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Operators want to wow their customers in the lobby , empower them in the casino , and make them feel at home and special in the guest room .
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— Nicole Dalton , principal , Dalton Steelman Arias & Anderson
frosted doors to allow more light into the space , and natural stone whenever the budget allows to create a more residential feel . To create the look of a high-end marble bathroom , we ’ re now using engineered stone , which is far more durable and less expensive than natural stone — again , to create a high-end residential look .”
The approach to wall art has shifted away from typical framed pieces , she says .
“ We try not to do the expected when it comes to art in our guest rooms . It doesn ’ t have to be just framed images on a wall ; it could be a screened wall pattern used as a divider between the guest room and the bathroom .” In one novel creation , “ we designed a channel-tufted , fully upholstered wall with artwork printed across the entire length of the room , creating one large piece of art .”
Behind closed hotel room doors , “ you want to create a detour from reality , an escape from everyday life ,” Dalton says . “ In the guest room , you want to create different fantasies that they don ’ t have at home , an environment that ’ s out of the ordinary .”
Dalton approaches room design with an eye for both past and future . “ We ’ re designing rooms to have a more ‘ residential-luxe ’ feel . The bed linens and pillows are luxurious , yet the design of the bedding remains white , which is always timeless .
“ I see the trend of accent throws at the foot of the bed going away . We ’ re adding fully upholstered walls to create a more inviting space . Our goal is to create a room that doesn ’ t have any negative feedback on sites like TripAdvisor .”
The furniture is designed to be multi-functional , she notes . “ Often due to space limitations , we ’ ll create a chaise longue that ’ s not only inviting to relax in , but also a place for people to work and dine , rather than adding a traditional dining table , desk / workspace . We ’ re creating more multi-use spaces .”
Bathrooms offer another area for innovative luxury . “ Good lighting is essential ,” says Dalton . “ We use lighted mirrors and
Millennials are an increasingly important demographic . Perhaps surprisingly , the uber-social generation also demands privacy , says Dalton . “ They don ’ t necessarily want to interact with anybody . During their stay , many things are customizable onto their iPhone . They ’ d like to check in with their iPhone , unlock their door with their iPhone . You swipe your phone and the television comes on to something you like . You can order things off your phone , have food sent directly to your room . We ’ re incorporating more of that into the design .”
Younger guests “ want a space that feels modern and will change with their mood . We ’ re designing rooms with control systems like Alexa so the guest can say , ‘ Close the draperies . Buy a concert ticket . Turn on the lights .’”
Dalton has worked with many of the world ’ s leading gaming companies including the Las Vegas Sands , MGM Resorts International , Station Casinos and Caesars Entertainment . For her , the experience never grows stale . It can run several months to a year and a half , spanning hurdles and adrenaline rushes .
“ You get most excited during that two weeks before the install ,” she says . “ You see it coming together and you remember the beginning of the project , sitting in that meeting and looking at the faces of your clients and knowing you ’ ve captured what they want . They understand it . They get it . They want it .”
When it opens in 2020 , Resorts World Las Vegas will have more than 6,500 hotel rooms
WHAT MILLENNIALS WANT
2017 CASINO STYLE l 25