Designing a hotel lobby: ideas and trends

What is hotel lobby design?

Hotel lobby design is about creating a welcoming, functional, and beautiful hotel entrance that enhances both the guest’s first impression of your hotel and their overall experience.

A hotel lobby is the main entrance and central space where guests are greeted, can spend time relaxing and be checked in.

What is a hotel lobby used for?

A hotel lobby is the entrance and center of a property. This is where guests are greeted and checked in, and it also serves as a transition space for guests exploring the area.

Hotel lobbies tend to be comfortable and stylish, with lounge areas, concierge services, and sometimes amenities like bars, cafes, or lounges, which also transform the area into a social hub.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at hotel lobbies, to understand why they’re so important and how to plan and design yours.

How important is hotel lobby design?

Hotel lobbies are the very important first impression a guest will have of your hotel. A beautiful, functional and unique hotel lobby ensures that the first impression is good and lasts. When a guest is thinking about where they would like to go for their next trip, or a loved one asks for a hotel recommendation, your property will be at the top of their mind.

In this way, a hotel lobby can be seen as a compelling branding opportunity. By displaying your brand colors and placing your hotel logo in a prominent location, you can make your hotel more memorable to guests.

Then there’s the experience you provide in your lobby. By making the space a social hub through shared amenities such as cafes and bars, you increase the opportunities for your guests to have a memorable experience in the space.

Hotel Lobby Design Ideas: How to Plan a Hotel Lobby?

Hotel Lobby Design Projects require careful consideration. A quality space will offer beauty, functionality and originality, while reflecting the character of your hotel. Here are some key design considerations:

Reflect brand identity in lobby design

Hotel branding can be incredibly powerful, so it’s important that you invest in developing your logo and color palette, which you can highlight in your lobby to make it more memorable. You can then go further by reflecting your brand in the furniture, decor and signature scents you choose. You might even consider commissioning custom artwork that fits your brand.

Create the right mood with color psychology

Think beyond your brand colors and consider how color changes the way a customer perceives your lobby. Soft neutral tones like beige and gray are welcoming and relaxing. Accents of darker hues, like navy blue or emerald green, can add sophistication. Brighter accents, like yellow and orange, can make the space feel positive, energetic and fun.

Get a high-end look on a budget

High-end design doesn’t necessarily come with a high-end price. You can elevate the look of the entire space by carefully selecting a few high-quality centerpieces, from art to furniture, then using strategic lighting and more affordable luxury materials to decorate the rest of the space.

Consider thoughtful wall design

Your walls are a canvas, you are the artist. Choose artwork that fits your brand and the broader vibe of your hotel. Consider local pieces that highlight the culture and history of your area. Replace plain wall paint with texture or install touch screens to create interactive walls offering maps, information or entertainment to guests.

Effective design to improve customer flow

Good hotel lobby design allows guests and staff to move effortlessly through the space, while reducing congestion, queues and waiting times. Smart lighting and floor design can subtly guide guests where they need to be. Provide clear signage for customers, including dedicated bag drop areas that keep walkways clear. Place your check-in counter in a prominent location.

Integrate technology for a better customer experience

Consider adding self-check-in kiosks to reduce traffic jams, lines, and wait times. Wall-mounted digital displays can offer key guest information and can help you upsell guests by highlighting key hotel services. Smart lighting systems, meanwhile, can adapt to changes in natural light throughout the day, to ensure the lobby always feels welcoming.

Hotel Lobby Design Requirements: What Should Be Included in a Hotel Lobby Design?

What does a quality hotel lobby look like? Consider the following:

Hotel lobby design

Lobbies tend to be the main entrance to a hotel, so you should aim to create a welcoming first impression. Provide a clear layout (marked if necessary) with easy access to check-in areas. Automatic doors and a wide entrance can ensure a smooth flow of guests.

Hotel Lobby Ceiling Design

Smart ceiling design, such as coffered ceiling panels and pendant lighting, can create a sense of space and sophistication in your entryway. Sound-absorbing materials can improve acoustics to create a quieter, more comfortable environment.

Hotel Lobby Wall Design

Your lobby walls should reflect the character and style of your hotel through elements such as artwork, textured finishes, and built-in or wall-mounted technology. This is a high-traffic space, so choose durable materials.

Sofa design in hotel lobby

Comfortable, stylish and durable sofas provide guests with a pleasant place to relax or wait. Arrange your sofas in social clusters capable of accommodating large groups. Aim for a layout that encourages guests to socialize and allows for easy movement around the space.

Hotel elevator lobby design

The elevator lobby should have clear signage and lighting to effectively guide customers to the elevators, minimizing wait times and confusion. Incorporating seating near elevators and mirrors for added light can make the space feel spacious and comfortable.

Best Hotel Lobby Design Trends: How to Design a Welcoming Hotel Lobby

Looking for the latest in lobby design? What follows trends make sure your hotel looks amazing and provides a warm welcome to guests.

Simple hotel lobby design

Minimalist lobbies are not only cost-effective, they are also fashionable. Clean layouts, neutral color palettes and functional furnishings make guests feel comfortable. Plants and natural lighting can add warmth and make your space more welcoming.

Luxury hotel lobby design

Luxury lobbies emphasize elegance. Premium materials like marble and velvet provide an opulent look and feel, while luxurious seating and statement decor add comfort and interest. Exude exclusivity and sophistication with rich color combinations and carefully selected artwork.

Modern hotel lobby design

Modern lobbies are all about clean lines, open spaces and innovative technology. Bright colors and creative lighting choices can make the space pop, while digital check-in kiosks add convenience for guests.

Boutique Hotel Lobby Design

Boutique hotels are defined by their design, although this can vary greatly from hotel to hotel. The emphasis should be on unique and eclectic design and decor that reflects the character of your hotel.

Beach hotel lobby design

Beach hotel lobbies feature bright, airy decor. Blues and whites tend to dominate the color palette, while natural materials like wood and rattan bring the outdoors inside. Large windows, airy layouts and lots of tropical foliage can add to the relaxed atmosphere.

Regardless of the space you have to work with, the theme of your hotel, or the guests you hope to attract, the purpose of your hotel lobby remains the same: maximize customer satisfaction.

But in reality, the physical building can only significantly improve the customer experience – the rest depends on the team working inside. And their job is all the easier when they have the right tools.

Concrete example: SiteMinder.