We've reached the final part in our 3 part series on Hospitality Trends for 2021. In part 1 we explore the impact of covid on hospitality in the new year and in part 2 we looked at consumer trends that hoteliers can expect. In the last part of this series, we will look into trending hotel concepts that will take 2021 over by storm.
Part 3 - Concept Trends
Hotel concepts are always changing. As we head into 2021 we're going to see a lot of innovation and creativity when it comes to new hotel builds. We're also going to see hoteliers shift from cookie cutter designs to more instagramable moments with a focus on the businesses social impact on the world. As we dive into the final part of this series, we will examine the top concept trends to expect in 2021.
1 - Sustainability
If you haven’t noticed this already, but consumer goods from the groceries we buy to the packaging used on our parcels to even clothing, there has been a huge focus on sustainable materials and processes all with the effort to reduce our carbon footprint and cause less stress on the earth. More and more brands and products are marketing how sustainable a product is.
“Made with 100% recycled materials”
“100% biodegradable”
“This product was used with 40% less water”
Sustainability has become more of a movement than a trend and that is going to continue as a hospitality trend in 2021. “Green hotels'' have become increasingly sought after in recent years. In 2017, Booking.com found that 68% of travellers confirm they are more likely to consider choosing an accommodation knowing that it was eco-friendly. Furthermore, 65% of global travellers expressed their intention to stay in an eco-friendly accommodation at least once that year and those numbers are growing.
Going more green isn’t an overnight thing. Some hotels have it baked right into their infrastructure, whereas others are making changes towards more eco-friendly practices and systems. It’s important to access cost, impact, and feasibility at your property. Remember: out of all the initiatives you may want to implement, not all of them will make sense at your hotel. A good place to start is the low hanging fruit. Perhaps your property was due for new appliances - use this opportunity to research the best energy efficient smart appliances you can get in your budget. Once you’ve gotten all the low hanging fruit out of the way, it’s time to plan your long term sustainability goals and projects forecasting each project by timeline and budget.
Case in point?
Svart, located by the Svartisen glacier in Norway is slated for completion in 2021. This stunning design masterpiece will become the world’s first energy-positive hotel, meaning that over the course of its lifetime, it will produce more energy than it uses or was used to build it. Features like an onsite education and design lab, sustainable farm producing ingredients for the hotel’s four restaurants, and a roof made from solar panels are just a few of the energy initiatives this hotel takes on.
For more tips on how to become more eco-friendly at your hotel, visit our article on sustainability.
2 - Hybrid hotels
Previously, you had 2 choices: a luxury accommodation would cost you an arm and leg OR if you wanted to stay on a budget, then you’d end up in some not-so-desirable sleeping situations. Nowadays, hybrid hotel concepts are becoming increasingly popular for the mass public who would like a little luxury who would also like to keep their arms and legs. Luxury doesn’t have to come at a high price anymore with “glostel” (glamourous +hostel) concepts. Hotels like Jo&Joe and The Green Elephant are paving the way for these hybrid hotel concepts that appeal to a wider audience. This hospitality trend for 2021 will continue to grow for years to come.
3 - Remote working alternatives
With the decline of corporate and business travel we touched on above, means the remote working segment may be looking for a work-from-home alternative as office spaces remain closed in 2021. Hotels like The Zoku Amsterdam have a well configured space that balances work and living with a creative and modern design. Many office spaces are going remote indefinitely so this is definitely an attractive option for many people with home situations that can’t accommodate work.
Taking on a project like this must be meticulously planned. Taking shortcuts like simply adding a desk and chair in the room and calling it a “workspace” will make it obvious this was a shortcut so plan appropriately and do it the right way if you choose to transform your property.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it!
That’s a wrap on 2020 and our 3 part series on top hospitality trends for 2021. Hoteliers have a huge task ahead of them as we navigate through the tail end of COVID-19. Hotels that are choosing to stay updated, working on the inputs and innovating where they can will ultimately be the ones coming out on top so we hope this list gives you some inspiration and guidance for the year to come.
