Design trends in the hospitality and travel industries are constantly evolving as architects and interior designers strive to create unique and memorable experiences for their guests. As these industries continue to recover from COVID-19, we’re seeing an even more significant shift away from traditional, luxury designs to the more accessible, wellness-focused, sustainable options guests want.

Here are some of the top hotel design trends we expect to see in 2023:

Smart Technology

Technology has played a major role in making hospitality design more futuristic and efficient. For example, technology can be used to control everything from lighting, temperature and curtains to music and TV channels. 

Interactive and Immersive Experiences

With heightened technology comes the ability to truly change the customer’s experience, even before they arrive. This could include virtual tours of the hotel and its rooms, which builds trust with your potential guest and gives them a taste of what they would enjoy while staying there.

Other technological trends we expect to see more of include:

• a virtual check-in process using mobile devices,
• website chatbots for communication at all hours of the day and night, 
• and keyless entry to guest rooms using an app on a phone or tablet.

These features allow for a more personalized experience for each guest that stays at the hotel.

Local Inspiration

The newest generation of travelers is seeking authenticity. They want to get to know the area they’re visiting, whether it's for leisure, business, or a combination of the two. Because of this, hotel trends will begin including local flair in their design. By leveraging the local culture and community, hotels can transform their building into something special that feels alive and vibrant with personality and make it a true part of a travel experience.

A Focus on Sustainability

As the world – and therefore consumers – becomes more conscious about their environmental impact, they are considering sustainability when choosing where to make purchases, including when selecting accommodations. It’s imperative the hospitality industry pays some attention to its environmental and carbon footprints, both for the planet’s sake and to remain competitive.

Although historically an industry that has been slow to embrace sustainability, hotels are now adopting sustainable practices to create an eco-friendly environment for their guests. This includes recycling and even composting and using environmentally friendly materials for construction and design.

We expect to see more energy-efficient and cost-saving tech, recycled linens, the use of greenery to improve air quality, LED lighting in lobbies and rooms, solar panels, and the use of locally sourced materials and design in the coming years.

Adaptive Hospitality

It’s no surprise that COVID-19 changed how people work. There’s been a shift toward hybrid work, flexible hours, and an increase in a freelance workforce. 

And that’s not the only thing that’s changed. Today’s business travelers – especially among the younger generation – prefer to mix business and pleasure. They often want to extend their work trips for mini vacations.

Hotels need spaces that are suitable for working, such as informal meeting spaces, but also spaces where guests can relax and be social. Creating an adaptable space that can fill both needs takes clever and insightful planning and design.

Natural Elements

The designs of hotels are changing from the traditional look of the past into something much more modern and sleek. The new trend is all about earth tones with pops of bright color, open spaces, and large windows that bring in natural light.

For earth tones, we specifically expect to see sage, terracotta, and lavender continue to trend into 2023. With sustainability and guest experience at the heart of hotel planning, nature comes not far behind. Natural design can influence a guest’s emotional experience and connection to a space, and we expect to see natural elements not only in paint palettes but in material selection and the inclusion of green spaces like gardens and rooftop terraces as well.

In keeping with sustainability and client experiences, hotels will be designed with an outdoor, airy feel.

In 2023 and beyond, we expect to see a continued focus on sustainability, an increase in locally inspired design, and greater use of technology to enhance and personalize guest experiences.  Please let us know if we can assist you in transforming your hotel with updated spaces your guests will love.