Image © Gensler
In the ever-evolving hospitality industry, we’re all constantly wondering what’s coming next. Gensler’s hospitality team shared a peek at the hottest trends influencing design at an open house event at the Chicago office the morning of HD’s NextGen Forum in June. Here’s a look at some of the trends we’re seeing across three categories: Eat, Sleep, and Refresh.
The Loews Hollywood Hotel lobby, a modern, elegant space that attracts Hollywood starlets and star-struck guests. Image © Gregory Pierce.
While America was buzzing over the wins and the designer gowns that graced the red carpet during award season, Gensler celebrated the renovation of Loews Hollywood Hotel, located on Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, also home to the Academy Awards. This 628-room hotel is the quintessential Hollywood property, with the Panorama Suite offering 270-degree views of Hollywood and Los Angeles. Located in the heart of the city, the hotel attracts a range of starlets and star-struck guests.
KIC Development Design proposal 2011, Yangpu, Shanghai, Image © Gensler
In 2011 Gensler design team had opportunity to collaborate with Shui On Land, a prominent developer operating in China, on the design for the boutique hotel located in the large new development and future mixed use neighborhood in Shanghai Yangpu district - the Knowledge Information Community or KIC. The new development will contain office space for technology startup companies and small scale corporate offices – also designed by Gensler, university buildings, housing, retail, and hospitality uses.
Nicola Law 
The secret sauce of great hospitality is comprised of a mix of detailed little touches. Image © Gensler
Last week’s long awaited Holly Hunt showroom opening in Mayfair showcased refined hospitality outside of the usual hotel and F&B establishments. It proved that good hospitality is not just an art form, it’s an attitude. In the case of Holly Hunt, the attitude is more about a belief in great design and materials, where nothing goes unnoticed. No wonder her brand leads the industry in luxury home furnishings. In 1983 she opened her first showroom in the iconic Chicago building The Merchandise Mart. Since then she’s been credited for raising the bar in interior design showrooms. The same can be said for her London opening.
The Westin Denver International Airport (DIA) seamlessly integrates with the DIA Hotel and Transit Center. Image © Gensler
The New York Times recently reported on how the latest travel explosion is redefining the concept of airport hotels. Long seen as a place to spend the night during a tight layover or a flight cancellation, the latest wave of airport hotels now go beyond that traditional functionality and serve as a true gateway to the cities they serve. These new hotels even represent the destination itself. We’ve worked with several clients at the vanguard of this trend, and The Westin Denver International Airport, which will be part of the newly expanded Denver International Airport (DIA) Hotel and Transit Center, is a great example of the type of experience that modern travelers both need and value.
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