Top 5 Hotel Commercial Design Trends to Elevate Your Property in 2024

As we enter 2025, hotel commercial design trends continue to evolve, blending guest expectations for luxury, sustainability, technology, and wellness. Travellers today expect more than just a place to sleep—they’re looking for unique experiences, personal touches, and environments that foster relaxation, creativity, and a sense of connection. Whether you’re planning a renovation or reimagining a new property, incorporating the latest design trends can significantly enhance guest satisfaction, improve brand loyalty, and make your property stand out. Here’s a look at the top five hotel commercial design trends to keep your property at the forefront in 2024.

1. Biophilic Design and Natural Elements

Biophilic design has been trending in the hospitality industry for a few years, but in 2024, it’s evolving to become an integral part of hotel design. This approach involves integrating nature into the indoor environment to create calming, health-promoting spaces that connect guests with nature. Studies show that exposure to nature reduces stress and enhances well-being, and hotels are embracing this to provide a relaxing retreat.

• Indoor Greenery: Lush, plant-filled interiors create a natural ambience, with potted plants, living walls, and green dividers that provide a refreshing atmosphere. Consider installing low-maintenance plants that thrive indoors, such as ferns, pothos, and succulents, to make lobbies, hallways, and rooms feel more organic and alive.
• Natural Materials: Wood, stone, bamboo, and other natural materials are being used for floors, walls, and furniture. These elements add warmth and earthiness to hotel interiors, making spaces feel inviting and grounded. For instance, reclaimed wood and river stones are popular materials that promote sustainability while delivering aesthetic appeal.
• Outdoor Spaces: Expanding usable outdoor spaces like rooftop gardens, terraces, and balconies is another way hotels are implementing biophilic principles. These areas serve as multipurpose spots for events, dining, or relaxation, offering a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor environments.

2. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

Sustainability remains a top priority for travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritise eco-conscious brands. Hotel commercial fitouts that adopt green practices and eco-friendly commercial designs not only appeal to these demographics but also reduce long-term operating costs and environmental impact. In 2024, eco-friendly design means going beyond energy-efficient lightbulbs and incorporating sustainable principles in every facet of the hotel’s design.

• Eco-Friendly Materials: Choose materials with low environmental impact, such as recycled wood, sustainable textiles, and eco-friendly paints. Bamboo furniture, hemp fabrics, and biodegradable wall coverings are some options that contribute to a smaller carbon footprint without compromising style.
• Energy Efficiency: Consider advanced technology that minimises energy consumption, like smart lighting, motion sensors, and programmable thermostats in guest rooms. Solar panels are also being increasingly integrated into hotel designs to generate renewable energy, appealing to environmentally conscious guests.
• Waste Reduction: Reducing waste is another important facet of sustainable hotel design. Hotels are adopting reusable items, providing bulk toiletries in refillable dispensers, and eliminating single-use plastics in rooms and dining areas.
• Water Conservation: Water-saving fixtures and low-flow shower heads are essential, especially for properties located in areas with water scarcity. In addition, rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling systems can be employed to minimise water usage.

3. Multi-Functional and Flexible Spaces

Guests expect hotels to offer flexible spaces that cater to a wide range of activities. In 2024, the traditional boundaries between leisure and workspaces in hotels are blurring.

Mitch Grima, Director at Total Fitouts Northern Rivers says, “Hotel commercial fitout spaces are being designed to be adaptable and multifunctional, catering to the needs of remote workers, digital nomads, business travellers, and vacationers alike.”

• Work and Play Areas: Many hotels are adopting hybrid commercial designs in their lobbies and lounges, offering areas where guests can work comfortably, host meetings, or simply unwind. Modular furniture, movable walls, and adaptable seating allow these areas to be reconfigured based on guest needs. Power outlets, high-speed Wi-Fi, and communal work tables are now standard features in these areas.
• Convertible Guest Rooms: The guest rooms themselves are becoming more versatile, with multi-purpose furnishings like desks that double as dining tables or beds that fold into wall units. This commercial design trend is particularly beneficial for boutique hotels with smaller rooms, as it maximises space without sacrificing functionality or comfort.
• Event-Friendly Design: Hotels are also incorporating flexible spaces to host events, conferences, and social gatherings. From rooftop terraces to courtyard lounges, these areas can easily transform from private relaxation zones to event spaces for business functions, wedding receptions, and pop-up retail.

4. Wellness-Focused Amenities and Spaces

Wellness tourism is growing rapidly, and travellers are looking for hotels that prioritise health and well-being. In 2024, wellness-focused amenities go beyond traditional gyms and spas; hotels are creating environments that encourage holistic wellness, from sleep-enhancing rooms to meditation spaces.

• In-Room Wellness Features: Some hotels are adding wellness-centric features like circadian lighting, air purification systems, and even aromatherapy to help guests relax. Rooms commercially designed to promote sleep quality, with blackout curtains, soundproofing, and comfortable bedding, are especially appealing for business travellers looking to recover from long flights or meetings.
• Dedicated Wellness Spaces: Wellness-focused areas like yoga studios, meditation rooms, and relaxation pods are becoming more common. Some hotels also offer outdoor yoga decks, fitness trails, and on-site nutritionists to cater to guests looking for a wellness retreat.
• Spa and Wellness Treatments: Spas are becoming more holistic, offering not just massages but services like sound therapy, guided meditation, and sensory deprivation experiences. Integrating nature into these spaces, such as with natural water features and serene views, elevates the relaxation experience.
• Wellness-Oriented F&B Options: Healthy food and drink options are also becoming a key part of wellness offerings. Hotels are partnering with local farms and suppliers to offer organic, locally sourced menus, as well as vegan and gluten-free options to cater to health-conscious guests.

5. Smart Technology and Personalisation

Smart technology is transforming the guest experience, allowing for greater personalisation and convenience within the hotel commercial fitout.

Brett Kelly, Director at Total Fitouts Adelaide Central adds, “Guests now expect technology to enhance their stay, and hotels are adopting smart solutions to meet these expectations. In 2024, incorporating technology that personalises each guest’s experience has been essential for creating memorable stays.”

• Contactless Check-In and Room Access: Contactless check-in is now a standard offering, and many hotels allow guests to use their smartphones as digital room keys. This reduces the need for physical touchpoints, making the check-in experience faster, safer, and more convenient.
• Smart Room Controls: In-room automation allows guests to control lighting, temperature, and entertainment from a single device or app. This level of customisation can be personalised based on a guest’s preferences, enhancing comfort and satisfaction. Smart mirrors, voice-activated assistants, and AI-powered controls can anticipate needs and suggest services, improving the overall guest experience.
• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Some hotels are exploring AR and VR to enrich guest experiences. For example, VR room previews allow guests to explore different rooms before booking, while AR-guided tours can showcase local attractions or provide immersive storytelling about the hotel’s history.
• Personalised Marketing and Service: Hotels are using AI-driven systems to track guest preferences and provide personalised recommendations. From customised welcome messages to tailored room services and activity suggestions, AI allows hotels to offer a unique experience for every guest. This high level of personalisation not only enhances guest satisfaction but can also boost brand loyalty.

The hotel industry is evolving to meet the needs of today’s travellers, who are increasingly looking for thoughtful, wellness-oriented, eco-friendly, and tech-enhanced experiences. By incorporating these trends into your property’s commercial design, you’ll create an environment that delights guests and elevates your brand’s reputation. Embracing commercial biophilic design, eco-friendly practices, flexible spaces, wellness amenities, and smart technology in your hotel can help set you apart and create a truly memorable stay for your guests in 2024.

Whether you’re developing a new property or renovating an existing one, these commercial design trends offer a roadmap to creating a destination that appeals to modern travellers while staying ahead of industry standards. By prioritising guest experience and staying attuned to design innovations, you can ensure that your hotel remains a desirable choice in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape.

Looking to create your dream hotel experience for guests? Inquire with us today.