Construction Trends in the Hospitality Industry

Renovations and new construction projects increasingly seek water and energy conservation.

FREMONT, CA: As hotel owners and ownership groups look for ways to increase profitability and attract new travelers, it's no surprise that guests value authentic and high-quality experiences. Understanding the motivational factors behind guests' behaviors is important to create an environment that makes them want to return.

New construction and renovation projects incorporate water- and energy-saving features, eco-friendly products, and wellness designs.

Continued sustainability: As hotels become more eco-friendly, they use less water, install energy-efficient systems, and follow green building regulations. Increasingly, hotel owners are integrating the values that younger generations value at home into their properties. For example, you can find reusable toilet paper, 100 percent organic cotton towels, and reusable paper products in the bathrooms today.

Building materials are an option before construction begins as part of this green trend, which extends beyond toiletries. Bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood, porcelain, and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are sustainable building materials.

Installation of efficient products: The hotel industry continues to use tub-to-shower conversions as a standard. There is a growing need for contractors to replace old bathtubs because hotel bathrooms are becoming more spacious, and the footprints of showers are getting larger. To convert these tubs, contractors need a cost-effective, efficient, customized shower solution. As part of the hospitality industry's commitment to providing the best hotel experience to guests with disabilities and the aging population, universal bathroom design is still a priority. Rooms still have curbless showers, providing guests with an accessible and safe option.

Prioritizing wellness and self-care: Hotel guests are becoming more health-conscious, so certain design styles and features are becoming more prevalent to foster comfort and manage stress. For guests to continue their wellness journey while traveling, hotels offer more wellness amenities, whether for the mind or the body. Hotels are modernizing the hospitality fitness experience and making it more inclusive by redeveloping their fitness centers and offering a new fitness concept to guests. Increased customer satisfaction could result from allowing guests to choose and stick to their routines.

Incorporating the outdoors: Several hotels are beginning to set themselves apart from the competition through their property designs. Everything a hotel can do to generate novelty will give them an advantage because travelers want an experiential stay.

One approach is to incorporate the neighborhood surroundings into the building. For instance, the Hampton Inn is expanding its hotels with bars, transforming into several community hubs.

Hotel layouts and architecture are beginning to incorporate outdoor living so guests can experience the outdoors in their rooms. To achieve this, they emphasize natural lighting, paint the wood a more neutral shade, and scatter plants throughout the room.