How Do Hotels Design the Ideal Room?

Summary

This transcript explores the intricacies of hotel room design, particularly at Marriott, where data-driven insights guide innovation. Marriott's Innovation Lab tests design elements based on guest behavior, such as smaller desks and closets, and the move away from carpeting for more residential-style hardwood floors. A focus on functional, user-friendly spaces includes redesigned bathrooms with separate toilet and shower areas and an open sink to accommodate traveling couples. Feedback from guest satisfaction surveys also plays a crucial role in continuous improvement, such as adjusting bathroom lighting for a better experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hotels use detailed data from surveys, focus groups, and trends to create the ideal guest room.
• 😀 Marriott conducts mockup model rooms at their Innovation Lab to test new designs before implementing them.
• 😀 Traveler behavior, like using beds instead of desks, influences room design, leading to smaller desks.
• 😀 Closets are getting smaller as more people prefer not to unpack their bags during travel.
• 😀 Carpets are being replaced by hardwood floors to improve cleanliness and create a more residential feel.
• 😀 Removing carpets can create soundproofing challenges, so Marriott focuses on enhancing floor and wall soundproofing.
• 😀 Bathrooms are evolving, with Marriott experimenting with deconstructed bathrooms where the sink is open to the room for increased convenience.
• 😀 Travelers appreciate the flexibility of deconstructed bathrooms, allowing partners to use different parts of the bathroom at the same time.
• 😀 Changes in hotel room designs are already being implemented, with improvements based on guest feedback.
• 😀 Hotels pay attention to guest feedback, such as adjusting bathroom lighting to ensure optimal conditions for makeup application.
• 😀 Guest satisfaction surveys play a vital role in helping hotels continuously refine and improve guest room experiences.

Q & A

What factors influence the design of a hotel guest room?

The design of a hotel guest room is influenced by surveys, focus groups, trends, and feedback from both travelers and hotel experts. Marriott, for example, uses mockup rooms and invites guests to test them before finalizing designs.

How often does Marriott redesign their hotel rooms?

Marriott typically redesigns their hotel rooms every five years, supplemented by smaller surveys to gather ongoing feedback from travelers.

What role do interior designers play in the room design process?

Interior designers at Marriott create model rooms, incorporating guest feedback and trends. They work with mockup rooms to refine designs before launching new brands or renovations.

How has the behavior of travelers changed in recent years?

Traveler behavior has changed significantly, with fewer people using desks, opting instead to work from the bed. Additionally, travelers tend to unpack less, and closets have become smaller as a result.

Why have desks in hotel rooms gotten smaller?

Desks have gotten smaller because travelers are less likely to use them. Many now prefer working from the bed instead, which led Marriott to reduce desk size by 25% in recent years.

What is the trend regarding hotel room closets?

Closets in hotel rooms have shrunk due to the changing packing habits of travelers. Most guests now unpack only a few items, such as a dress or suit jacket, rather than fully unpacking their luggage.

Why are carpets being removed from hotel rooms?

Carpets are being removed because they are perceived as less clean and less residential. Hardwood floors are becoming more common as they provide a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.

How do the changes in flooring impact soundproofing?

Removing carpets can lead to soundproofing issues, but Marriott compensates by enhancing soundproofing in the floors and walls to ensure a quieter environment.

What is a 'deconstructed bathroom' in hotel design?

A 'deconstructed bathroom' separates the toilet and shower from the open sink area. This design allows couples or travelers to use the sink while someone is in the shower, offering greater flexibility and convenience.

How does Marriott use guest feedback to improve room designs?

Marriott pays close attention to guest satisfaction surveys, which can lead to immediate adjustments in room designs. For example, they once modified bathroom lighting based on feedback to improve makeup lighting and eliminate shadows.