SPECIAL REPORT : THE NEW LOBBY
Westin Hotels & Resorts also took a multi-faceted approach in reimagining its lobbies . The Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide brand ’ s new lobby concept incorporates everything from vertical gardens to a graband-go café , a variety of seating zones and free-standing check-in spaces that replace the traditional check-in desk with areas better suited to personal guest interaction .
Another Starwood brand , Sheraton , counts “ Link ” as a key part of its lobbies , designed as a quiet library-like area where guests can work somewhat informally . When the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh , Scotland , completed a renovation last June , the lobby refurbishment included adding Link as well as a den area with a television for watching sports or other events . The hotel also moved away from a traditional front desk , redesigning the check-in space so it would be easier for associates to welcome guests . “ We want to make sure people don ’ t feel like they ’ re being processed ,” notes General Manager JP Kavanagh . “ It should feel like an experience and an interaction . My hope would be that we don ’ t dehumanize the process of what happens in the lobby — the arrival experience . Service is still required , and many of our customers still look for and appreciate that service .”
Pentahotel Shanghai offers bistro-style F & B in its multi-purpose , lounge-style lobby .
The lobby at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh features redesigned check-in desks designed to make it easier for associates to welcome guests as well as locally inspired touches such as tartan-patterned rugs .
At the InterContinental Miami , coffee tables embedded with oversized Microsoft tablets allow guests to order hotel services or find other local information .
TRICKY TECH
When the InterContinental Miami underwent a US $ 30 million capital improvement recently , the focus was on integrating arts and technology , and nowhere is that marriage more apparent than the lobby . There , two video walls broadcast live feeds of the local area . On a smaller scale , “ pods ” provide guests with personalized lighting , music , LCD screens showcasing art and coffee tables embedded with Microsoft tablets that allow guests to order hotel services or find local information .
“ Variety is the one constant that best represents how hotel lobbies have evolved ,” notes Michael Dalton , vice president of design and capital projects for Chicago-based Strategic Hotels & Resorts , which owns the InterContinental Miami .
“ Most anything can work if executed properly and marketed responsibly .”
When it comes to technology , however , the cutting edge can be a double-edged sword . “ Often the goal is to have the next cool thing , but the latest thing isn ’ t even working ,” cautions Lisa Zandee , senior vice president of brand management for Denihan Hospitality Group , New York City .
Jonathan Nehmer , president of Rockville , Marylandbased architecture and design firm Jonathan Nehmer + Associates , adds that while key lobby amenities include strong Wi-Fi , abundant power outlets and efficient lighting , overall the goal is a moving target . “ Technology changes rapidly — what s state-ofthe-art today is tomorrow ’ s obsolescence ,” Nehmer says . “ The key is to design for flexibility to accept the next wave of new technology .”
20 HOTELS March 2013 www . hotelsmag . com