, in turn, are going to set the bar for how they envision their upcoming stay. For this reason, you want to take advantage of this time to create positive expectations for them by making a fantastic first impression.
For this reason, hotels around the world are looking for ways to make their lobby stand out and make an impact on their guests. Look to use your lobby as a multifunctional space that merges various rooms into a larger area comprising a shared space for people to converge, work, and hang out. Depending on your style of hotel, this may include a lounge for people to relax or tables for business travelers who need to work while waiting.
However you choose to lay out your lobby, ensure you are including some space for guests to socialize as most want to stay in a hotel that offers a welcoming and relaxing place for them to sit and enjoy themselves. It doesn’t have to be anything extremely fancy; but, it should feel inviting, and have a mixture of adjustable seating areas, intimate lounge spaces and communal sections that inspire guests to talk with others and make connections.
2. Incorporate sustainability features.
There is no denying that sustainability is at the forefront of consumers’ minds.
All around the world, individuals are starting to demand more and more in terms of sustainability from the businesses they purchase products from and whose services they use. The travel industry has certainly felt this new, passionate interest in environmentally-friendly policies which is why many hotel designers and developers are working on projects that are both eco-friendly and design forward.
Even if you are not in a position to completely rebuild your hotel, there are still small steps that you can take to be more sustainable, which, in turn, will help your business remain competitive, entice more travelers, save money, and do its part in global conservation efforts.
The most natural first step is to look for ways to save on energy such as switching to long-lasting LED lights or placing skylights in common areas. Additionally, shift to energy-saving kitchen, laundry, and air conditioning equipment and a solar water heating system if you have a pool.
3. Invest in your hotel’s digital signage.
Digital signage is key to having a hotel that is both innovative and responsive to customer needs. Digital signage can bring a wide array of benefits to your hotel, particularly when expertly placed. For example, in your lobby, opt to have digital screens that show both entertaining and useful content (including your hotel’s sustainability efforts) and which provide a welcoming touch (this also fits in with #1).
By working with the best signage and wayfinding consultants in Dubai, you can be assured that your hotel signage strategy will consist of strategically placed custom hotel signs that begin externally and then continue through the most visible and necessary sections of your establishment.
You can implement digital signage to include information regarding automated check-in, in-room services, personalized concierge services, wall art, travel information, advertising, and entertainment.
If you are involved with the hotel industry, what do you see as the most important design innovations that should be included?
Alternatively, as a guest, what touches help to create a memorable experience for you?
Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Zak Zakaria is a Waymaker at dezigntechnic in Dubai who also previously worked as the company’s Graphic Designer and Art Director. Zak is a creative with work experience in multiple multinational agencies such as JWT and Saatchi & Saatchi. Signage design is a family business, making Zak’s personal experience with signage his longest professional commitment.
