The Future Of Hospitality – Multifunctionality And Resilience

In view of the coronavirus pandemic, hotels are planning significant changes to their architecture and design based on social distancing and contact-free systems. The new focus will require flexibility in order to create spaces that can develop alongside the need for public health as well as with preferences of guests. Some key changes:

  • Check-in areas will be transformed for no-contact solutions
  • Lobbies are refurbished to create multifunctionality
  • Guest rooms will be redesigned to include visible indications of cleanliness without a clinical look and feel
  • Meeting places and conference rooms will be smaller and more manageable, with outdoor areas for year-round use emerging.
  • Buffet-style dining will be replaced by private dining options or casual eating in various hotel environments
  • Finally, the gym will be replaced by in-room fitness options or suites converted into private workout rooms.

Although COVID-19 led to numerous opening and construction delays, various hotel brands are planning debuts during 2021. Locke intends to open in London, Dublin, Munich and Berlin. EDITION Hotels go to Iceland, Mexico and the UAE. Meliá Hotels International will expand across Asia, the Middle East, Central America and Europe. Accor plans to expand in Australia and New Zealand.