In response to Hotel Designs putting ‘Public Areas’ under the editorial spotlight this month, interior design studio Design By Deborah explains why first impressions count in international hotel design…
In general life as well as design, rightly or wrongly, first impressions count. And while judgement from potential guests is cast earlier and earlier in the customer journey (with the evolutions in technology and online platforms), it is critical to establish your narrative from the beginning.
Your up-to-date and monitored website and social media platforms need to look professional, engaging and exciting. However, the most important thing is they act on the information you have given them to book a room. At the very least, photographs of the hotel should be taken professionally.
Once a consumer has booked a stay, via the website or otherwise, their next impression of the hotel will be their arrival experience. What does the outside of your property say – is it attractive, well lit, clean and tidy? Are you making the most of the architectural features of your property? The majority of people are time poor, so they want to know quickly where to park and where the entrance is. They want to find reception, the bar, the restaurant or somewhere to have a cup of coffee and work easily. Where is the designated smoking area, which ideally is not at the front, near the entrance so that everyone has to inhale smoke before they enter?
Image caption: Typical small Georgian or Regency style luxury hotel in London | Image credit: Design By Deborah
What do you see as you open the main door – what vibe does your entrance area give? Is it lively, fun and full of energy, or are you wanting to create a calm, serene and tranquil experience? If you are offering a premium price, the entrance and the initial spaces that guests enter in should give this impression. There is no right or wrong but service and design should meet on the same message.
Image credit: Design By Deborah
Regardless of what atmosphere you are trying to achieve, there will always be limitations, whether it is the building, the budget or timescales. A good interior design team are experienced when it comes to working with these restrictions, and are able to offer suitable and aesthetically pleasing solutions. All designs created at Design by Deborah are bespoke as the team recognises the importance of putting together the personality of the building. Through experience, the studio knows that the designs must be functional yet also delight and surprise in the right areas. Well integrated interior design aims to provide an exciting environment in which your business is able to provide the very best service. You want to be unique, special and convert your clients into fans.
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Main image credit: Jonathan Little Photography on behalf of Design By Deborah for the Bradbury House Reception
