It’s very easy to assume that all commercial properties think the same when it comes to their custom pieces, but it’s not true! We’ve covered a variety of spaces and can tell you firsthand that one sofa does not fit all. If it did, there would be no need for interior designers (a scary scary thought indeed). Today we’re talking about hotel furniture and how it differs from all the rest.
Unlike most commercial spaces, hotels often evoke a sense of wonder (usually by default). How so? Because if you’re staying in one, odds are, you must be somewhere new! Of course this isn’t always the case, but generally speaking, it tracks. As a temporary home-away-from-home, hotels have to be a lot of things to a lot of people. They must be cozy and familiar, yet also reflect the atmosphere (can you imagine traveling to the other side of the world, only to sleep in the same double bed as the one back home)? Terrible. When thinking about the design of a hotel space, there are a few things that must be taken into account.
Common Areas
Depending on the location, common areas can be an excellent way to make a statement. At the same time, these areas can tell your guests what to expect from their stay (a grand staircase sends a different message than a broken Keurig for example). So how does a hotel’s common area differ from others? Though most common spaces are meant to be used as waiting rooms, the expectations vary slightly from business to business. A bank may offer complimentary coffee as a way to appease (read: comfort) those who patiently wait their turn for a teller just as a mechanic would offer the same for those waiting on an oil change. These are small gestures that take the user experience to the next level, without too much effort on the business’ part (Styrofoam cups and plastic stir sticks are surprisingly affordable). So do hotels do the same? Kind of, but differently. Coffee is universal, so it’s only natural that hospitality driven establishments like hotels would offer it for free. So what is the difference? Well for starters, the cups have lids. I know, it sounds almost insignificant, but there’s a lot that it does signify. A lid allows you to take your drink with you. It becomes part of your experience and if the cups are branded? It works as advertising! The whole world will know that wherever you’re staying, is the place to be (or at the very least they take care of their patrons). Coffee isn’t the only perk that awaits you inside a hotel, but it’s one of the best!
Seating
Have you ever sat into a waiting room chair, only to sink to the bottom? We all have and it’s terrible. Commercial seating usually doesn’t have to be comfortable, because you’re not actually meant to sit in them for very long. Hotels on the other hand? A different story. After a long flight, delays, and traffic, the last thing you want to do is sit in a vinyl loveseat with barely any stuffing. That’s why it’s crucial for them to be comfortable AND match the overall aesthetic of the hotel. It’s a delicate balance.
Everything Else
Seating aside, it’s also important for hotels to go a step above the rest when it comes to their finishes, cabinetry, and pretty much everything else! This goes back to our conversation about waiting. You may arrive before your check in time, so naturally you’re going to focus on your surroundings during those mundane hours. It’s not our intention to hyper-focus on little details such as knobs or door handles, but sometimes you just can’t help it! Hotels have the added pressure of having to look good at all times. Every aspect of a hotel needs to reflect the expectation of a guest’s stay. It’s important to be clean, polished, and appropriate.
So the only difference between a hotel and a bank is the waiting room? Of course not you silly goose! The atmosphere, the furniture, the finishes! Don’t even get us started on the bathrooms. What we’re trying to say is this; hotels, though owned by conglomerates, maintain a higher standard than their other commercial counterparts (Motel 6 not included in this analogy). Sure, their items may get sourced from the same places, but that’s beside the point (I can have the same ingredients as a Michelin star chef and not produce the same award winning dish for example). All in all, not all commercial spaces are created equal. So the next time you’re blessed with a vacation, take a look at your temporary surroundings and see if you can spot the differences. Or better yet, just enjoy it!
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