Hover beds, micro-kitchens and tablet controlled temperature and lighting are just a few of the things travellers have told Marriott Hotels UK they want to see in the hotel room of the future. These innovative elements and more have been incorporated into a life-size show room which was on display at Westfield White City earlier this month.Other guest room must-haves as voted for by the public include a LED light box headboard, a feature wardrobe wall, a selfie stick to help take the perfect holiday snaps and a fitness station to keep in shape while travelling. Relaxing, tech-free ‘tranquil zones’, in-room atomisers and large TVs with Netflix and built-in surround sound were also called for. While the show room will not be replicated at Marriott Hotels properties, it represents a creative example of co-created innovation that aims to inspire the future of the brand.
During the previous month the public voted at travelbrilliantly.co.uk/guestroom for their favourite guestroom elements inspired by designs created by five millennial influencers including TV presenter Katie Piper, England Rugby ace Danny Care, gadget man Jason Bradbury, The London Foodie Luiz Hara and super-blogger Victoria McGrath from InTheFrow. Each influencer was selected to head up one of five Gen Y “tribes” grouped together by similar lifestyles, aspirations and travel preferences, and share their vision for the perfect hotel room.
In 2013, Marriott Hotels began a transformational journey, introducing innovations across every part of the guest experience in response to the changing needs of the next generation of traveller. The Gen Y research carried out by Marriott Hotels in the UK will help inform future guestroom innovation and spark debate and conversation around the future of travel.
