We recently shared our top picks for commercial construction industry trends for 2023. Below are our top 5 hospitality construction trends to look for in 2023.
1. Sustainability and Building Green
A large section of the hospitality industry participates in Go Green acts to lessen negative environmental impact. In the last 10 years, hoteliers applied sustainability practices to their properties. This granted a significant impact on the environment, enhanced guest experience, and drove overall revenue. Governments have also started giving out economic incentives for the construction of properties that incorporate green technology. These incentives range from tax write-offs, expedited regulatory permitting, financial grants, and premium discounts for insurance.
There are also ways to shorten renovation cycles with the environment in mind like dry-lay porcelain tile which installs five times faster than traditional thin-set and utilizes recycled tires or smart sensor systems and water reuse as efficient ways to minimize waste. Consider sourcing supplies locally or invest in environmental technologies that reduce costs for your hotel and improves efficiency.
A hotel’s story from construction to experience centered around environmental initiatives can positively influence a customers’ booking decision because many guests now prefer an eco-friendly experience.
2. Community Spaces
In 2023 look for an increase in public spaces, especially for mixed-use. Architects and designers are reexamining public spaces as a result of the global pandemic. It is a complex and variegated issue that involves every single aspect of the planning, design and construction process.
Travelers and locals are looking for an authentic connection to the history of the area and the natural environment. If done right, a hotel’s design can offer insights into the culture and history of the surrounding market and capture the character of the community. There is also an increased demand for community-style public spaces that help cultivate health and well-being by reflecting and incorporating the natural environment.
3. Food & Beverage
It’s no secret that hotel operators see food and beverage services as a money stream. Many hotels are beginning to turn underused breakfast spaces into flexible, all-day use or adding niche cafés, coffee bars, artisanal grab & go markets, or even high-end dining. Not only does this provide an exciting amenity for guests to enjoy during their stay, but these spaces also attract locals and the surrounding community to take part. These spaces can also help build community for your guests with technology lounges, expansive patios, and beer gardens with open fire pits.
Speaking of beer gardens, there is seemingly no end in sight to the current craft beer craze, and hospitality restaurants are tapping into this trend by not only introducing more brewery-based concepts, but also by expanding the beer offerings. As a result, we’re seeing a change in the footprint, particularly with new hospitality construction projects where clients are dedicating more square footage to back-of-house beverage cold storage. This can also include the mechanical infrastructure to accommodate an extensive draft beer menu which is traditionally installed underground but can be retrofit overhead for hospitality renovation projects.
4. Technology
Many hotels are now considered “smart hotels” and are integrating smart technology as a way to enhance the guest experience and improve hotel operations. This may include offering Wi-Fi throughout the property, a mobile guest app allowing check-ins and check-outs, direct messaging, or a mobile key for use on their smart phone. These smart hotels are also incorporating in-room technology that uses a tablet to replace the printed compendium, collateral, and alarm clocks. With a tablet, guests will have direct digital access to hotel staff, in-room dining, making reservations, submitting service requests, and even controlling the room environment.
Technology for hotel operations not only offers a variety of cost savings but also opens up better revenue opportunities. This may include door lock sensors, temperature monitors, and occupancy sensors as part of hotels energy management systems. Some hotels are now installing automatic shutdown sockets. These are simply smart power outlets that use infrared sensors or timers to cut power to any connected device when the device is not in use or the room is unoccupied. This can account for considerable savings allowing hotels to no longer power devices in stand-by mode when not in use.
5. In-Room Details
Guests are looking for enhancements everywhere, which is especially true of the rooms they stay in, in terms of décor, fixtures, finishes, and linens. Hotels in general have been upgrading their guestroom bathrooms with better lighting, fixtures, and finishes. Some higher-end hotels are installing heated floors, motion-detecting floor lighting designed into the beds, or allow guests to control the room lighting, blinds, and HVAC via a smartphone app. Many new hotel builds include less closet space and more emphasis on outlets to plug in personal technology devices.
Bonus! Hospitality Color Trends
The Colormix® team at Sherwin-Williams has put together a 2023 forecast of trending colors for hospitality construction. Recent trends in hospitality like ecotourism and edu-travel provide travelers with an opportunity to explore diverse cultures and learn about local crafts and traditions. To create this experience, hotels must fully embrace the history and character of the region, not only through activities, food, or events but also when considering color palettes for their spaces. Click here to view the 2023 hospitality color palette from Sherwin-Williams.
