Isn’t it extraordinary when you walk into a hotel that’s so well designed it feels like it was created just for you? Or when you know instinctively where you need to check-in, or where you could meet friends for a drink after work? And then, as you walk around, you realize that other people are having the same experience, but they’re speaking Russian?
It’s really hard work to get all those details right, and for them to make sense for very different people from all over the world. But that’s good design.
Years ago, I read a book by Isadore Sharp, founder of the Four Seasons Hotels. And in it he talked about some of the changes he’d pioneered over the years that little by little had created the behemoth it is today.
For example, did you know that he introduced the practice of giving each guest toiletries like shampoo and conditioner (and not just soap)? Twenty-four hour room service (practically a necessity after those late flights)? Or twice-daily housekeeping service? Seems like a small thing, but isn’t it nice to come back to your room after dinner and see that the mess you left behind has all been picked up?
Little by little, each of these innovations have changed how we interact with hotels. They’re now more than just places to sleep; the best ones deliver full-on experiences ranging from a local weekend away from home to full-on trips with the family to finding a way to connect with a new city while you’re in town for your college buddy’s wedding.
So I was really interested when I saw an article in the New York Times (“Hotels for the Next Generation“) that talked about the newest brand extensions from some of the largest hotel brands in the world: Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt.
Were the innovations in these brands significant? And if so, how could we adapt these ideas at home?
Here’s what I learned. The new brands are aimed at the Millenial generation (aged between 18-34 in 2015) and at cosmopolitan travelers looking for affordable, modern spaces with a bit of personality.
Moxy (from parent Marriott) is creating spaces for younger travelers who are very connected in social media and enjoy sharing spaces for work and fun. For these people, free wi-fi is a must, along with open areas (like those featured in our “Billion Dollar Startup” blog) that allow them to connect with other people. There’s also a 24-hour self-service coffee bar.
Get the look: Here in Los Angeles, all the new high-end houses have this: large kitchens connected to large family rooms, with disappearing glass doors that fully open onto a huge deck. So this way, parents can keep an eye on their kids, while guests can feel free to pitch in to help. Need a cup of coffee? Make yourself at home; our state-of-the art coffee machine is right there in the corner, and milk and cream are the fridge underneath. Or help yourself to a beer; it’s all there for you. Make it easy and fun for everyone to feel at home.
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AC (also from Marriott) is designed for some of the same people, but these folks are much more design-centric. The look is very cool: modern, with warm touches of wood, extraordinary lighting, and interesting pieces of art throughout. This is for the guy who no longer walks around in his college duds; he’s the young agent who’s got his eyes on a pair of Pradas and knows what a Tom Ford suit looks like. For these, it’s all about clean lines: sofas in neutral colors, curated objects that are arranged just so; high-tech the whole way. These places are usually very clean and relaxing.
Get the look: Clean lines and neutral colors are sophisticated and calming. Try organizing your closet so that all your clothes and shoes are color coordinated. Swap out your bath accessories for ones in cool shades of white and gray. Introduce a sense of calm by turning off your cell phone, dimming the lights in your dining room, setting the table, and sitting down to dinner with your family.
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From Hilton, there’s a new brand called Canopy. As the name implies, this is all about a place that wants to take care of you. In their introduction to the brand, they have a group of cool people drawing out their ideas for a hotel on a blackboard. So the result is a place that works just for you. If you’re in Denver, you might find snacks from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory as a welcome treat. In the evening, there are complimentary beer tastings, and in the morning, you can have free breakfast at the hotel or on the go.
Get the look: How would this work at home? Start by asking your family members what they need to be happy at home. Then think about how you can connect more with where you live. Can you give a chance to your neighborhood trattoria, so that when your sister comes to visit from out of town, you can take her to a place she won’t find anywhere else? What kind of stories are there for you to pick up? The finance guy who’s now making wood bowls out of his garage? And he’s really good at it, so you’ve brought a few home?
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Do you have any ideas to share about how hotels have influenced what you do at home? If so, please share it in your comments.
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