TREND #1 – THE COMMUNAL SPACE

The days of heading to a hotel to simply ‘sleep’ are over. It’s 2014 and boutique hotels are all about the Communal Space! Gather with friends for dinner, cozy up in the lobby to surf the web or sip a cocktail and people watch. Boutique properties offer the perfect destination for discovering new design trends, dining and an overall 360 degree experience. Its’ time to go ‘Beyond the Bed’…time to Stay and Play!
Have you noticed how hotel reception or ‘check-in’ areas seem to blend into the design now? When entering the Andaz in West Hollywood, CA recently, I was greeted at the door by a staff member who walked me to a floating table in the middle of the lobby…within minutes I had a refreshing drink and a key in hand. They even transformed their standard reception area to a bar-height communal table outfitted with computers…cool. Hip hotel restaurants are now blending seamlessly into lobbies creating an inviting gathering spot for anyone passing through.
No more sterility, the spaces are intimate and the personal attention draws us in. The 2014 hotel guest is now part of the hotel’s story.
Be Inspired! xo PO