As society transitions into an “experience economy,” tourists are quickly focusing more on immersing themselves in the destination rather than simply learning about it. This shift has moved the focus from “being there” to “experiencing the there” in a more fast-paced manner. As tourism shifts towards this mindset, travel is increasingly being seen as a means for personal fulfillment, identity enhancement, and self-expression.

In the 1980s, boutique hotels emerged as independent enterprises that tapped into consumer consciousness by prioritizing the creation of hotels that appeal to local communities. By joining voluntary groups, they were able to enable consumers to enjoy the benefits of chain hotels without the drawbacks. A key turning point in interior design trends occurred when storytelling was introduced into the design process. This required designers to approach projects like directors, viewing the space as a concept-driven experience conveyed through the interiors. By embracing these changes, the goal is for guests to connect with the historical concept of the hotel, taking away memories that reflect both the hotel and the surrounding culture.

(Klumbis & Munsters, 2005)

[INTERIOR DESIGN]

Interior design integrates concepts, materials, and technologies tailored to the environment, while considering the functional needs of the space to create interiors that are practical, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable. By blending everyday life with art, interior design satisfies both the “ontology” of human spiritual needs and the “functionality” of material needs.

[TRADITIONAL CULTURE]

Traditional culture refers to the core elements of a culture that remain stable over time. It encompasses a nation’s historical knowledge, customs, ideologies, moral systems, laws, values, and everyday practices. These cultural elements are passed down through generations and embody a society’s spiritual heritage.

[THEIR RELATIONSHIP]

By thoughtfully merging modern interior design with traditional culture, Chinese design has begun to draw inspiration from the philosophical concepts rooted in traditional architectural culture. Contemporary interior design increasingly incorporates symbols from traditional architecture into interior spaces and decoration.

[THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRST IMPRESSION]

Creating a “wow” moment through a visual narrative captivates guests and makes their initial encounter unforgettable.

[CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES]

Every design detail contributes to the overall atmosphere of an environment, engaging the senses and emotions.

[FUNCTIONALITY MEETS AESTHETICS]

Harmonizing practical and aesthetic elements enhances the guest experience

[THE WELLNESS FACTOR IN HOSPITALITY DESIGN]

Incorporating nature, natural light, and thoughtful spatial sequencing promotes wellness.

[ADAPTING TO CULTURE & LOCAL CONTEXTS IN DESIGN]

Reflecting local culture and heritage in design creates a unique sense of place, offering guests an authentic connection to the local culture.

The article highlighted the current innovations in the hotel industry, which are responding to the increasing demand for spaces that offer more than just luxury, but also a deep connection to the surrounding nature and local environment. Hotels are moving beyond just simple accommodation, and now offering a relaxing and holistic experience that creates a connection with nature. This shift is influenced by biophilic design, which integrates natural elements into hotel environments.

Several hotels were mentioned for successfully enhancing the guest experience through the seamless blend of the built environment with nature, including Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo, Peninsula, Rosewood Kona Village, and Amrit Florida. (White Space, 2024)

In recent years, our economy has transitioned into an “experience economy,” where consumers seek more than just commodities, products, or services. Instead, they desire memorable experiences. These experiences are the result of various dimensions—emotional, physical, intellectual, or spiritual—blending together to create something impactful. However, organizations cannot directly provide an experience to consumers; they can only design environments that enable experiences to unfold. These experiences are shaped by what happens internally in a consumer’s mind and their external reactions. The goal is to create what O’Dell refers to as an “experience escape,” a space of pleasure, enjoyment, and entertainment where meaningful human interactions occur.

Carbone and Haeckel identify two types of contextual cues: mechanics and humanics. Mechanics refer to the “sights, smells, tastes, sounds, and textures produced by objects,” while humanics arise from people and the interactions between employees and customers. Memorable guest experiences occur when a company uses its services as the stage and its goods as props to engage customers in a deeply personal and meaningful way. (Walls, 2011)

[BOX HOTEL]

Demands quality guarantee, minimum standards, no suprises, experiences are sought outside the hotel, recognotion of the product, to feel home by means of the “hardware”, reliable unique selling propositions, familiar with the brand image

[LIFESTYLE HOTELS]

Quality expected due to high level of lifestyle hotels, exceeding standards, suprise- adventure- history, the hotel stay is an experience in itself, recognition as a quest, to feel at home in means of the “software”, really unique selling propositions, search for a specific identity