10 Hospitality Trends to Watch in 2023
A Hotel is Full-On Theatre
For the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam, hospitality trend forecaster Vincent van Dijk visited a selection of new hotels in Belgium and the Netherlands to discover the most important hospitality trends for 2023.
1. SENSORY STIMULATION
In a hotel, it is no longer just about providing guests with a good bed and a warm shower. It is about wellbeing. It’s about the complete experience, in which all senses are stimulated. The guests want to feel the texture of the walls and the fabric of the bed sheets, they want to hear music, be surprised by unique scents, taste exciting new flavours, and be surrounded by splendour.
2. ULTIMATE ESCAPE
In uncertain times like these, hotels become a safe haven for guests to retreat to. Places where people can escape reality for a day or two. Where they can be surprised by creativity. Or where they can simply ease their minds and relax.
3. PLANT-FORWARD
Guests like to be surrounded by nature. This green aspiration can also be seen in the demand for food and beverages. Hotels offer restaurants and bars where plant-based items define the menu, and where guests can taste special flavours and products in a sustainable, and responsible way, keeping health a top priority.
4. DESIGN DOMINATION
Moreover, Art has become more predominant in hotels. People like to escape reality and gain inspiration through art. Hotels are becoming the new galleries and museums and will turn into important platforms for local artists, as they are able to showcase their artworks in the rooms and common areas of the hotel. In general, hotels are becoming an important partner to supportthe currently struggling, cultural sector. Hotel shops are turning into hubs for unique products. Instead of souvenirs, top-design and artworks are exclusively sold at the shops, turning hotels into hubs for unique products.
5. ADAPTIVE REUSE
Design is also becoming an increasingly important element in hotel interiors. More often, hotels opt to implement their own unique style, as regularly replacing trend-sensitive interiors is anything but sustainable. Creating and implementing a unique design gives a hotel its own identity and will last for eternity. However, it is also possible to return to the past and reuse centuries-old buildings by giving them a sustainable coat to preserve their rich heritage for future generations. We also recognise a trend in recycling furniture and old materials. Overall, the emergence of circular hotels is in full swing. Sustainability is no longer a hype, but a standard.
6. CULTURAL HUB
Hotels are given a different purpose and are turning into meeting places for like-minded people. A place where people work, live, recreate, play sports, study, and eat. Hotels are turning into venues where digital nomads live, venues where we discover that, no matter where from, people are all the same.
7. EXPERIENTIAL RETAIL
Hotel shops are turning into hubs for unique products. Instead of souvenirs, top-design and artworks are exclusively sold at the shops, turning hotels into hubs for unique products.
8. HYBRID HOSPITALITY
Hotels are given a different purpose and are turning into meeting places for like-minded people. A place where people work, live, recreate, play sports, study, and eat. Hotels are turning into venues where digital nomads live, venues where we discover that, no matter where from, people are all the same.
9. LOCAL LUXURY
People see hotels as a way to escape this uncertain reality filled with climate problems, wars, and faltering economies. People are spending their money more consciously, but desire to surround themselves with luxury, quality, and local. Because when people travel, they want to connect. Connect with locals, the local cuisine, the local culture, and the local crafts. They do not want their plates to be filled with conventional food. New forms of luxury are emerging. Luxury that’s sustainable, accessible, and affordable.
10. PERSONALISATION
Conclusively, personalisation is becoming more and more critical. Each guest is unique and should be treated differently. The more personal, the better. While technology is constantly developing to improve processes like check-in, and payment, the staff focuses on improving its service to its guests.
Beelden: Krijn van der Lugt Photography & Video