PUBLIC OFFERING
FITNESS FOCUS
What ’ s Hot : DESIGN
The redesigned lobby at Affinia Gardens in New York City aims to resemble a contemporary living room .
A multi-purpose lounge — not a traditional lobby — is at the heart of all Pentahotels properties .
PUBLIC OFFERING
No longer just a place to check in and out , lobbies are evolving into areas where guests can eat , work , relax and socialize .
Comfort is the key concept behind the lobby redesign at Affinia Gardens in New York City . Aiming to create a space resembling a contemporary living room , architecture and interior design firm Stonehill
& Taylor , New York City , incorporated a handmade fireplace set in a wood-paneled wall lined with shelves of gardening books and repurposed garden tools . Upholstered chairs , leather ottomans that serve as a coffee table and arched floor lamps complete the tableau . Pentahotels counts a multi-purpose lounge — not a traditional lobby — at the heart of its hotels . Using wrought-iron pendant lights , charcoal granite flooring , brick walls and wool rugs , the lounge is designed as a bistro-style gathering place . It ’ s something an increasing number of guests will have a chance to experience , as Pentahotels plans to have 80 properties open by 2020 .
Restaurants at Even Hotels will focus on natural , fresh , fit and energizing meals available anytime .
Best-in-class gyms are a key design element for Even properties .
FITNESS FOCUS
Many hotels have started emphasizing wellness in their design with features like hypoallergenic rooms and state-of-the-art fitness centers . But this past February , IHG took the focus on wellness to the next level with Even Hotels — a brand centered on growing customer demand for healthier travel . “ The wellness sector continues to grow year over year , and the launch of Even Hotels will allow IHG to take advantage of this long-term trend ,” Kirk Kinsell , president , the Americas , for IHG said when Even debuted this past February . Even properties will include wellness-related design elements such as multi-functional guestroom amenities — a coat rack that doubles as a pull-up bar , for instance — as well as best-in-class gyms and a “ Wellness Wall ” showcasing fitness options within walking distance and wellness tips .
IHG is confident Even has a healthy future — the company is committing up to US $ 150 million over the next three years to the brand and expects to sign contracts for 100 Even properties in the next five years .
“ As the number of people traveling continues to grow , there is increased demand to incorporate healthier options ,” notes Brooke Pearsall , managing director of design for HVS Design . “ The Even hotel concept is a perfect response to that need , providing guests with ample choices to maintain their lifestyle on the go .”
34 HOTELS October 2012 www . hotelsmag . com