“Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent”
-Joe Sparano
Hotels can be of any type, size and price range in hospitality. The hospitality industry is a constantly evolving space, and at its heart hotel design is an essential element in determining the guest’s overall experience. There are two broad categories of hotels, luxury and budget friendly. In spite of their efforts to ensure guests a pleasant and memorable stay, these hotels are very different from one another. We will explore five major areas that distinguish luxury and affordable hotel design from one another in the context of this exhaustive investigation.
1. Materials & Finishes
One of the visual differences between luxury and budget friendly hotels is the choice of materials and finishes in hotel design. Luxury hotels are increasingly selecting materials of superior quality that bring a sense of elegance and beauty to their rooms. The decor of these establishments is dominated by marble floors, exotic woods, luxurious fabrics and detailed details.
Each detail is carefully selected to give a sense of luxury and sophistication. These materials not only give off a luxury of their own but also promise long lasting durability. The guests are immediately engulfed in an aura of grandeur and luxury upon their arrival at the luxurious hotel.
It is as if we were entering a world of extravagance and luxury where every detail, from the polished marble floors in the lobby to the carefully chosen furniture in the guest rooms, was meticulously designed so that an unique experience could be created.
On the other hand, budget friendly hotels place a premium on efficiency and function. They can make use of lighter, more flexible materials that do not have the dazzling appearance of their higher end counterparts. The budget-friendly hotel opts to use cost-effective materials, offering a clean and functional environment.
It may still need to have the luxurious aesthetic qualities of its high-end counterparts. These hotels are characterised by simpler and more utilitarian design. They’re focused on providing comfort and functionality that’s not excessive. In the budget friendly hotel, here are some specific examples on how to apply color, lighting and texture for creating an elegant luxury aesthetic
- Color: Paint your room walls with rich colors such as emerald green or sapphire blue. To give pops of interest, you may also like to use complementary colors. For example, to give a touch of glamour or silver accent that would enhance the more contemporary look, it is worth using golden accents.
- Lighting: Create a warm and welcoming environment with low and ambient lighting selection. Avoid use of harsh overhead lighting which can be unpleasant and render the area cold and sterile. Use lights and sconces to bring the light in a more diffuse, attractive way.
- Textures: Incorporate luxurious textures into your rooms with velvet, silk, and fur accents. Velvet throw pillows on the beds, silk curtains on the windows, and fur rugs on the floor can be used. To create a glamorous look that doesn’t require the high price tag, you will also be able to apply Faux Fur or Faux Leather.
2. Interior Design & Decor
In shaping a hotel’s guest experience, it is paramount that the accommodation be designed and decorated properly. A luxury hotel has a reputation for its precise attention to detail, unique thematic elements and individually designed rooms.
In each of these luxurious hotel lobby interior designs , there is a careful selection of all elements to create an atmosphere of pure luxury and exclusivity. To provide guests with a unique experience, it is important to carefully select furniture, lighting, color schemes and art. The purpose of luxury hotels is to transport their guests into an atmosphere specifically designed for them.
On the other hand, there is often more standardized design in budget friendly hotels. These designs are practical, streamlined, and intended to provide essential comfort without unnecessary embellishments.
Budget friendly hotels are more focused on functionality and efficiency, even though they lack the individuality and uniqueness of luxury hotels. The decor and interior design here might be more minimalist, and although they may not offer the same level of personalisation, they are designed to fulfill the fundamental needs of travelers.
3. Amenities & Services
In comparing luxury and budget friendly hotels, amenities and services are another factor which defines a hotel. There are a large number of facilities and services available in luxury hotels. This could include onsite spas, fine dining restaurants, personalised concierge services, fitness centres, and so on. Providing a comprehensive and immersive experience for guests is at the heart of this endeavour. In order to keep guests entertained and entertained during their stay, luxury hotels often act as a destination themselves, offering a wide range of activities and services.
On contrarily, a more limited selection of facilities and services is offered by budget friendly hotels. They’re focused on providing basic services of free Wi fi, breakfast cereals, housekeeping and perhaps a hotel fitness center. Budget friendly hotels do not seek to challenge luxury hotels in terms of facilities, but remain the essential elements that travellers need when staying at a budget hotel; this ensures an enjoyable stay which fits their budgets.
4. Space & Room Size
Another significant difference in luxury versus budget friendly establishments is the size and layout of hotel rooms. A large suite with good layout is often found in luxury hotels. These apartments are meticulously designed so as to give their occupants a wide range of different living areas and, in some cases, even special terraces. An atmosphere of extravagance and comfort is enhanced by an extra space as well as thoughtfully designed spaces. The rooms in luxury hotels are not just places of sleep, they’re sanctuaries where the guests can actually relax and rest.
On the other hand, more compact rooms are offered by budget friendly hotels. The purpose of these rooms is to provide functionality and affordability. In addition, although they may not be able to provide as much space and more living areas as luxury hotels do, they meet the essential needs of travellers. Budget friendly hotel rooms layout and design aim at maximising space efficiency so that guests enjoy a comfortable, no frills experience on the budget.
5. Guest Experience
There may be significant differences between luxury and budget-friendly hotels regarding the size and layout of the hotel rooms. In luxury hotels, there are usually spacious rooms that offer elegant seating configurations, separate sitting areas and luxurious bathrooms. On the other hand, budget-friendly hotels focus on space efficiency and provide smaller, functional rooms in line with guests’ basic needs.
There are striking differences between luxury and budget-friendly hotel design, but each serves its purpose within the hospitality sector. Luxury hotels seek to create a world of exquisiteness and elegance, offering guests an indulgent experience with a full range of premium services and comforts. In contrast, budget-friendly hotels are focused on efficiency and affordability in terms of comfort and convenience for guests looking for a cost-effective place to stay.
The focus is on delivering cost effective and easily accessible experiences in budget friendly hotels. Budget friendly hotels aim to offer comfortable, hassle free hotel stays for travelers who prioritize affordability, although their facilities and services may be more restricted and the number of rooms smaller. Budget friendly hotels are popular with guests, who appreciate the efficiency and accessibility of such establishments, allowing them to enjoy a trip without breaking the bank.
The distinction of luxury and budget friendly establishments in the fast changing hotel world is an important aspect that must be understood. Choosing the materials and finishes has an important role to play when designing luxury hotels with their luxurious features as well as functionality that is budget friendly. The meticulous attention to detail in high end hotels, and the practical grace of budget friendly establishments, is reflected in interior design and decor, an essential aspect of hotel architecture.
In conclusion, the choice of luxury or budget friendly hotels lies in each individual’s preferences, priorities and budgetary constraints. The luxury hotels offer an unparalleled level of luxury and exclusivity, creating an environment where every detail is tailored to the comfort and satisfaction of the guest.
The budget friendly hotels, for their part, allow travellers who are more interested in functionality and affordability to have easy access to accommodation. Each category stands out due to its distinctive characteristics, serving a specific segment of the market. Understanding these main differences is crucial in the work of interior design firms when working on hotel design projects.
It’s to make sure the design is consistent with the hotel’s target audiences, budget and brand identity. The art of hotel design continues to evolve, providing a wide range of options for tourists when they choose from luxury establishments that specialise in opulence or budget friendly hotels focused on cost effective comfort.
Regarding hotel design projects, the success factor lies in how well they respond to each guest’s specific needs and expectations, whether it’s their quest for luxury or affordable experiences. For instance, Oraanj Interior Design, among the renowned interior design firms in London, has mastered the art of creating spaces that cater to a diverse range of guest preferences. Their expertise in blending luxury and affordability serves as a prime example of how effective hotel design can meet and exceed the expectations of guests.
Author: Yogita Sawarthia & Tejaswini Patil (Interior Designer)