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Eleanor Roosevelt rightly said ‘True hospitality consists of giving the best of yourself to your guests’. The Indian hospitality industry is manifesting it in its thoughtful space planning, and responsible interior design. As hotel interior designers put it, majority of the hotels want to have a blend of the past, present and future in the interiors to cater to the varied likes of the diverse set of guests. The tall order of design brief includes that the hotel interiors should root themselves in the context of the place without seeming conventional as well as being exciting for the GenZ.
Gone are the days when a hotel stay was meant only for leisure or business, today they also need to be ready for social media sharing, with guests cap- turing interiors or outdoor spaces in their lenses and spreading the word online for others to know. Afterall, it makes business sense. So, to deal with such sorts of demand, the hospitality industry is upping its game with innovative interiors.
As per Sandeep Singh, Founder of Rubystone Hosptality, “Contemporary hotels have evolved into splendid destinations that prioritize providing guests with an extraordinary experience. The aesthetic appeal of a hotel's interior refers to the visual attractiveness and overall design. They contain colour schemes, furniture choices, lighting, artwork, and decorative accessories. The goal is to create a visually pleasing environment that reflects the hotel's brand and desired atmosphere. A well-designed interior can enhance the guest experience, leaving a positive and lasting impression. For instance, tastefully displayed artworks of folk tales, or modern art, instantly catch the eye and add richness to the space. In addition, accessories such as carved mirrors, ornate metal-work or sculptures and pottery bring visually stunning and immersive ex- perience for guests. These aesthetic touches can in fact, differentiate one’s property from competitors as well as generate positive reviews and recommendations.
PLANNING VARIED SPACES FOR A HOTEL
Hotel encompasses areas such as lobbies, guest rooms, restaurants, bars, conference rooms, outdoor spaces and each area requires careful consideration of its purpose, traffic flow, and guest comfort to ensure a positive experience. The spaces should seamlessly flow into each other, yet maintain their respective privacy.
For Nishal Seeballuck, Hotel Manager, Ritz Carlton, Bangalore,their top considerations revolve around functionality, aesthetics, and enhancing the guest experience through thoughtful design. “Creating varied spaces within a hotel requires a meticulous balance of functionality, aesthetics, and guest experience. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, we begin by understanding our guests' diverse needs. Each space is crafted for specific purposes while maintaining a cohesive design that reflects our luxury brand. At The Ritz-Carlton, the comfort of the guest is our highest priority. Each space is designed to instil well-being and create a sense of awe. We strive to appeal to all five senses, ensuring that every interaction within our spaces is a sensory delight.”
Guest experience is central to our design philoso- phy, with personalised touches and intuitive features anticipating and exceeding guest expectations. This includes integrating technology and local artwork to evoke warmth, comfort, and sophistication. Aesthetics enhance the overall experience, blending timeless elegance with contemporary elements that reflect local and global design trends. Functionality too is paramount to ensure every space—from the lobby to guest rooms—is designed for its primary function and seamless guest interaction," he added.
Debjeet Banerjee, General Manager, Park Hotels added that modern hoteliers are well-travelled and are aware of modern demands and expectations. He lists down the factors that are given prime importance in space design.“Each space should efficiently serve the function considering the needs of guests and the staff to have things handy, reachable, and easy to operate. Whether it is a restaurant, a banquet hall, a guest room, the bar,or the back-of-house: comfort and accessibility would be the first concern here. This would relate to the style of seating, lighting design, temperature control, and decoration.Additionally, multifunctionality is important, because spaces like meeting rooms should be convertible so as not to waste real estate. With technology playing a huge role in day-to-day life, it has to be integrated at every point of planning.
What’s more, there has to be a design theme so that the brand identity of the hotel is reflected, but at the same time, it should embrace the local culture and her- itage. Sustainability in planning too is paramount. This would include eco-friendly designs for the direction of the sun to reduce HLP costs, sustainable material, and energy-efficient systems like BMS. At the very end, the design should ensure a wonderful guest experience by bringing great moments to their stay that they would want to come back again and again.”
INCORPORATING “SENSE OF PLACE” TO DESIGN
More often than not, the hotels in the race to being seen as contemporary and in sync with times, forget to connect with the place of its location. The interiors seems like of a hotel that could have been in Miami or Mumbai. “Incorporating the "sense of place" in hotel design is a hallmark of The Ritz-Carlton experience,” Nishal Seeballuck. “At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, we reflect the unique cultural heritage and architectural nuances of the city while maintaining our brand's signature luxury. Our design features the intricate jaali screens, which serve as scenography throughout the hotel, blending traditional patterns with modern aesthetics. The warm tones of orange and sienna are thoughtfully spread across the interiors, creating an inviting and elegant atmosphere that resonates with the local environment.
Spatial storytelling is essential, with each area—from the lobby to guest rooms—telling a narrative that mirrors Bangalore's vibrant spirit. We also go a step further to imbibe the local culture by offering guests the unique experience of witnessing the traditional Yakshagana dance in the Jaipur corridor. This not only enhances the sense of place but also provides a deeper connection to the local traditions and art forms.
Additionally, experiential elements like curated local culinary offerings and cultural performances enrich the sense of place, deepening guests' connection to the destination. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, we seam- lessly blend luxury with local authenticity, ensuring every guest experiences our thoughtfully designed spaces and curated experiences.”
With travellers, especially the millennial travellers seeking a connection with the city, the hospitality design is adding tiny touches to the whole architecture and the interiors to evoke a sense of place. Architects and designers are making sure that the guests can feel the destination from the moment they enter the hotel, creating picture perfect experiences that would promote brand loyalty and ensure business success in the competitive hospitality industry.
Debjeet Banerjee states that the "sense of place" in a hotel design would be one to incorporate the feel, culture, and surroundings of where a hotel is located. These can be achieved by a couple of ways including but not limited to the following:
“The use of local material and architectural styles that reflect the culture and heritage of the local people: for example, in Madhya Pradesh, include chandlery silk,rose gold from the Holkar dynasty and Gond art into the design. Local art, crafts, or even historical artefacts displayed within the hotel to give aesthetic appeal along with understanding the culture and tradition of the place. Colours and textures selected for the walls, fabrics, upholstery, and the flooring from the nature surrounding the area or the cultural motifs.Landscaping and outdoor spaces, especially post- COVID, guests look for how nature is brought to be part of their hotel through designs of the property, including outdoor spaces such as gardens and terraces that rep- resent the natural surroundings. Plus, local flavours and ingredients within the menu of the hotel's cuisine can make a huge difference to travellers seeking to get into the local culinary culture. Elements of the local hospitality and tradition could be carried over into services during a guest's stay at the hotel: a refreshing welcome drink, for example, of local tradition. By working together in concert, these elements of place combine to enrich the total guest experience and foster a more meaningful relationship between the guest and the hotel,” he concludes.
BRINGING SUSTAINABILITY IN DESIGN
Reports suggest that in recent years, guests are more likely to return to a hotel that is environmentally responsible and where they feel that they have spent time, with due respect to the environment. No wonder, sustainability has now become an important consideration in hospitality interior design, with a focus on using eco-friendly materials and minimizing waste, among others.
“Green certifications show a commitment towards being green and satisfying guest expectations of comfort and style and simultaneously being sustainable in design will involve the following key action points for the hotels - Implementing energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, and smart HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption. For water conservation, using low-flow faucets and showers. STP to use treated water in the hotel chiller plant and Building management systems (BMS) to automate the entire building, thus saving on a lot of costs on HLPs and reducing energy.
Sourcing materials locally reduces transport emissions and support the local economy, while compost machines help convert all hotel waste into manure and give all plastic products an environmentally friendly alternative. Green spaces, rooftop gardens, or living walls that are provided to improve the air quality also offer visitors a great atmosphere. Integrated with these sustainability practices, the hotels can meet guests' expectations while minimizing their environmental footprint and operating costs, thereby making them practicable in the long run,” says Debjeet Banerjee.
Adding to the thought, Nishal Seeballuck stated, “Meeting guest expectations of comfort and style while embracing sustainable design principles is a priority at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore. We believe that luxury and sustainability are integral components of responsible hospitality.
Firstly, sustainable materials and practices are central to our design ethos. We select locally sourced, renewable materials and integrate energy-efficient technologies to minimize environmental impact without compromising aesthetics or comfort. Secondly, operational efficiency is vital. We employ water conservation measures, waste management systems, and energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems to reduce our carbon footprint while maintaining service excellence.
Lastly, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among guests and associates is paramount. Through educational initiatives and partnerships with local sustainability organizations, we encourage respon- sible behaviour and promote environmental awareness within our community. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, sustainability in design means delivering uncompromising luxury and comfort while safeguarding natural resources and cultural heritage.”
NEW DESIGN TRENDS
Hospitality interior design is a dynamic field that constantly evolves with changing customer preferences and technological advancements. However, striking a balance between trends and brand identity can help create a unique customer experience that can set the ROI zooming. According to Debjeet Banerjee trends that are likely to develop over the coming five years relating to luxury hotel design includes sustainability that will be highlighted more through eco-friendly best practices, biophilic design, natural materials, and spaces that will promote a calming and restorative environment.
He adds, “New technology will also be implemented in the industry to support guest convenience and security, using smart-room controls, AI personalized experiences, and contactless systems. Hotels will further redefine the way authentic local experiences can be derived from art. Cuisine, and culture shall present to the guests a sense of place and unique memorable moments. With customization coming out as foundational in hospitality, data analytics and guest preferences would lead to designing a tailor-suited experience of amenities and services for unique needs of individual consumers.The design will, therefore, go beyond the pandemic to pay attention to health and safety measures that will seamlessly incorporate hygiene protocols into the experience of the guests.”
Some of the unique design features of The Park Hotels, according to Debjeet Banerjee that place The Park Hotels among the few brands to wed artistry with culture and next-generation hospitality concepts in the creation of a superlative and unforgettable guest experience are:
Contemporary Art Integration: Known to blend vibrant contemporary art collections showcased within the properties and placed all over the places, these only make the environments vibrant and the cultural experience unique for the guests.
Architectural Innovation: Most Park Hotels have an innovative architectural design, a modern style blended with local cultural essence, giving them a distinctive look.
Bold Interiors: The interiors of The Park Hotels are designed in bold colours, using furniture that is not run-of-the-mill; other décor elements are usually avant-garde.
Design Focused on Local Culture: Every Park Hotel drenches its interiors in local elements that are comfort- able for a guest every time they are in one, through artwork, furniture, or simple architectural elements.
Lifestyle Experiences: Far beyond the features that make the standard amenities given by hotel brands, The Park Hotels are all about lifestyle experiences, from wellness facilities to nightlife destinations and high-end dining options, all adding to a more holistic guest experience.
Green Initiatives: Quite renowned for its deep-green initiatives, The Park Hotels are very popular for designs incorporating sustainable practices as an integral part of the design as well as operation.
Nishal Seeballuck was of the view that over the next five years, luxury hotel design is set to embrace several transformative trends, creating innovative, sustainable, and personalized guest experiences. The key trends to watch out are:
Sustainability Focus: Sustainability will be at the forefront, with a significant emphasis on eco-friendly materials, renewable energy sources, and biophilic de- sign elements. Hotels will increasingly integrate natural elements like indoor gardens, living walls, and extensive use of wood and stone to create environments that promote wellness and environmental stewardship.
Technological Advancements: Technology will play a pivotal role in enhancing guest experiences. Smart room controls, such as voice-activated systems and app-based functionalities, will become standard. Augmented reality will offer virtual concierge services, and cutting-edge in-room technologies, including smart mirrors and au- tomated lighting, will blend seamlessly with traditional hospitality, offering convenience and personalization.
Wellness-Centered Design: Wellness will be a central theme, with dedicated spa suites, personalized fitness areas, and mindfulness zones becoming more preva- lent. Hotels will prioritize holistic well-being by offering spaces designed for relaxation, meditation, and physical health, ensuring guests can rejuvenate both mind and body during their stay.
Experiential Luxury: Experiential luxury will evolve to offer authentic, immersive experiences that connect guests with local culture, history, and community. Curated programs and activities, such as guided cultural tours, local culinary classes, and art workshops, will provide guests with a deeper, more meaningful connection to their destination.
Flexible and Adaptive Spaces: The demand for versatility and convenience will lead to the creation of flexible and adaptive spaces.Multi-functional areas will be designed to transition seamlessly between work, leisure, and social activities. This trend will cater to the needs of business travelers, digital nomads, and leisure guests alike, offering adaptable environments that can be tailored to individual preferences.
“These trends will collectively redefine luxury hotel design, blending innovation, sustainability, and personalization to create extraordinary guest experiences. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, is poised to lead in this evolving landscape by continuously integrating these forward-thinking design elements into our offerings,” he shared.
Nishal Seeballuck added, "The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, stands apart with its unique design features that seamlessly blend luxury, innovation, and local culture. It offers a unique design narrative that is crafted through the collaborative efforts of world-class designers, innovative lighting, and a deep appreciation for art and culture. This holistic approach ensures that every as pect of the hotel, from its architecture to its interiors, provides an elevated experience that distinguishes it from other hospitality brands. One of the key elements that differentiate our hospitality brand is the collabora- tion with 26 internationally renowned designers, each bringing a distinct perspective and expertise to create a harmonious yet diverse aesthetic.”
Lighting Design: The building composition of glass and intricate jaali work illuminates the Bangalore night sky, creating a striking visual landmark. The interior lighting, curated by a leading San Francisco-based firm, plays a pivotal role in defining the spatial experience. From the moment guests arrive at first light, they are greeted by elevating lighting statements that range from poetic to dramatic, infusing every space with life. This thoughtful approach to lighting transforms each area, enhancing its functionality and beauty.
Art and Sculpture: Art and sculpture are integral toour design, featuring over 1200 artworks that consume almost every wall, passage, and room. This deliberate inclusion elevates the entire experience to an aesthetic high, making each visit a journey through a gallery of curated pieces that reflect both local and global influences. The carefully selected artworks not only enhance the visual appeal but also tell stories that resonate with the cultural heritage of Bangalore.
Architectural Design: The architectural composition of The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, combines modern elegance with traditional elements. The use of jaali screens and warm, inviting tones creates a sense of place that is both luxurious and authentic. This blend of contemporary and traditional design ensures that the hotel stands out while remaining true to its local roots.
Interior Design: Our interiors are designed to evoke a sense of awe and comfort. The spaces are meticulously planned to offer both functionality and aesthetic pleasure. The attention to detail in materials, finishes, and furnishings reflects our commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience.
MAXIMIZING ROI FROM INVESTING IN DESIGN
With so many trends emerging consecutively, hoteliers and designers need to be careful on adopting any trend that should be in sync with what the brand stands for and can invariable, keep bringing the guest back.Timeless designs, local influences with a touch of inspiration from the latest trends will create a unique interpretation for a property. And as the experts’ state, keeping up-to-date with the latest design trends, technologies and techniques is crucial for hospitality businesses, but striking a balance between trends and creating a memorable experience is even more crucial for increased revenue.
Hoteliers need to carefully adopt emerging trends and in-vogue styles that should be in sync with their brand image.
Trend of social media sharing by guests has made the hospitality industry ramp up its game with innovative interiors.
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