Geberit has published a report on what the future may hold for hotel design

Bathroom designer and manufacturer, Geberit, has launched a new Hotel Guest Experience Report, examining what the future may hold for hotel design in the wake of Covid-19, as well as the complex changing needs of the modern guest. Channel marketing manager, Sophie Weston, explains more about the report which has been produced in collaboration with some of the UK’s leading architects and design experts.

Our Hotel Guest Experience Report, launched at the start of this year, is aimed at helping architects and designers better understand the key challenges facing hotels today, and what the future may look like for the sector. The exclusive publication features contributions from writers, architects and leading experts across many areas, including hygiene, sustainability and design.

Lifting the lid on hygiene
Maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene has always been a priority for hotels. However, it has never needed to be a unique selling point for guests – until now. In a changing world, the onus is on manufacturers, hotels and architects to work together to find not only hygienically optimised products, but solutions and designs that also reinforce the perception of a clean space.

To further examine the issue of hygiene what the legacy of the pandemic may be for the hotel sector, we have collaborated with architect Dexter Moren who discusses what hygienic designs and technology are available to help enhance the guest experience – from the safe haven of the bedroom to the sanctuary of the bathroom.

Reimagining hotel design
As the trend for selling ‘experiences’ and creating an escapism for guests continues, so too does the value of creating a unique, positive guest experience – especially as it helps build stronger memories and ensure customers keep on coming back. Oliver Heath, architectural interior designer, explores the importance of sensory design and how well considered spaces could be the key to enhancing guest experiences.

Thinking green
Rewind twenty years ago and sustainable hotels and ecotourism were typically considered to be all about nature lovers visiting lodging properties. Now, as the environmental demands of the modern-day traveller evolve, the hotel industry is changing. From large hotel chains to boutique properties alike, great strides are being made to improve environmental performance through the adoption of sustainability strategies that help reduce energy, conserve water and minimise waste.

We wanted to address how sustainability can – and should – play a key role in a hotel’s story so teamed up with journalist and founding editor of Mr & Mrs Smith, Juliet Kinsman to address the impact of sustainable design in hotels.

Mixing It Up
Our Hotel Guest Experience report also considers the growing demand for hotels to offer a diverse and personalised experience. Tanya Griffith, chartered architect at Kay Elliott, helps us explore the solutions that can be introduced into these schemes, focusing in particular on acoustics and preserving the hotel stay as a sanctuary away from busy life.

Future design
The future will no doubt look quite different for hotels as they start to rebuild in the wake of the pandemic – but there are encouraging signs. Figures released by hospitality data analyst STR at the start of the year revealed that UK regional hotels recorded some of the highest occupancy rates in Europe owing to domestic long-stay visitors during the pandemic, with it also forecasting that the UK and German hospitality sectors would lead the recovery in Europe.

As one US architect observed, what is significant about these periods of disease is that “architects are often inspired to come up with fresh ideas during these moments.” And this will need to apply to manufacturers too, as we continue to innovate and work in partnership with architects and designers to help the hotel sector adapt to these new times.

Contact Details
To download a copy of Geberit’s Hotel Guest Experience Report, please click here.