In January 2000, minimalism was a hot topic influencing hotel design. But it was guest demand for personalization that was driving those changes – in other words, make hotel space look, work and feel more like home.
Not all of this advice holds, of course. These days, guests are perfectly willing to linger in the lobby – or whatever that space is called nowadays – sipping coffee or wine, co-working, meeting other guests or playing a board game or pool.
But the seeds of individualization and locality were being sown back then. Here’s what HOTELS’ January 2000 issue was telling hoteliers to focus on at the turn of the millennium:
Forget status symbol guestrooms. Focus on function, eclectic elegance, comfort and “more like home.”
Save the over-the-top luxury for the guest bathroom. Some hotels were pushing the guestroom-bathroom ratio to 50-50 to account for soaking tubs.
Cut back on multiple restaurants (unless your market can justify them) and use the space to add a spa. “Baby boomers view spas as a special amenity,” one designer said.
Downsize and personalize the public space. Personalize? Sure. And help guests get to their rooms quicker.
Avoid conspicuous consumption. Remove the unnecessary frills and take a contemporary approach.
Don’t overspend. Local materials are effective and can usually cost less.