Re-imagining The Hotel Guestroom for The Millennial Business Traveler

tv furn sketch2

 

By Alexis Oliver

By now we’ve all heard the forecast: the Millennial Generation is set to take the country’s business travel industry by storm. By 2020, Millennials will make up 50% of U.S. business travelers, and will carry $1.3 trillion to $1.7 trillion in total spending power, according to Jeff Fromm, a marketing specialist and co-author of the book “Marketing to Millennials: Reach the Largest and Most Influential Generation of Consumers Ever.”

Almost every major brand in the lodging industry has allocated considerable resources toward capturing the attention and loyalty of this new breed of guest. As a hospitality designer, I’ve spent countless hours poring over the consumer insights presented to me by those brands in an effort to extrude them into successful physical spaces. This is, of course, how I approach every project, but as a 30-something, I am, in this instance, in the rare position of being my own target demographic.

Much has been written about the importance that Millennials place on unique or novel travel experiences. It is important to note, however, that this is not the same ilk of novelty that is usually associated with Ian Schrager and the boutique hotel movement of decades past. While wit, authenticity, and sense of place are strongly valued by my generation, so too is transparency. Millennials are drawn to thoughtful function, minimalism, and visible high-quality craft. We somehow manage to hate consumerism while voraciously consuming. We drive unsexy hybrid cars, buy Levis over designer jeans, and eat local, sustainable, organic, inglorious, “slow” food. We subscribe to the “buy one, give one” business model that drives iconic Millennial brands like Toms and Warby Parker. We are a generation that prizes the appearance of egalitarianism and shuns apparent snobbery, and we are willing to absorb the added cost of life choices that we perceive as “meaningful.” That which is simple and clear is far more prized than anything flashy or fussy.

Because we live in a universe where we are constantly bombarded with information, it is the rare moment of “silence” which feels most indulgent. This drastically changes our definition of need versus luxury, and in doing so offers us a new yardstick with which to measure “good design.” So how can the hospitality industry more effectively cater to the basic needs of the Millennial business traveler?

 

tv furn sketch1

Connectivity, not cable.

The average 30-year-old guest travels with at least a laptop and a smart phone, and often a tablet and second phone. Fast and free WiFi in all rooms is table stakes for the Millennial guest. So is having ample opportunity to charge devices.

In 1951, Hilton became the first hotel chain to install televisions in every guest room. Today, cable TV, on a large screen, is universally accepted as a basic amenity in hotel guest rooms at both full- and select- service properties.

The average hotel guestroom size in the US is about 325 square feet. Subtract 100 or so square feet of that for bath and entry areas, and we’re left with a living space that is, on average, twelve by nineteen feet. With the exception of, perhaps, artwork, there is no accessory or piece of equipment in the average guestroom that is more massive than the TV set. There is certainly nothing else in the room that demands so much real estate when not in use.

As a designer, I can attest to the fact that there is no inexpensive way to camouflage a large television in a small room. My colleagues and I are thus tasked with developing construction details and furniture pieces that support, house, or even highlight these large screens, while concealing the myriad cables and substantial structural reinforcements they require.

This summer LG announced the development of an OLED-based television that is so thin and pliable it can be rolled into a three-inch-diameter tube when not in use. Per the prominent tech news site Mashable, LG claims it is “confident it’ll be able to build a 60-inch 4K TV that’s both transparent and flexible by 2017.” From an investment standpoint, it seems these television sets we so diligently work to accommodate are far from “future-proof” in either performance or appearance. In spite of this, I have found that there is a often a willingness among owners to pay for new televisions to replace existing units at a 1:1 ratio, a cost that includes not only the TV sets themselves (most often 47” or 55” models), but also the requisite revamp of any associated cabling infrastructure and video distribution systems.

tv furn 3
What’s ironic about this is that most Millennial travelers already choose to view video content on their laptops, tablets or even phones, where they can access their Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and HBOGo accounts, rather than flipping through unfamiliar channels, begrudgingly beholden to real-time programming, using a tv remote that is largely perceived as one of the least sanitary objects in the room. Last week I came across an article from the website lifehacker.com, entitled “Get Around Hotel Wifi Blocks and Use Your Chromecast When Traveling.” The article per se was little more than a blurb pointing to the original source of this “lifehack,” but it was – tellingly – followed by 77 reader comments in which a much more lengthy discussion of the topic ensued. True to form, the Millennial traveler will almost inevitably try to “hack” whatever technology we find in our rooms in order to turn it into a system that better suits our needs.

teleadapt media hub
These small panels allow hotel guests to connect their device-to-tv.

Rather than offering tech amenities that are prescriptive, brands and property owners would be wise to re-imagine in-room technology as a versatile platform that supports a wide range of guest-provided devices. There are already several products on the market today, for instance, that offer device-to-tv connectivity for hospitality applications. These panels are only slightly larger than a deck of cards, require no special cabling, and currently cost roughly $150 per key. They are exactly what every business traveler under the age of 35 wants to encounter in their room, but they’re an extremely difficult sell, because they’re perceived as a luxury rather than a basic amenity. The TV is certainly still an essential element in the Millennial traveler’s ideal guestroom, but its purpose there is to act as a vehicle for custom content that is “programmed” by each individual guest via a Bluetooth or HDMI connection (and, more often than not, an internet connection as well).

Things should have a prescribed place, actions should not.

Let’s revisit that 225 square foot living space I mentioned earlier. The average hotel room takes that 225 square feet and fills it with a king size bed, a lounge chair and side table, a desk and task chair, and a dresser or armoire. The issue with this layout is twofold: first, there is the sheer bulk of all those furnishings, second it is functionally rigid.

While I won’t go so far as to say that the age of the MacBook Air has rendered the standard desk-and-task-chair completely obsolete as the “workstation” in a guestroom, it has certainly leveled the playing field. Millennial guests regularly work on the bed, for instance. This is especially true if the desk is the only available hard surface in the room, when it often becomes a place to eat, iron clothes, or charge devices. The lounge chair, meanwhile, largely serves as a kind of catch-all for clothes and shopping bags, or for the roughly 1/3 of Millennial travelers who live directly out of their suitcase for the duration of their stay, the lounge chair becomes a makeshift luggage valet.

Flex Furnishings provide a guest with a small piece of furniture that has multiple uses including seating, storage, and table-top space.
Flex Furnishings provide a guest with a small piece of furniture that has multiple uses including seating, storage, and table-top space.

used-for-storing-cushions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is important to the over-stimulated Millennial guest to see their hotel room as a respite from the busyness of the workday and the demanding nature of travel. We desire a feeling of thoughtful spaciousness and order, as well as a sense of flexibility. We crave a room that offers a place for each of our belongings while inviting us to lounge, work, or socialize without a the implication of a pre-designated area for each activity.

The Flex Furnishing Maisonsette furniture takes up little space and allows flexibility of function and placement.
The Flex Furnishing Maisonsette furniture takes up little space and allows flexibility of function and placement.

From a design standpoint, the task at hand is to invert the existing guestroom paradigm by letting the form of the furnishings be defined by the actions of the guest (sort of a “Mies for the new Millennium” approach). This means developing guestrooms that feature multi-purpose furnishings, plenty of clear horizontal space, ample access to power outlets, and well-planned lighting.

The widespread criticism of Millennials as narcissistic and entitled may or may not be deserved, but there is no denying that we are a resourceful and motivated bunch, unburdened – however annoyingly – by a fear of failure. For the Millennial generation, if the proverbial shoe doesn’t fit, we’ll use freeware and 3d printing to rapidly proto type a new shoe, secure venture capital funding for our start-up shoe company, grow it into a profitable business through a clever viral marketing campaign, and then sell the company to Amazon. We are hackers of all things, and we prize adaptability, not only in the ether, but also in the physical realm.


A_Oliver_headshotAlexis Oliver is a New York City-based interior architect with over 10 years of experience in the hospitality design industry. She is currently a Senior Designer at Krause+Sawyer, and was previously a Project Manager at the Rockwell Group.  She has worked with developers and brands such as Host Hotels and Resorts, Starwood, Marriott, and Hilton on four- and five-star projects across three continents.  She hopes to eventually stay at the properties she works on after they are renovated.  Alexis holds a BA in Architecture from The University of Pennsylvania. She can be reached via email at ao@alexisoliver.com

 

Sketches are from the authors personal collection. Flex Furnishings photos from Edouard Hannoteaux/OXYO.

128 comments

  1. I must show some appreciation to the writer for bailing me out of such a problem. After exploring through the internet and getting principles that were not productive, I assumed my life was gone. Being alive devoid of the answers to the difficulties you’ve resolved by way of this report is a crucial case, and the kind that might have in a negative way affected my career if I had not noticed your blog post. Your primary training and kindness in maneuvering all things was very useful. I don’t know what I would have done if I had not come across such a stuff like this. I can at this moment look forward to my future. Thank you so much for the expert and results-oriented help. I will not hesitate to suggest your web page to any individual who needs to have guidelines on this topic. luxury bath accessories

  2. Great, thank you! I want to advise you to pay attention to cv people reviews – these guys are real professionals who will cope with writing a quality cv in the shortest possible time. This guarantees you an excellent result of your interview with the employer.

  3. With this in mind, it seems due time for hoteliers to get to know the millennial traveler. Who are they? What do they want from hotels?

  4. Now we will start with the Macy’s Insite Login process before it. Let me brief you about some credentials needed for Macy’s Insite Login process.
    Visit My Post: click Here

  5. What forms of payment are accepted at Whole Foods Market? In our stores, we accept cash, electronic food stamps (EBT), Apple Pay, major credit and debit cards, Whole Foods Market gift cards as well as Visa, American Express and Mastercard gift cards. Does Whole Foods Take EBT

  6. As a Lbrands employee, you only need to go to the ACES ETM Login page and sign in there, after which you can conveniently access all work-related resources you need. ACES ETM Login

  7. Disneyplus.com Login: is a streaming site that gives an array of related to Disney content. Although the site’s primary focus is on television and film, it also provides many other features, including behind-the-scenes clips, interviews, footage, and more.
    Disneyplus.com Login

  8. Yes and it sucks it takes out abilities to let pur kids have a great start bc now they have to worry if I get a job will my parents be able to eat instead …

    CLICK HERE = 846 refund issued

  9. (ii) SURVEY INVITE: Entrants making a purchase (of any amount) at Walmart.com, Walmart.com/grocery, a participating Walmart retail location and any Walmart …
    Visit My Post: check Here

    1. Pear Deck is a creative Google Slides add-on that transforms remote and in-person instruction by empowering teachers to create engaging, dynamic presentations. Teachers may develop and edit presentations right within their Google accounts because to its seamless integration. Joinpd.com

  10. Myhealthplanaccount.com is an online website for health insurance in the United States, that provides easy and quick help with health problems to …
    Visit My Post: check Here

  11. The UFC Gym Guest Pass allows individuals to visit a UFC Gym location and experience the facility without committing to a membership. It provides a limited-time opportunity to explore the gym’s amenities and services.

    Visit My Post: Check Here

  12. Roblox Now.Gg: Play Roblox Unblocked On Browser: Roblox Today. On The website GG, you can use your browser To play Roblox unblocked. It Is A no-cost service that doesn’t need to be downloaded or installed.

    Roblox Now.Gg

  13. Burger King, one of the world’s leading fast-food chains, has taken significant steps to address burger king survey these concerns and establish a commitment to responsible sourcing.

    mybkexperience

  14. To activate your account, go to the ballysports com/activate page on your computer or mobile device and paste your code there. Choose the TV provider you want from the list.

    Visit My Post: Good Information

  15. Before allowing a customer inside, every Food Lion location does a careful sequence of tests to make sure they aren’t infected by the virus. But as soon as you enter, the whole store will be accessible to you! In every category, you may choose from a range of brands. There will be a sizable section set up for all types of foodstuffs. Additionally, you may get bread items, pharmaceuticals, beer, wine, and milk products. https://talktofoodlioncomsurvey.wiki/

  16. Publix Survey – The United States has a sizable grocery chain called Publix. It focuses on food and pharmaceuticals and provides inexpensive premium options. The company conducts business in a number of states, including North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee.

  17. But why should a consumer make an extra effort to complete the TalkToStopAndShop.com survey? First of all, you DON’T need to make an extra effort. Simply complete your normal shopping at your neighborhood Stop & Shop, pay the bill, collect the receipt, and look for a special survey code (typically towards the bottom). If so, you can easily provide your comments by visiting the official TalkToStopAndShop website. talktostopandshopwin.pro

  18. Lowes Survey – Lowe’s is running an online Guest Satisfaction Survey at their website Participating customers can win attractive gifts and a $500 gift card. Sounds interesting, right? Make sure to read the article to know how to enter this lucky draw and claim the prize.

  19. Publix Survey – We are grateful to our patrons and staff members and will continue to put a strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service, giving back to the community, and being a great place to work and shop.Tennessee.

  20. Aka.ms/authapp is a secure and convenient way to enhance your online security.

    This article will guide you through the process of downloading and installing the Microsoft Authenticator App, also known as aka.ms/authapp.

  21. Aka.ms/authapp is a secure and convenient way to enhance your online security.

    This article will guide you through the process of downloading and installing the Microsoft Authenticator App, also known as aka.ms/authapp.

  22. These machines often incorporate bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) technology, allowing for a non-invasive yet highly accurate measurement of body composition. By sending a low-level electrical current through the body, the machine can differentiate between different tissues based on their electrical conductivity, providing valuable insights into the distribution of lean muscle and adipose tissue.3d human body scanner

  23. KFC Colombia carries out this survey periodically to find out the satisfaction of its customers, in order to constantly improve the customer experience and collect opinions.
    KFC Colombia

  24. Fascinating insights! The evolving trends and preferences of Millennial travelers are intriguing. As a hospitality designer, decoding these nuances into physical spaces is both challenging and rewarding. Creating spaces that embrace functionality, authenticity, and transparency seems crucial in meeting the demands of this generation’s travel ethos. Simplified, thoughtful design and a focus on meaningful experiences are key to appealing to the Millennial business traveler’s sensibilities. DGME Login

  25. Fascinating insights! The rise of Millennials in the business travel industry, their emphasis on transparency, functionality, and a desire for authentic experiences redefines the parameters of good design in hospitality. Crafting spaces that align with these values of minimalism, sustainability, and simplicity seems crucial to engaging this unique demographic effectively. I would like to
    refer DGME

    1. Absolutely! The depth of insights shared here is truly fascinating. It’s enlightening to see how the Millennial generation is transforming the business travel landscape and shaping preferences for transparency, functionality, and meaningful experiences. The focus on minimalism, authenticity, and sustainability is particularly intriguing. This information offers a valuable perspective on the evolving needs of travelers today. Regards Rent a car Islamabad

  26. Absolutely thrilled you found the information intriguing enough to share! Sharing knowledge with friends amplifies our collective wisdom. Keep spreading the enlightenment! Regards Receiptify

  27. In my quest for exceptional escort services in Tenerife, I explored renowned options like Sugar Girls, Eurogirlsescort, and Girls Tenerife. While each agency presented its unique offerings, Girls Tenerife stood out with unparalleled excellence and authenticity, redefining satisfaction and delivering genuine, memorable encounters. This agency truly sets the standard for top-tier escort services in Tenerife.

  28. Joinpd is a cutting-edge educational technology company, fostering interactive classrooms through its innovative platform. Empowering educators and engaging students

  29. Your one-stop destination for tech and lifestyle essentials. From cutting-edge gadgets to trendy accessories, we redefine your shopping experience. Discover, shop, and elevate your style with dgme portal

  30. Getmyoffer.capitalone.com is a website that deals with Capital One credit cards. Capital One is one of the leading Bancorp and credit card issuers in the United States, providing their consumers with a wide range of offerings. getmyoffer capitalone com

  31. LiteBlue is a game-changer, reshaping how things work, connecting seamlessly for a more efficient experience. It’s a digital milestone that transforms the way we operate.

  32. Dgme paystubs your go-to neighborhood store, offers everyday essentials at budget-friendly prices. Discover a diverse range of products catering to your household needs without breaking the bank.

  33. Joinpd is a portal for cutting-edge educational technology company, fostering interactive classrooms through its innovative platform. Empowering educators and engaging students

  34. It is a game-changer, reshaping how things work, connecting seamlessly for a more efficient experience. liteblue It’s a digital milestone that transforms the way we operate.

  35. It represents a paradigm shift, revolutionizing the way things function, and effortlessly bridging gaps for an enhanced and streamlined experience. <a href="DGMEThis technological breakthrough serves as a digital landmark, completely overhauling our operational methods.

  36. <a href="DgmeLogin/
    It’s a game-altering innovation, fundamentally altering the way processes flow, seamlessly weaving connections for an optimized and efficient journey. This groundbreaking digital advancement marks a transformative milestone in our operational landscape.

  37. It stands as a true disruptor, reshaping the very foundations of how things operate, effortlessly forging connections to deliver a more streamlined and efficient experience. This digital marvel represents a pivotal milestone, revolutionizing our approach to operations.
    https://joinpdinsights.com/

  38. It serves as a genuine disruptor, fundamentally altering the way operations function, seamlessly establishing connections to provide a more efficient and streamlined experience. This digital marvel signifies a significant milestone, transforming our approach to conducting operations. https://liteblueinsider.com/

  39. Mian Travel and Tours, a car rental company, you can approach relevant websites in the travel and car rental industry.
    One effective strategy is to offer high-quality, informative content related to car rentals and travel.for more details
    visit our website:https://miantravelandtours.com/

  40. Our Tesco is a great way to save money on your shopping and get exclusive offers and discounts. To learn more about Our Tesco and how to join, visit the Tesco website or speak to a Tesco customer service representative.

    https://ourtesco.info/

  41. The Choc-A-Lot Cake is available at Nando’s restaurants worldwide. It’s a popular dessert choice for both adults and children, and it’s often ordered for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries.
    Visit My Post: check Here

  42. Keep an eye on Cloudways’ announcements, blog posts, and newsletters for any updates regarding new features or integrations. Cloudways may periodically introduce enhancements based on user feedback and market trends.JoinPD

  43. Engage with Cloudways on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or relevant forums and communities where Cloudways users congregate. Share your idea for adding Dropbox or other cloud storage integration for backups and encourage other users to voice their support.ess compass associate

  44. Whether you Are a fan of classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, or you’re more adventurous and like to try new things, Baskin Robbins has something for everyone. But there are ways to save money on your Baskin Robbins purchases with coupons and deals.
    Baskin Robbins Coupons

  45. This remarkable innovation serves as a true disruptor, reshaping the landscape of operations and forging seamless connections to enhance efficiency and streamline processes. Its digital prowess marks a significant milestone, revolutionizing our approach to conducting operations. Explore more about this transformative marvel on my blog.

  46. The Scottsdale City Jail in Arizona provides an inmate search feature that allows you to look up information about current inmates, including their mugshots,
    Visit My Post: inmate-search

Reply to missionlaneloginin