The pandemic dramatically changed how (and why) we travel. Business travel shut down leading to the rapid rise of virtual conferencing and events. Offices closed leading to the rise of remote work. Consumer health concerns catalyzed a new wave of contactless solutions. Initially, many thought that these trends would be short lived; however, as the pandemic extended over the last 2 years, these trends that were once thought to be short term grew more and more engrained in our long term behaviors.
Hotel trends that were expected to take 10 years took 10 months to evolve and the pandemic accelerated our industry into the future. The hospitality industry is changing faster than ever before and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with all of the hotel, travel and hotel management trends impacting this dynamic business. Whether you're looking to start your own hotel, manage one already or are just curious about the travel industry because it's one of the largest and most influential on earth - this guide is for you.
Our team of experts put in dozens of hours researching trends and published the most comprehensive list online.
Below we outline 100+ trends that range from renewable energy to new hotel designs, alternative lodging and everything in between.
What are the latest trends in the hotel industry? We break the list up into nine overarching themes:
Hotel trends that were expected to take 10 years took 10 months to evolve and the pandemic accelerated our industry into the future. The hospitality industry is changing faster than ever before and it’s nearly impossible to keep up with all of the hotel, travel and hotel management trends impacting this dynamic business. Whether you're looking to start your own hotel, manage one already or are just curious about the travel industry because it's one of the largest and most influential on earth - this guide is for you.
Our team of experts put in dozens of hours researching trends and published the most comprehensive list online.
Below we outline 100+ trends that range from renewable energy to new hotel designs, alternative lodging and everything in between.
What are the latest trends in the hotel industry? We break the list up into nine overarching themes:
- Smart Rooms
- Going Green
- Changing Workforce
- Alternative Accommodations
- Technology
- Traveler Preferences
- Hotel Business
- Hotel Design
- Globalization
While we may not be at the point of beds that make themselves or self-cleaning bathrooms, technology and innovation are bringing new and exciting changes for hoteliers and guests.
In addition to forward-thinking hotel tech, we’re seeing changes to the workforce and work culture, shifting guest preferences, and an increased focus on eco-friendliness.
Alright. 100+ top hotel trends curated by industry experts. Let's do this.
In addition to forward-thinking hotel tech, we’re seeing changes to the workforce and work culture, shifting guest preferences, and an increased focus on eco-friendliness.
Alright. 100+ top hotel trends curated by industry experts. Let's do this.
Smart Rooms
The internet of things is spreading not only into homes, but also into hotel rooms. From access to streaming services to a room key on your smartphone, the essential hotel amenities in a guestroom are becoming increasingly digital. Guests want concierge services or temperature controls at the push of a button (or tap of a finger), and voice-activated controls are expanding beyond simply asking Alexa to play your favorite song. These trends might sound futuristic now, but in a few years, guests will expect them. Many of these innovations require only minimal changes to a modern guestroom, so a forward-thinking hotelier can implement them quickly and efficiently.
The internet of things is spreading not only into homes, but also into hotel rooms. From access to streaming services to a room key on your smartphone, the essential hotel amenities in a guestroom are becoming increasingly digital. Guests want concierge services or temperature controls at the push of a button (or tap of a finger), and voice-activated controls are expanding beyond simply asking Alexa to play your favorite song. These trends might sound futuristic now, but in a few years, guests will expect them. Many of these innovations require only minimal changes to a modern guestroom, so a forward-thinking hotelier can implement them quickly and efficiently.
1. Bring your own streaming: Portable streaming devices like an Amazon Fire Stick allow guests to pack their own movies or shows in their suitcases, but they can only watch them if the hotel room TV has a USB port. Hotels can also leverage a platform like Enseo which allows guests to login to their favorite streaming accounts and then automatically get logged out upon check-out.
2. Wireless device charging: Cords are so last year. Wireless charging transfers power from a charging “mat” to a device like a smartphone or headphones, when the device is placed on the mat. Hotels can leverage a platform like Chargifi to deliver wireless charging in guestrooms.
3. Smart controls: Digital controls for temperature, light, and power, such as a Nest, that can be adjusted and programmed with the tap of a finger from a smartphone or other device.
4. Tablet based control: Forget the traditional binder containing information about hotel services; guests want to see restaurant hours, room service menus, spa services, and area recommendations on an in-room tablet which can also play music, control the room’s lights and temperature, and make special requests. Some popular brands include Crestron, INTELITY, SuitePad and Crave.
2. Wireless device charging: Cords are so last year. Wireless charging transfers power from a charging “mat” to a device like a smartphone or headphones, when the device is placed on the mat. Hotels can leverage a platform like Chargifi to deliver wireless charging in guestrooms.
3. Smart controls: Digital controls for temperature, light, and power, such as a Nest, that can be adjusted and programmed with the tap of a finger from a smartphone or other device.
4. Tablet based control: Forget the traditional binder containing information about hotel services; guests want to see restaurant hours, room service menus, spa services, and area recommendations on an in-room tablet which can also play music, control the room’s lights and temperature, and make special requests. Some popular brands include Crestron, INTELITY, SuitePad and Crave.
5. Sound proofing tech: The new standard of soundproof windows uses acoustic technology to minimize noise from traffic, airplanes, or loud music, which means noise complaints can be gone forever.
6. Voice-activated controls: Upgrade a smart speaker, like an Amazon Alexa, to handle hotel-specific requests with a system like Volara. These systems make it possible for guests to use voice commands to request services like housekeeping or valet.
7. Smart mirrors: This high-tech amenity combines a TV screen and a guest room mirror. While shaving or brushing teeth, guests can watch the news, check the weather, or request hotel services via a concierge-style function. Check out all the neat functionality that Savvy by Electric Mirror has to offer.
8. Keyless entry: A keypad code, a digital version of a room key, or an app on a smartphone eliminates the need for physical room keys and streamlines the check-in process. ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions' award winning keyless entry is second to none. Keyless entry systems will be completely integerated with the best hotel software systems so that guests can control every experience on property from a hotel app.
6. Voice-activated controls: Upgrade a smart speaker, like an Amazon Alexa, to handle hotel-specific requests with a system like Volara. These systems make it possible for guests to use voice commands to request services like housekeeping or valet.
7. Smart mirrors: This high-tech amenity combines a TV screen and a guest room mirror. While shaving or brushing teeth, guests can watch the news, check the weather, or request hotel services via a concierge-style function. Check out all the neat functionality that Savvy by Electric Mirror has to offer.
8. Keyless entry: A keypad code, a digital version of a room key, or an app on a smartphone eliminates the need for physical room keys and streamlines the check-in process. ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions' award winning keyless entry is second to none. Keyless entry systems will be completely integerated with the best hotel software systems so that guests can control every experience on property from a hotel app.
9. Concierge video chat: With a quick scan of a QR code, communication systems such as Crave allow guests to talk, text, or video chat with hotel staff in real-time. Guests can skip the walk down to the front desk and staff can answer questions or handle requests quickly and effectively.
10. Smart TVs: Many guests want to watch their favorite Netflix show instead of cable, and a Smart TV - either with an integrated internet connection or an add-on like Apple TV or Roku - allows viewers to select their favorite streaming service from a catalog of apps. Samsung and LG are unsurprisingly leading the pack when it comes to smart tvs for hospitality.
10. Smart TVs: Many guests want to watch their favorite Netflix show instead of cable, and a Smart TV - either with an integrated internet connection or an add-on like Apple TV or Roku - allows viewers to select their favorite streaming service from a catalog of apps. Samsung and LG are unsurprisingly leading the pack when it comes to smart tvs for hospitality.
Going Green
A focus on environmental sustainability isn’t new, but the degree to which guests expect (and prefer) eco-friendly products and services is. Simply suggesting that guests reuse towels for an extra day isn’t enough; today’s traveler wants to stay at hotels that have integrated green practices in all aspects of their business. From physical changes to hotel buildings, like the addition of solar panels, to F&B menus with more vegetarian and vegan choices, it’s evident that these environmentally friendly trends are here to stay.
A focus on environmental sustainability isn’t new, but the degree to which guests expect (and prefer) eco-friendly products and services is. Simply suggesting that guests reuse towels for an extra day isn’t enough; today’s traveler wants to stay at hotels that have integrated green practices in all aspects of their business. From physical changes to hotel buildings, like the addition of solar panels, to F&B menus with more vegetarian and vegan choices, it’s evident that these environmentally friendly trends are here to stay.
11. LEED Certification: Short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, this global LEED certification measures the eco-friendliness of a building. The assessment covers topics like water efficiency and indoor environmental quality, and building can earn Certified, Gold, Silver, or Platinum status.
12. Solar power: Hotels can utilize solar power either by generating power from their own solar panels or by purchasing solar power from their electricity provider. The Hampton Inn Bakersfield used solar to take advantage of a 30% federal tax credit while also lowering its energy bills by 35-45%.
13. Water conservation: Any effort to minimize water usage can help a hotel become more green, from implementing slower-flow showerheads to using more efficient laundry machines. IoT for hospitality provider INTEREL has been working on some really cool water conservation tech.
14. No plastic. Consumers are steering away from plastic, so hotels can react to this trend by replacing plastic straws, cutlery, water bottles, toiletry bottles, and to-go containers with compostable or reusable alternatives. Most major hotel chains are phasing out disposable plastic toiletries and California regulators have even banned them altogether!
15. Motion sensors: Hotels can conserve energy by implementing motion sensors that will turn off the power once no motion has been detected for a certain period of time.
16. Waste disposal: Add more eco-friendly options for waste disposal by introducing recycle bins in guestrooms and compost bins in F&B outlets.
17. Green friendly hospitality: Follow Starwood’s lead and encourage guests to minimize their environmental impact by skipping housekeeping service in exchange for hotel credit or loyalty points.
18. Meat alternatives in F&B: You know meat alternatives aren’t just “alternatives” when Burger King began serving the Impossible Burger, a plant-based burger option. Hotels can jump on the vegan and vegetarian trend by offering meatless options on every menu and clearly mentioning whether a dish contains meat or dairy. Beyond Meat is another hugely popular brand of meat alternatives.
14. No plastic. Consumers are steering away from plastic, so hotels can react to this trend by replacing plastic straws, cutlery, water bottles, toiletry bottles, and to-go containers with compostable or reusable alternatives. Most major hotel chains are phasing out disposable plastic toiletries and California regulators have even banned them altogether!
15. Motion sensors: Hotels can conserve energy by implementing motion sensors that will turn off the power once no motion has been detected for a certain period of time.
16. Waste disposal: Add more eco-friendly options for waste disposal by introducing recycle bins in guestrooms and compost bins in F&B outlets.
17. Green friendly hospitality: Follow Starwood’s lead and encourage guests to minimize their environmental impact by skipping housekeeping service in exchange for hotel credit or loyalty points.
18. Meat alternatives in F&B: You know meat alternatives aren’t just “alternatives” when Burger King began serving the Impossible Burger, a plant-based burger option. Hotels can jump on the vegan and vegetarian trend by offering meatless options on every menu and clearly mentioning whether a dish contains meat or dairy. Beyond Meat is another hugely popular brand of meat alternatives.
Changing Workforce
While an increasingly digital world means that an employee’s tasks are changing, the workforce itself is changing too. These changes aren’t only in demographics, driven by the rise of Generation Z and a more global workforce, but also evident by a growing focus on safety, unionization, “gig” work, and human resources technology. Hoteliers must be cognizant to these changes in the workforce in order to hire effectively, reduce turnover, and keep employees safe and happy.
While an increasingly digital world means that an employee’s tasks are changing, the workforce itself is changing too. These changes aren’t only in demographics, driven by the rise of Generation Z and a more global workforce, but also evident by a growing focus on safety, unionization, “gig” work, and human resources technology. Hoteliers must be cognizant to these changes in the workforce in order to hire effectively, reduce turnover, and keep employees safe and happy.
19. Global workforce and immigration: Technology makes a global workforce possible, with communication tools that can connect teams and drive efficiency. But as economic and political factors complicate immigration or force some people to relocate, hotels may face challenges in hiring or retaining employees.
20. Gen Z: Following the Millennials, Generation Z includes young adults born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s. These young people are “digital natives,” meaning they’ve never lived in an age without the internet, and their views and habits around technology use and social media may be different than those of older generations.
20. Gen Z: Following the Millennials, Generation Z includes young adults born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s. These young people are “digital natives,” meaning they’ve never lived in an age without the internet, and their views and habits around technology use and social media may be different than those of older generations.
21. Unionization: Unions, which are organizations that act on behalf of member employees to resolve legal conflicts or defend employee benefits, aren’t new to the hotel industry, but their relationships with hotel chains and rate of collection action, such as strikes, continue to evolve.
22. Safety regulation: 2020 will be the year of hotel worker safety, as several states and cities have passed legislation requiring hotels to implement employee safety devices (ESDs), and the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 5-Star Promise program provides additional resources for employee safety. ESDs range from fixed panic buttons behind the front desk to portable panic buttons for housekeeping staff.
23. Labor management: With capabilities like scheduling, resource allocation, and time-off requests, labor management systems are a crucial addition to every hotel department with staffing requirements. Hotel Effectiveness is one of the major players in this space that helps hotel owners improve profitability with more efficient labor management.
24. The gig economy: While Uber drivers may be the first thing to come to mind, this growing sector of the economy includes millions of professionals, contractors, and creatives who work independently or on a contract basis.
22. Safety regulation: 2020 will be the year of hotel worker safety, as several states and cities have passed legislation requiring hotels to implement employee safety devices (ESDs), and the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s 5-Star Promise program provides additional resources for employee safety. ESDs range from fixed panic buttons behind the front desk to portable panic buttons for housekeeping staff.
23. Labor management: With capabilities like scheduling, resource allocation, and time-off requests, labor management systems are a crucial addition to every hotel department with staffing requirements. Hotel Effectiveness is one of the major players in this space that helps hotel owners improve profitability with more efficient labor management.
24. The gig economy: While Uber drivers may be the first thing to come to mind, this growing sector of the economy includes millions of professionals, contractors, and creatives who work independently or on a contract basis.
Alternative Accommodations
Today’s travelers has a myriad of options for accommodations; besides traditional hotels, they can choose between vacation rentals, hostels, serviced apartments, treehouses, and even underwater hotels. As people travel more frequently and for longer durations - and as platforms like Airbnb allow any accommodation provider to reach a large audience online - the characteristics of accommodations themselves are changing. Before long, “alternative accommodations” won’t be strictly an alternative, but part of the mainstream.
Today’s travelers has a myriad of options for accommodations; besides traditional hotels, they can choose between vacation rentals, hostels, serviced apartments, treehouses, and even underwater hotels. As people travel more frequently and for longer durations - and as platforms like Airbnb allow any accommodation provider to reach a large audience online - the characteristics of accommodations themselves are changing. Before long, “alternative accommodations” won’t be strictly an alternative, but part of the mainstream.
25. Coliving: Solo travelers or remote workers who stay in one place for a while might opt for a coliving space, such as the Roam brand, which is a community designed specifically for its inhabitants to share living spaces, and sometimes workspaces, with a common attitude or goal.
26. Coworking: As remote work becomes more common, entrepreneurs and remote employees flock to coworking spaces like WeWork and Spaces to find not only fast WiFi and desk space, but also community and networking opportunities. More interestingly, international hotel giant Accor launched its own coworking brand Wojo and hip boutique brand Hoxton is rumored to be working on a similar concept called Working From (we've worked out of the Hoxton Hotel Chicago and can tell you first hand - these guys know how to design awesome spaces).
27. Vacation rentals: Vacation rentals aren’t just for vacation anymore; besides the traditional rental home on the beach, the definition of “vacation rental” can include everything from apartments to cabins to Instagram-worthy Airstreams.
28. AirBnB: The popular booking site started as a way to rent a room in someone else’s home for a night, but it now includes entire apartments, luxurious homes, hotel rooms, treehouses, castles, and more. New additions to the site include tours and activities, adventure travel, and hotel inventory after the company’s acquisition of HotelTonight.
27. Vacation rentals: Vacation rentals aren’t just for vacation anymore; besides the traditional rental home on the beach, the definition of “vacation rental” can include everything from apartments to cabins to Instagram-worthy Airstreams.
28. AirBnB: The popular booking site started as a way to rent a room in someone else’s home for a night, but it now includes entire apartments, luxurious homes, hotel rooms, treehouses, castles, and more. New additions to the site include tours and activities, adventure travel, and hotel inventory after the company’s acquisition of HotelTonight.
29. Mobile hotels: Rather than searching for a new hotel each time you travel, a mobile hotel, which is essentially a self-driving hotel room on wheels, travels with you. Though still in the conceptual stage, it’s a compelling idea for business travelers. We're all used to sleeping on boats during a cruise and European travelers are familiar with luxe train services but how cool would it be to sleep comfortably on a bus and wake up somewhere else? Super awesome. Travelers can doze off in LA and wake up in San Francisco - skip the TSA precheck and wake up refreshed with Cabin.
30. Underwater hotels: Get up close and personal with marine life and coral reefs at an underwater hotel like the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which also has an underwater restaurant. Be prepared to shell out $22,000 USD per night ;)
31. Remote work: Virtual meeting technology and real-time communication tools mean that work doesn’t need to be limited by location. Some hotels already have remote revenue managers, but it seems this trend will enable even more hotel staff to work off-property on occasion or all the time. For those who prefer the nomadic life, you should check out Remote Year, a firm that offers extended work remote and travel abroad programs and practically created the category.
31. Remote work: Virtual meeting technology and real-time communication tools mean that work doesn’t need to be limited by location. Some hotels already have remote revenue managers, but it seems this trend will enable even more hotel staff to work off-property on occasion or all the time. For those who prefer the nomadic life, you should check out Remote Year, a firm that offers extended work remote and travel abroad programs and practically created the category.
32. Hometels: Blending aspects of hotels and vacation rentals, brands like Sonder and Stay Alfred operate short-term rentals with hotel-style standards and branding plus amenities like concierge service, in-unit laundry, and full kitchens.
33. Next gen hotel brands: As travelers crave more local experiences, the new generation of hotel brands, such as Life House, does away with cookie-cutter properties and incorporates the local area’s character in the decor, F&B, and personality of each hotel.
33. Next gen hotel brands: As travelers crave more local experiences, the new generation of hotel brands, such as Life House, does away with cookie-cutter properties and incorporates the local area’s character in the decor, F&B, and personality of each hotel.
Technology
It’s no surprise that a sizable section of our 100 hotel trends are technology-related. Innovation in the hotel technology sector has been blazing ahead at a rapid pace; previously expensive technologies like artificial intelligence and digital room keys are now more affordable than ever, and advances in payment systems and app capabilities mean that hoteliers and guests have exciting new options when it comes to booking, paying for, and actually experiencing a hotel stay. Though these may be “trends” now, they’re only going to become more commonplace.
It’s no surprise that a sizable section of our 100 hotel trends are technology-related. Innovation in the hotel technology sector has been blazing ahead at a rapid pace; previously expensive technologies like artificial intelligence and digital room keys are now more affordable than ever, and advances in payment systems and app capabilities mean that hoteliers and guests have exciting new options when it comes to booking, paying for, and actually experiencing a hotel stay. Though these may be “trends” now, they’re only going to become more commonplace.
34. Selling experiences: New technology allows hotels to add compelling upsell options for room upgrades, transportation, F&B amenities, tours, and other add-ons during or after the booking process. Activity booking platform Peek is leading the charge to bring small tour operators and experiences online ultimately with the goal of making them money and making travel more fun.
35. A.I. based pricing: Many revenue management systems already use pricing algorithms supported by artificial intelligence, which determines the optimal prices by analyzing a slew of historical, forecast, and market data, and A.I. is likely to bring pricing optimization to restaurants, spas, and other outlets too. Top revenue management system providers like IDeaS, Duetto, Atomize and Pace are leading the pack in the fight for dynamic yield management.
36. Bring your own device: Guests are reluctant to download a hotel app that they’ll only use once, so hotels can save money on hardware investments and increase guest engagement with an “app” that doesn’t require a download. With systems like Crave AppLess, guests simply scan QR codes posted around property or in a guestroom to access information via their smartphone’s web browser.
37. Contactless and mobile check-in: Let guests bypass the front desk and go straight to their rooms with a contactless check-in process, which provides a digital room key on a guest’s smartphone instantly. PMS provider Mews Systems has developed some really cool tech that allows guests to check-in via Apple Wallet.
36. Bring your own device: Guests are reluctant to download a hotel app that they’ll only use once, so hotels can save money on hardware investments and increase guest engagement with an “app” that doesn’t require a download. With systems like Crave AppLess, guests simply scan QR codes posted around property or in a guestroom to access information via their smartphone’s web browser.
37. Contactless and mobile check-in: Let guests bypass the front desk and go straight to their rooms with a contactless check-in process, which provides a digital room key on a guest’s smartphone instantly. PMS provider Mews Systems has developed some really cool tech that allows guests to check-in via Apple Wallet.
38. Choose your room: With services like Hilton’s digital check-in, guests can choose their specific room before arrival, just like selecting a seat on an airplane.
39. Fitness on the road: Guests don’t want to sacrifice their workout routines while traveling, so hotels are investing in fitness programs that guests already know and love, like Peloton, or in their favorite fitness gear, like Westin’s lending library of New Balance products.
39. Fitness on the road: Guests don’t want to sacrifice their workout routines while traveling, so hotels are investing in fitness programs that guests already know and love, like Peloton, or in their favorite fitness gear, like Westin’s lending library of New Balance products.
40. A.I. booking experiences: Hoteliers can optimize their websites constantly with the help of artificial intelligence, such as Hotelchamp’s Autopilot and Triptease Convert, which performs A/B tests to increase the rate of direct online bookings.
41. Emerging social media platforms: Now that hotels have mastered Facebook and Twitter, there are new platforms to focus on. Hoteliers can reach additional audiences with strategic use of TikTok videos and Instagram stories, for example.
42. Booking on mobile devices: More and more, guests are completing the entire booking process on their smartphones, so hoteliers must ensure their websites are mobile-friendly.
41. Emerging social media platforms: Now that hotels have mastered Facebook and Twitter, there are new platforms to focus on. Hoteliers can reach additional audiences with strategic use of TikTok videos and Instagram stories, for example.
42. Booking on mobile devices: More and more, guests are completing the entire booking process on their smartphones, so hoteliers must ensure their websites are mobile-friendly.
43. Blazing fast internet: WiFi isn’t a one-speed-fits-all amenity anymore; if your internet provider hasn’t made any upgrades in a few years, your WiFi might be too slow to stream movies or download large files. 50 megabits per second (mbps) is the threshold for adequate WiFi these days, and some providers, like Google Fiber, offer up to 1000 mbps.
44. Robot room service: While some hotels do away with room services entirely, others are turning it into a brand signature with a futuristic robot, like YOTEL’s YO2D2, that does deliveries on demand.
44. Robot room service: While some hotels do away with room services entirely, others are turning it into a brand signature with a futuristic robot, like YOTEL’s YO2D2, that does deliveries on demand.
45. Cool translation apps: As the volume of international travelers grows, so does the possibility of getting lost in translation. Equip your hotel staff with language translation tools, such headsets powered by Waverly Labs, to instantly translate spoken words and text.
46. Contactless payments: First we swiped, then we inserted the chip, and now we can pay by tapping a credit card or mobile wallet, so hotels must upgrade their payment technology to accept payments via near field communication (NFC).
47. RFID tech: Often found in key fobs and room keys, radio frequency identification (RFID) is a type of contactless security and communication technology that uses radio waves to transfer information.
48. Mobile concierge: Restaurant reservations, tour bookings, and area information in the palm of your hand; mobile concierge apps give guests instant answers and recommendations.
49. Open APIs/Integrations: In basic terms, an application programming interface (API) allows individual computers to connect with a server-based application, such as a property management system. When an application has an open API, it can integrate with any other system without the need for a custom-built connection.
50. Automation: Letting systems handle “busy work” like answering common guest questions and sending reports can free up time for more important tasks.
51. Hotel app marketplaces: Leading hotel software providers like Mews, Cloudbeds, Protel and SiteMinder are now offering a catalog of add-on apps within the software itself, making it easy to add upsell tools, pricing intelligence, website builders, and other useful tools to an existing PMS or hotel management software.
48. Mobile concierge: Restaurant reservations, tour bookings, and area information in the palm of your hand; mobile concierge apps give guests instant answers and recommendations.
49. Open APIs/Integrations: In basic terms, an application programming interface (API) allows individual computers to connect with a server-based application, such as a property management system. When an application has an open API, it can integrate with any other system without the need for a custom-built connection.
50. Automation: Letting systems handle “busy work” like answering common guest questions and sending reports can free up time for more important tasks.
51. Hotel app marketplaces: Leading hotel software providers like Mews, Cloudbeds, Protel and SiteMinder are now offering a catalog of add-on apps within the software itself, making it easy to add upsell tools, pricing intelligence, website builders, and other useful tools to an existing PMS or hotel management software.
52. Self-service hotel software: Unlike hotel systems of the past that were expensive and time-consuming to set up, a new breed of self-service hotel applications allow hoteliers to configure the tool quickly and easily, sometimes even with a free trial.
53. Meeting venues going digital: The clunky RFP process is getting a major upgrade; with new tools designed especially for the meetings and events market, sales managers can distribute meeting space availability and pricing across 3rd-party channels, and clients and event planners can reserve venues online.
54. Lobby grab-and-go: These self-service “markets” allow guests to quickly purchase F&B at a self-checkout, which saves on staffing costs and helps hotel outlets compete with supermarkets and quick-service restaurants. If you want to bring this awesome tech to your hotel, look no further than Impulsify.
53. Meeting venues going digital: The clunky RFP process is getting a major upgrade; with new tools designed especially for the meetings and events market, sales managers can distribute meeting space availability and pricing across 3rd-party channels, and clients and event planners can reserve venues online.
54. Lobby grab-and-go: These self-service “markets” allow guests to quickly purchase F&B at a self-checkout, which saves on staffing costs and helps hotel outlets compete with supermarkets and quick-service restaurants. If you want to bring this awesome tech to your hotel, look no further than Impulsify.
55. Personalization: Hotels collect a slew of data about guests, but hoteliers rarely use that data to personalize the guest experience. With new customer relationship management tools (CRM) like Revinate and Cendyn, hotels can pull data points out of the cloud and into the guestroom to create a more tailored experience.
56. Cyber security: Data security hacks make headlines frequently, and with an increasing amount of sensitive data stored online, hotels need to ensure this data is stored securely to avoid a breach.
57. New payment regulations: The new Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) updates the outdated PCI regulations and requires more secure handling of sensitive data, like credit card numbers, and two-factor verification for purchases when the card isn’t present, such as online transactions.
58. Business text messaging: When guests and staff are glued to their smartphones, text messages can be the most effective method of communication. Text messaging platforms that offer automation and group messages are becoming more popular at hotels. Some of our favorites include: Whistle, Zingle and Bookboost.
59. Voice search for hotel room bookings: “Alexa, book my hotel room!” Soon, travelers will be able to book their entire trip without tapping a finger, thanks to advances in voice-controlled apps and services.
56. Cyber security: Data security hacks make headlines frequently, and with an increasing amount of sensitive data stored online, hotels need to ensure this data is stored securely to avoid a breach.
57. New payment regulations: The new Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) updates the outdated PCI regulations and requires more secure handling of sensitive data, like credit card numbers, and two-factor verification for purchases when the card isn’t present, such as online transactions.
58. Business text messaging: When guests and staff are glued to their smartphones, text messages can be the most effective method of communication. Text messaging platforms that offer automation and group messages are becoming more popular at hotels. Some of our favorites include: Whistle, Zingle and Bookboost.
59. Voice search for hotel room bookings: “Alexa, book my hotel room!” Soon, travelers will be able to book their entire trip without tapping a finger, thanks to advances in voice-controlled apps and services.
60. AR & VR: Travelers want to know everything about a hotel before booking it, so what could be better than a virtual reality tour of a guestroom? In addition to VR, augmented reality will allow guests to experience a hotel by simply strapping on a headset.
61. Metasearch bookings: Metasearch channels, like Trivago and Kayak, aren’t just helpful for guests, they’re also profitable marketing tools for hoteliers who can bid for greater visibility and receive more direct bookings.
61. Metasearch bookings: Metasearch channels, like Trivago and Kayak, aren’t just helpful for guests, they’re also profitable marketing tools for hoteliers who can bid for greater visibility and receive more direct bookings.
Traveler Preferences
What does a 21st-century traveler want? The question seems simple, but the answer is certainly complicated. Travelers are seeking new experiences, whether through wellness, outdoor activities, gastronomy, or a specific interest like sports or music. They’re traveling solo, with a group, or on business, and they might learn about a destination or travel brand via social media, rather than traditional marketing channels. Today’s traveler has an open mind, choosing funky motels or glamping over standard hotels and even visiting emerging destinations before they’ve popped up on the tourism radar. By staying on top of changing traveler preferences, hoteliers can ensure their properties stay relevant to today’s traveler preferences.
What does a 21st-century traveler want? The question seems simple, but the answer is certainly complicated. Travelers are seeking new experiences, whether through wellness, outdoor activities, gastronomy, or a specific interest like sports or music. They’re traveling solo, with a group, or on business, and they might learn about a destination or travel brand via social media, rather than traditional marketing channels. Today’s traveler has an open mind, choosing funky motels or glamping over standard hotels and even visiting emerging destinations before they’ve popped up on the tourism radar. By staying on top of changing traveler preferences, hoteliers can ensure their properties stay relevant to today’s traveler preferences.
62. Experiences not things. Travelers are buying less and doing more; instead of buying a new car or an expensive TV, they’re opting for longer or pricier trips, tours, or dining experiences.
63. Coffee culture enters hospitality: A growing segment of coffee connoisseurs literally will travel for coffee, or at least they expect a higher standard of coffee in the guestroom.
64. Bleisure: Blending work and vacation, a bleisure traveler extends a business trip to allow for a few days of leisure time.
65. Luxe motels: Hip doesn’t always equal expensive, and run-down roadside motels are getting a serious upgrade with trendy brands like Austin, TX-based Bunkhouse.
64. Bleisure: Blending work and vacation, a bleisure traveler extends a business trip to allow for a few days of leisure time.
65. Luxe motels: Hip doesn’t always equal expensive, and run-down roadside motels are getting a serious upgrade with trendy brands like Austin, TX-based Bunkhouse.
66. Experiential travel: Immersive travel experiences like yoga retreats, surf camps, and animal encounters that often offer unique activities and accommodations.
67. Music driven travel: Featuring on-site concerts and live DJs in the lobby bar, Marriott’s W Hotels is an example of a new type of music-focused hotel experience.
68. Glamping: Glamorous camping, literally, elevates the humble tent or yurt to a luxurious hideaway with high-end bathroom facilities, comfortable beds, climate control, and stylish decor. Ready to get out under the stars in style? Look no further than Glamping.com.
67. Music driven travel: Featuring on-site concerts and live DJs in the lobby bar, Marriott’s W Hotels is an example of a new type of music-focused hotel experience.
68. Glamping: Glamorous camping, literally, elevates the humble tent or yurt to a luxurious hideaway with high-end bathroom facilities, comfortable beds, climate control, and stylish decor. Ready to get out under the stars in style? Look no further than Glamping.com.
69. Rise of influencers: Popular social media profiles aren’t just racking up the “likes,” but also earning income by posting advertisements as marketing partners for hotels, airlines, and other travel brands. One of our personal favorite influencer apps is Cameo. If you haven't tried it, you're missing out. You can hire celebs like Snoop Dogg to make you personal videos - it's gold. There's even influencer networks purpose build to help you market your hotel like squarelovin.
70. Staycations: A vacation in your own city. Skip the lines at the airport and enjoy a hotel near home, what’s not to love?
71. Face-to-face business meetings in the digital age: Remote teams are common, so companies rely on in-person off-site meetings to bring employees together for trainings, launches, or team-building exercises. This trend is why you see companies like Bizly totally crushing it right now.
73. Health & wellness travel: Rather than embarking on a new diet or exercise plan before vacation, travelers are choosing to travel specifically for health and wellness goals, booking experiences that include healthy meals, fitness classes, meditation courses, or lifestyle coaching.
74: Cannabis tourism: As marijuana laws loosen, a new segment of travelers are “going green” in a way that has nothing to do with the environment: traveling to a city specifically to explore the recreational drug.
70. Staycations: A vacation in your own city. Skip the lines at the airport and enjoy a hotel near home, what’s not to love?
71. Face-to-face business meetings in the digital age: Remote teams are common, so companies rely on in-person off-site meetings to bring employees together for trainings, launches, or team-building exercises. This trend is why you see companies like Bizly totally crushing it right now.
73. Health & wellness travel: Rather than embarking on a new diet or exercise plan before vacation, travelers are choosing to travel specifically for health and wellness goals, booking experiences that include healthy meals, fitness classes, meditation courses, or lifestyle coaching.
74: Cannabis tourism: As marijuana laws loosen, a new segment of travelers are “going green” in a way that has nothing to do with the environment: traveling to a city specifically to explore the recreational drug.
75. Emerging markets as destinations: Travelers are branching out from the most popular destinations to up-and-coming places like Nicaragua or the Philippines in search of authenticity, new experiences, and cost savings.
76. Bring your pets on vacation: As more travelers bring their furry friends along, dog-friendly hotels, such as the Kimpton brand, provide special pet-friendly amenities like bowls and beds.
77. Medical tourism: With rising costs of medical care in Western countries (especially for non-essential procedures, like cosmetic surgery), people seeking treatment often find that the same procedure is much less expensive in Asia or South America - so much so that even with the cost of airfare and accommodation, they can save money.
76. Bring your pets on vacation: As more travelers bring their furry friends along, dog-friendly hotels, such as the Kimpton brand, provide special pet-friendly amenities like bowls and beds.
77. Medical tourism: With rising costs of medical care in Western countries (especially for non-essential procedures, like cosmetic surgery), people seeking treatment often find that the same procedure is much less expensive in Asia or South America - so much so that even with the cost of airfare and accommodation, they can save money.
78. Last minute bookings: Today’s traveler is spontaneous, which means they might not even know where they’re staying when they arrive at the airport. Apps like HotelTonight make last-minute bookings easy, but hoteliers might struggle with staffing and pricing as the booking window shortens.
79. Group travel & villa rentals: For multi-generational family trips or vacations with a big group of friends, travelers are choosing to rent a large home or villa instead of booking several hotel rooms.
80. Nomadic sabbaticals and family travel: A sabbatical doesn’t need to wait until the kids are grown; an increasing number of families are taking a year off (or longer) from the rat race to travel - even with young ones in tow.
81. Homeware hotels: Home goods companies like Muji and Made.com are entering the hospitality space with hotels decked out in their own homeware products.
82. Culinary travel: Whether by booking an accommodation on a farm, scheduling cooking classes, or traveling specifically for a Michelin-starred meal, food is becoming a key factor in travel decisions. Tons of travel apps have popped up to serve foodies in recent years.
79. Group travel & villa rentals: For multi-generational family trips or vacations with a big group of friends, travelers are choosing to rent a large home or villa instead of booking several hotel rooms.
80. Nomadic sabbaticals and family travel: A sabbatical doesn’t need to wait until the kids are grown; an increasing number of families are taking a year off (or longer) from the rat race to travel - even with young ones in tow.
81. Homeware hotels: Home goods companies like Muji and Made.com are entering the hospitality space with hotels decked out in their own homeware products.
82. Culinary travel: Whether by booking an accommodation on a farm, scheduling cooking classes, or traveling specifically for a Michelin-starred meal, food is becoming a key factor in travel decisions. Tons of travel apps have popped up to serve foodies in recent years.
83. Sports-themed hotels: By investing in a state-of-the-art sports bar, like at the Omni Dallas, or planning once-in-a-lifetime Super Bowl packages, hotels are jumping on the sports bandwagon with unique amenities for fans.
84. Theme park experiences: Theme park vacations are even more immersive when the hotel follows the theme too, like at the Star Wars Hotel or Legoland Hotel.
85. The rise of hosteling: No longer just an option for cash-strapped backpackers, hostels offer fun activities, new friends, and sleek design at emerging brands like Generator and Selina.
86. Couchsurfing is still alive: Though it’s a small portion of accommodation booking, couchsurfing has survived the rise of Airbnb and ultra-affordable hotels and remains a viable option for people looking for a cheap place to sleep and a way to meet people.
84. Theme park experiences: Theme park vacations are even more immersive when the hotel follows the theme too, like at the Star Wars Hotel or Legoland Hotel.
85. The rise of hosteling: No longer just an option for cash-strapped backpackers, hostels offer fun activities, new friends, and sleek design at emerging brands like Generator and Selina.
86. Couchsurfing is still alive: Though it’s a small portion of accommodation booking, couchsurfing has survived the rise of Airbnb and ultra-affordable hotels and remains a viable option for people looking for a cheap place to sleep and a way to meet people.
Hotel Business
In the hotel industry, 2020 will be anything but business as usual. While we notice a proliferation of hotel brands, we also see a focus on uniqueness, whether by incorporating cocktail kits as a guestroom amenity or by physically combining a hotel with a mall, gym, or apartment building. As the luxury segment soars, with trendy new brands like the Standard and the NoMad, we also see investment in the economy segment and
In the hotel industry, 2020 will be anything but business as usual. While we notice a proliferation of hotel brands, we also see a focus on uniqueness, whether by incorporating cocktail kits as a guestroom amenity or by physically combining a hotel with a mall, gym, or apartment building. As the luxury segment soars, with trendy new brands like the Standard and the NoMad, we also see investment in the economy segment and
87. Brands are exploding: Hotel chains no longer consist of one or two brands; while Marriott takes the cake with a collection of 30 individual brands, other chains like Best Western and Hilton are also branching out with new brands. Time will tell whether these new brands offer enough differentiation and value for travelers.
88. Cool luxury hotels: A new era of luxury leaves stuffy lobbies and pretentious attitudes in the dust; modern brands like the Standard and NoMad Hotels place an emphasis on design, gastronomy, and spa for the next generation of discerning travelers.
88. Cool luxury hotels: A new era of luxury leaves stuffy lobbies and pretentious attitudes in the dust; modern brands like the Standard and NoMad Hotels place an emphasis on design, gastronomy, and spa for the next generation of discerning travelers.
89. Cocktail mixology in your room: Hotels are providing unique (and Instagram-worthy) local flavor with a new on mixology, whether by including cocktail-making kits in guestrooms or by investing in the cocktail program at the lobby bar. Hotel guests are likely to find kits in their rooms like W&P Design's Old Fashioned Kit (also available in Moscow Mule for the Vodka lovers).
90. Micro rooms: Chains like YOTEL and citizenM prove that small rooms can be functional - even luxurious - with efficient use of space and removing unnecessary amenities like storage drawers and bathtubs.
91. Ultra affordable hospitality: Hotels aren’t just facing price pressure from their competitive sets; ultra low-priced brands like India-based OYO are renovating and modernizing aging motels in rural and suburban markets.
92. Death of the travel agent: With a wealth of travel resources and booking platforms available online, travelers are booking trips themselves, without the assistance of a travel agent, leading to the downfall of travel agencies and tour operators like Thomas Cook:
93. Mixed use spaces: When space is at a premium, new construction or renovation often involves combining several types of spaces, such as ground-level retail, a few floors of hotel rooms, and apartments on top. Some hotel groups like Hoxton and Accor are even developing their own coworking concepts.
90. Micro rooms: Chains like YOTEL and citizenM prove that small rooms can be functional - even luxurious - with efficient use of space and removing unnecessary amenities like storage drawers and bathtubs.
91. Ultra affordable hospitality: Hotels aren’t just facing price pressure from their competitive sets; ultra low-priced brands like India-based OYO are renovating and modernizing aging motels in rural and suburban markets.
92. Death of the travel agent: With a wealth of travel resources and booking platforms available online, travelers are booking trips themselves, without the assistance of a travel agent, leading to the downfall of travel agencies and tour operators like Thomas Cook:
93. Mixed use spaces: When space is at a premium, new construction or renovation often involves combining several types of spaces, such as ground-level retail, a few floors of hotel rooms, and apartments on top. Some hotel groups like Hoxton and Accor are even developing their own coworking concepts.
Hotel Design
What will the hotel of the future look like? Based on these trends, it will be a lot less “big box” and a lot more “out of the box.” Hotel design trends show a focus on art, community, and uniqueness. Guests crave design that echoes the destination’s character, whether with local art or the architecture itself. In some hotels, the space itself is what drives uniqueness, with creative lobby ideas or public areas that showcase nature.
What will the hotel of the future look like? Based on these trends, it will be a lot less “big box” and a lot more “out of the box.” Hotel design trends show a focus on art, community, and uniqueness. Guests crave design that echoes the destination’s character, whether with local art or the architecture itself. In some hotels, the space itself is what drives uniqueness, with creative lobby ideas or public areas that showcase nature.
94. Hyper local design: Perhaps influenced by Airbnb’s local focus, guests prefer design that reflect the unique character of the destination, integrating area artists or cultural themes.
95. Indoor meets outdoor: Lobbies filled with plants and guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows show that guests want a connection to nature even in an urban setting.
96. Experiential social spaces: In an effort to build a sense of community in lobby areas, hotels are becoming more creative with the types of public spaces offered, from shared workspaces to kitchens to game rooms.
97. Green hotel brands: Hotel brands with a holistic focus on eco-friendliness are considered “green,” such as Marriott’s Element brand and the luxe 1 Hotels.
95. Indoor meets outdoor: Lobbies filled with plants and guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows show that guests want a connection to nature even in an urban setting.
96. Experiential social spaces: In an effort to build a sense of community in lobby areas, hotels are becoming more creative with the types of public spaces offered, from shared workspaces to kitchens to game rooms.
97. Green hotel brands: Hotel brands with a holistic focus on eco-friendliness are considered “green,” such as Marriott’s Element brand and the luxe 1 Hotels.
98: Eclectic style: Not simply a place to sleep, hotels are stretching their artistic limits with unique lighting, funky furniture, unexpected color schemes, and eye-catching artwork.
99. High-end art and gallery experiences: Hotel groups like are building integrated art galleries into their on-site facilities. 21c Museum Hotel has 70,000 square feet of combined exhibition space, solely dedicated to featuring contemporary art, open 24/7, 365 days and the best part is that it's free of charge. The museum offers a robust schedule of exhibitions, cultural programming and performances at each of our properties, all of which are also open to the public and free of charge. While you can't buy the art from the gallery, 21c offers the opportunity for guests to purchase special edition merchandise - bespoke items created through the collaboration between 21c and select artists - as well works by Cracking Art Group, amongst other merchandise from local makers that are curated by our team.
99. High-end art and gallery experiences: Hotel groups like are building integrated art galleries into their on-site facilities. 21c Museum Hotel has 70,000 square feet of combined exhibition space, solely dedicated to featuring contemporary art, open 24/7, 365 days and the best part is that it's free of charge. The museum offers a robust schedule of exhibitions, cultural programming and performances at each of our properties, all of which are also open to the public and free of charge. While you can't buy the art from the gallery, 21c offers the opportunity for guests to purchase special edition merchandise - bespoke items created through the collaboration between 21c and select artists - as well works by Cracking Art Group, amongst other merchandise from local makers that are curated by our team.
Globalization
In a world so connected by business and economic ties, it only makes sense that globalization would have implications in the hotel industry. As globalization drives incomes in countries around the world, more people can afford to travel, which means that hotels face opportunities and challenges that come with accommodating new travelers from different places. Along with this rising middle class, increased income inequality further distances the highest earners from the rest. Luxury travelers continue to have an appetite for over-the-top experiences, so high-end hotels must continuously come up with creative and innovative offerings to wow their guests.
In a world so connected by business and economic ties, it only makes sense that globalization would have implications in the hotel industry. As globalization drives incomes in countries around the world, more people can afford to travel, which means that hotels face opportunities and challenges that come with accommodating new travelers from different places. Along with this rising middle class, increased income inequality further distances the highest earners from the rest. Luxury travelers continue to have an appetite for over-the-top experiences, so high-end hotels must continuously come up with creative and innovative offerings to wow their guests.
100. Changing demographics: The growing middle class in countries like China and India means more people have more money for travel, so hotels should prepare to welcome these travelers with language and cultural resources that they expect.
101. Rising wealth inequality: As the gap between the upper and middle classes widens, luxury travelers crave even more novelty, creativity, and over-the-top experiences.
101. Rising wealth inequality: As the gap between the upper and middle classes widens, luxury travelers crave even more novelty, creativity, and over-the-top experiences.