Flexible and functional – Design traits of the hybrid hotel

As hotels evolve into hybrid spaces, Tarkett explores the design choices that support this trend.

The trend towards hybrid spaces within the hospitality industry is growing ever stronger as people are more comfortable and excited about spending time with others in public spaces.

Hotels are no longer seen as just a place to stay, but are providing spaces that cater for a wide range of activities and visitor types; hotel guests as well as locals for work, socialising and everything in between.

Hotels are now discovering that a shift in design direction, incorporating adaptable features that can flex to guests’ needs, is key to attracting these new customers.

User-centric spaces

As always, those using the space should be at the centre of the design scheme, and adaptability that caters for a wider variety of users is at the heart of the hybrid hotel movement.

By incorporating flexible design features throughout communal spaces, hotels can stay relevant as guests’ needs change, with even the smallest of hotels honing the ability to offer a hybrid experience.

Quiet spaces with a community feel

One of the key challenges that designers face is developing a scheme that flows from private to more public areas, and offers a welcoming space for users who need privacy, while allowing them to still feel connected to the wider community in that space.

Part of this is maintaining the need for quiet and private areas within larger spaces; creating a warm and welcoming hotel space that is also functional. Designers can achieve this through the clever use of softer furnishings and sound-absorbing flooring solutions such as Desso Axminster Carpets or Desso Carpet Tiles and Rugs.

Flexibility through zoning

Visual and functional zoning also plays a crucial role when designing the hybrid hotel. Colours, textures and different materials all help guide guests and visitors through the space and help them decode how to use it; where to retreat for a private conversation and where the more social spaces are.

The use of modular furniture that can be moved or transformed into something else is a great way of creating rooms within rooms – or to open the space up as required.

This can also be achieved through flooring where a combination of products can help clearly define zones and walkways, whilst maintaining the high quality and luxury ambiance associated with hotels.

With Tarkett flooring solutions, designers have the ability to specify beautiful multi-category products that are suitable for all spaces within the hotel. The wide choice of materials, textures and colours available make it easy to combine harmonious tones across different product types, perfect for creating a functional hybrid space.

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