4 Hospitality Construction Trends
Spurred by continuing post-pandemic economic recovery, the hospitality market is strong. In Lodging Econometrics’s fourth quarter 2022 Construction Pipeline Trend Report, lodging projects were up 14% year-over-year (YOY) and construction starts increased 35% YOY and 36% YOY, respectively.
Despite economic challenges facing all construction sectors, hotel owners, investors, developers and management groups see much opportunity in 2023.
The following are four key trends shaping today’s hospitality projects.
The Evolving Lobby
Spurred by continuing post-pandemic economic recovery, the hospitality market is strong. In Lodging Econometrics’s fourth quarter 2022 Construction Pipeline Trend Report, lodging projects were up 14% year-over-year (YOY) and construction starts increased 35% YOY and 36% YOY, respectively.
Despite economic challenges facing all construction sectors, hotel owners, investors, developers and management groups see much opportunity in 2023.
The following are four key trends shaping today’s hospitality projects.
Creating Instagram-able Spots
Creating buzz and free publicity, hotels stand to benefit from designing memorable spots worthy of Instagram photos. This includes a cool building façade, unique sign, waterfall or a richly decorated and curated lobby for snapping interesting photos.
Creating themes or embracing local design trends and history are another way to draw Instagram interest and highlight the uniqueness and authenticity of the location.
For indoor settings, good lighting is important. This includes uniform lighting, daylighting and trendy fixtures. Patrons—and their cameras—are also drawn to design features like stone decor, wood paneling, gardens and greenery.
Catering to Remote Workers
Along with the business travelers frequenting hotels, more and more remote workers are embracing hotels as an attractive third place.
In addition to the standard outlets, USB ports and WiFi in hotel lobbies, both out-of-town business folks and local residents are looking for access to conference rooms, business centers and co-working spaces.
Seeking an environment that’s a combination of an Airbnb and WeWork center, mobile workers are drawn to upscale and comfortable interiors, interesting decor and a view where they can sit down with their laptops and enjoy a nicely furnished space.
Easy access to good coffee and a variety of snacks and dining options is important as well.
Eco-Friendly Design
With businesses and tourists returning to travel, sustainability is top of mind. An American Express Travel Global Trends Report found 68% of consumers showing interest in sustainability-friendly travel brands. In another study, recently released by the corporate travel and payment technology platform HRS and the GBTA business travel association, 65% of travelers say they would prioritize hotels with a validated sustainability certification.
Hospitality venues are selecting low-flow, water conserving fixtures, LED lighting fixtures and controls, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. By following green building guidelines and certifications like LEED BD+C: Hospitality, the Green Seal Standard for Lodging Properties or the Energy Star for Hospitality, facilities save energy and provide healthy interior environments to attract eco-minded consumers.
Hotels are also incorporating more sustainable products, materials and systems for their facilities. This includes natural materials, VOC finishes, recyclable, reclaimed and locally sourced materials.
Pre-fabricated, modular construction is another popular sustainable strategy which is a great fit for repetitive and uniform hotel room designs. Through the off-site fabrication of these modules, buildings can be constructed faster, with better quality control, fewer materials and cost savings.
Embracing the principles of biophilic design, hotels are showcasing stone and wood through mass timber, ceilings, walls, flooring and furniture. Vegetation and plantings are thoughtful placed throughout the space, and some brands also incorporate water features.
Hotel Renovations
Applying these trends to recent projects, the renovated Swissôtel Chicago features new water-efficient bathrooms, high-performance, energy-efficient windows and front entry doors, and the build-out of a new fitness center, ballroom, conference and meeting rooms.
Using the existing structural foundation of a two-story parking garage and retail center in Chicago’s Chinatown., Summit Design+Build built the new four-story, 148-room SpringHill Suites hotel. Taking cues from the ethnic neighborhood, some zen-inspired designs include wood surfaces and geometric shapes in the lobby, and reception area, a gym, breakfast and meeting room.
And for the rebranding of the boutique Claridge House Hotel on Chicago’s Gold Coast, Summit renovated 165 guest rooms, the lobby, corridors, bar, restaurant, and common and amenity spaces with custom millwork and high-end finishes.
About the author
Barbara Horwitz-Bennett is a seasoned architectural journalist, covering the design and construction industry for the past 20+ years. She writes for numerous industry magazines and creates content for AEC firms and product manufacturers.
