When you look at growing hospitality trends in 2015 and beyond, one must consider the impact millennials are having, and will continue to have, on how hotels present themselves and curate their guest experiences. The rise of global warming, efforts to grow and consume more sustainable food, as well as the growing association between body health and mental clarity have started to shape many people’s preferences in what they’re looking for out of a lodging experience.
Not to mention what the convenience of smart phones and having a boatload of services available at the touch of a fingertip can do to tweak habits. All these issues of course aren’t reserved to strictly millennials; however, one could argue they’re the most sustainability-conscious generation yet. So while the current traveler still fits many personas, the future of hotel guests lie in this maturing generation.
Let’s take a look at HotelsByDay’s three growing hospitality trends in 2015 below.
- The Sharing Economy
According to more bureaucratic individuals and organizations, the emergence of apps like Uber, Lyft and HotelsbyDay are disruptive, ripping apart longstanding industries that have thrived free of outside competition for decades. According to others, we’re finally entering a truly shared economy, where problems are being solved regardless of the toes being stepped on. It still remains to be seen how Uber and Lyft will mesh with the taxi industry in big cities like Chicago and New York, though it’s safe to say HotelsbyDay has complemented the hospitality industry well so far.
In all these booking apps, we’re seeing an overall holistic theme to not waste any time, money or space, because, why would we with technology on our side? HotelsbyDay is taking the historically unused hotel daytime hours and benefitting those on both sides of the coin. Travelers not needing to stay the night can book an affordable, luxury room — while hotels can make money off rooms that would have otherwise stayed unused during the day.
- Increased Sustainability for Eco-Friendly Travelers
Hotels are slowly becoming greener as a means to attract the sustainability crowd. Simple but costly tweaks, like deploying lower-wattage lighting, sensor lights or even room technology that shuts off all power until a room key is inserted into the door saves considerable amounts of energy each day. Many hotels are now offering guests the option to decline towel and sheet cleaning services in an attempt to save water.
Hotel restaurants and bars are using more locally sourced, farm-fresh food in their menus as a means of educating visitors about the area while providing more wholesome food options. The Marriot in Chicago has even transformed their vending machines to reflect local organic fare like Greek yogurt with berries and local honey; Kale Caesar Salad; Quinoa with almond milk and berries; or even lemon pepper chicken breast with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. There will always be the clientele who want the candy bars and soda, but more and more people want to see healthy options where they go, too. The juicy Reuben or bacon double cheeseburger isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, but the shift toward healthy food has definitely begun.
- Wellness to the Forefront
As with sustainability, wellness of the body and mind is also steadily on the rise. Hotels utilizing air purification systems in the room, and natural shampoo or soap in the shower capture the wellness crowd. Lodging that offers dedicated yoga and mediation spaces appeal to the conscious traveler looking to continue their good habits while on the road. Workout and fitness rooms will continue to see face-lifts as more people are tying their body health and mental clarity together as one dependent operation.
Hotels offering community-oriented Zumba or morning running programs could also see an uptick in the booking interest of travelers looking to exercise but in a more social setting than the lonely fitness room. The hotels that continue to see their business increasing will appeal to this community of sustainability-minded and wellness-driven group of travelers.
Are you a hotel looking to partner with HotelsbyDay? Learn more about our partnerships here. Have a question? Email us at [email protected], or give us a call at 1-855-925-2530 today!
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Loulu Lima
Latest posts by Loulu Lima (see all)
- Hotels By Day App: Early Check-ins and Late Check-Outs - January 15, 2016
- Spotlight Los Angeles: 4 Ways - January 13, 2016
- Spotlight Miami: 4 Ways - January 11, 2016