Hotel industry trends: everything you need to know

The value of the global hotel industry crossed $500 Billion in 2018. In the US alone, that number reached $200 Billion last year.

The hospitality industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. That is largely due to innovation and forward-thinking trends.

But what changes should you expect to see in the coming year? Will they change the way you enjoy your stay away from home?

Read on to learn all about the hotel industry trends you can expect to see in 2019.

Increase in direct bookings

For years, hotels have lost bookings to online travel agencies. One of the biggest hotel trends for 2019 will be for hotels to offer incentives to encourage guests to book directly with the hotel.

This year, hotels will rely on bonuses, member rates, and direct marketing to get travelers to book through the hotel website. Even travel agents can expect to see incentives to encourage them to book directly, too.

More co-working spaces

In response to the millennial mind frame, hotels will begin to integrate more public spaces in their layouts.

Guests want a space that is relaxed, focused and relevant where they can meet, and brainstorm without pressure. Think coffee shop vibe.

Better tech

Faster internet is always something guests crave. Hotels are trying to appease guests with the ability to connect their personal devices to in-room TV screens and hotel services.

You can also expect top hotel brands to integrate smart rooms into their hotels. Motorized curtains, automatic lighting, and voice assistants are all coming to make their way into the hotel industry soon.

Original and local décor

Guests have spoken and the top hotel brands have listened.

Fueled by the prevalence of homestays, hotels are ditching their cookie-cutter hotel rooms with muted artwork. Instead, the customer wants to feel that each room in a hotel is unique and a different experience.

There’s a big push for local décor and furniture that rings true to the surrounding region. Bonus points if the décor is minimalist and simple.

Clean lines and less clutter create a sense of calm and beauty. Hotels will move away from wallpaper to soothing paint colors on the walls. And expect to see more green plants in the rooms, too.

Personalized solutions

For 2019, it’s all about personalization to attract customers.

Hotels will focus on using the information they have about their guests to offer a personalized experience. This is especially true for displaced families who need Sedgwick’s temporary housing division due to disaster.

Dietary requirements, room requests, and custom check-in/check-out times will become the focus for many hotels.

The arrival experience gets a makeover

An important hotel industry trend for 2019 will be using better technology to make guests’ arrival seamless and welcoming. From roaming associates using a mobile app to assigning digital keys that guests can’t lose, a convenient and simple arrival is on trend this year.

Hotels will focus on connecting with guests before they arrive. They will also use guest surveys, post-trip connections, and reputation management efforts to win customer loyalty.

Instagram worthy scenes

In 2019, you can expect hotels to create spaces that beg to be snapped for Instagram. Beautiful Instagram photos of a hotel are effective and free advertising.

This year, more hotels are going to encourage guests’ love of Instagram with lovely spots for photo ops around the hotel.

Additional fees for urban hotels

A resort fee is an extra charge on top of the room rate. This fee is common in big hotel complexes in spots like Las Vegas.

In 2018, many inner-city hotels tested out an “urban feel.” You can expect to see more and more of that all across the country. In Europe and Australia, tacking on extra fees to the bill is unlawful.

Local food and beverage

You won’t be seeing celebrity chefs in hotels anymore. Instead of trying to compete with fine dining restaurants in the area, hotels are now turning to local, simple food fare.

Gone are the days of the same menu in hundreds of hotels across the country. You can expect to see fresh and tasty local menus.

Hotels with full kitchens

Many hotels offer suite-style rooms. Hotels with full kitchens are becoming more popular with business travelers on an extended trip.

Families staying in hotel accommodations while displaced from their home can save on their additional living expense budgets by taking advantage of this style room.

Adult emphasis

In the past, family-friendly hotels have been the focus. This year, the trend is moving towards more couples and adult-only experiences.

Hotel policies will shift to create kid-free zones, dining times at restaurants, or adult-only policies. This will let hotels appeal to guests who want a mature experience.

Sustainability

Sustainability has been a growing trend for several years. And that trend isn’t going away anytime soon.

An increasing number of travelers will seek out hotel accommodations that are working to reduce their carbon footprint.

Hotels will need to see what initiates they can start to be as green as possible.

Partnerships with local transportation

Before travelers book a hotel, they often find out how they can get around their destination. Hotels are now partnering with local transportation providers including limo and car rental companies.

Emphasis on guest wellness

The wellness tourism industry is estimated at $563 billion and is expected to reach $919 Billion by 2022.

That growth is more than double the growth rate of tourism overall. This year, you can expect hotels to place a high emphasis on providing wellness experiences for their guests.

Spas, air purification, fitness centers, healthy food options, yoga spaces, will see a rise in hotels during 2019. Upscale hotels will even add vitamins to their shower water.

Final thoughts on hotel industry trends

As you can see, the overarching principle to the 2019 hotel industry trends is a move towards uniqueness.

Unique room décor and local food as well as personalized service. People want the luxury of a hotel with the comforts of home when they travel.

Next, learn about preparing your family for natural disasters.