The traditional hotel

In the past, a ‘hotel’ was merely a centre of accomodation, primarily focused on lodging and basic amenities: a place to sleep with basic services (room service, front desk), limited F&B options, and check-in/check-out transactions.

But today, the concept of ‘hotel’ has grown to catch up with the demands of the industrial world: they are now stylised “nexus”, bringing business, pleasure, wellness, food and beverage, accommodation, all under one roof.

The traditional hotel

In the past, a ‘hotel’ was merely a centre of accomodation, primarily focused on lodging and basic amenities: a place to sleep with basic services (room service, front desk), limited F&B options, and check-in/check-out transactions.

But today, the concept of ‘hotel’ has grown to catch up with the demands of the industrial world: they are now stylised “nexus”, bringing business, pleasure, wellness, food and beverage, accommodation, all under one roof.

1. Community and Connection

From catching up at the bar to hosting a coporate gala, hotels are hubs that foster social interaction and a sense of belonging. Specially with MICE hospitality expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2024 to 2030, hotel spaces are also now:

Co-working spaces with flexible workspaces for digital nomads and local businesses

Shared lounges and areas for guests and locals to mingle 

A space for community events like workshops, pop-up markets, and live music nights

2. Gastronomy and Culinary

Food and beverage spaces are one of the most popular elements of a hotel after logdinglodging facilities. Be it a cafe, themed restuarant or a bar, hotels are now becoming a destination for diverse and high-quality food and beverage experiences.

Signature restaurants like Michelin-starred dining or unique local concepts 

Craft bars for speciality cocktails, local brews, and mixology classes 

Cafes and delis with grab-and-go options, artisanal coffee 

Culinary events like cooking classes, tasting menus, chef collaborations 

3. Wellness and Rejuvenation

Wellness is now as important as F&B when it comes to creating hospitality spaces. In fact, they are moving outside the label of ‘ancillary revenue’, becoming one of the primary revenue sources for hotels. In response, hotel spaces are now also spaces that promote holistic well-being for mind, body, and soul.

Gyms, personal training, group fitness classes
Spa and treatment rooms with massages, facials, holistic therapies
Wellness programmes, yoga, meditation, mindfulness sessions
Healthy dining options with specialised menus or personalised snacks

4. Culture and Entertainment

Hotel spaces are now one of the first choices for immersive cultural and entertainment experiences that connect guests with the local scene and beyond. Skift research, The Luxury Traveler: Survey Findings, observed that 82% of travellers said engaging with local culture and community significantly contributes to the fulfillment of their travel experiences. Modern hotels, also double as:

Art galleries showcasing local and international artists
Performance venues for live music, comedy, theatre
Workshops and classes of art, photography, local crafts

5. Business and innovation

Bleisure and workations have been rising over the past year, making most hotels a choice environment for business and professional growth programmes, workcation locations, and networking platforms.

83% of business travellers have taken a bleisure trip in the past year. A significant 89% of business travellers express a desire to extend their next business trip to include leisure time.

Source: Hotel Tech Report 

Hotels are upping their game with:

Flexible meeting rooms and tech-enabled spaces for conferences and events

Hybrid event capabilities with virtual and in-person connectivity

Networking hubs that facilitate connections among professionals

Innovation labs and spaces for brainstorming and collaboration
Hotels have become orchestrated hubs where experiences converge, where a stay is a journey of connection, indulgence, and discovery. This shift means hotels need to curate the right connection of experiences, strategy and innovation, becoming destinations in themselves.

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