As we mentioned previously, Marriott Hotels began experimenting with the
idea of allowing hotel guests to be involved in the design and technology of
guest rooms. Aside from Marriott, other hotel companies have started using this
tactic to attract and retain guests who look for a more modern and personalized
stay. Let’s take a look at those following this trend…
The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) directly reached out to its
customers for help in redesigning its Holiday Inn lobbies. They asked 5,000
consumers about the kind of amenities, technology, and design they would like
to see in their lobbies. IHG also asked students at the Savannah College of Art
and Design for ideas in renovating its guest rooms at Staybridge Suites and
Candlewood Suites.
Starwood Hotels recently released its own design lab in Stamford, CT.
Their design lab allows hotel guests, hotel owners, and employees to take a
first look at new design elements in guest rooms and a look at the new
technology Starwood is thinking of implementing. Guest feedback collected from
the design lab is used by the company when redesigning guest rooms. For
example, electrical outlets were added near beds and eco-friendly LED lights
were installed in guest rooms in the company’s Westin hotels.
Hyatt Hotels has been working on improving the guests’ experience and
recently partnered with Chicago’s Gravitytank,
an innovation consulting agency, to brainstorm ideas for a “hotel of the
future.” Hyatt hosted “The World’s Largest Focus Group” this past September allowing
Hyatt employees, regardless of their location, to lead discussions about travel
via Facebook and Twitter.
These are just a few hotel companies looking to take the next step in
customizing the guest experience. What new, innovative ideas do you think
hotels will come up with next to continue this trend?
For more information please visit http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2013/11/14/hotel-guests-millennials-design-marriott-holiday-inn/3538573/
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