While beds are often the focal point of a hotel guestroom, seating options can dramatically affect the way the space is designed. Sleepers in Seattle, a company specializing in sleeper sofas for both the retail and hospitality markets, recently shared some insights on the latest trends in sofas and loveseats, and what designers are selecting for guestrooms.
1. Make it Personal
Travelers want to experience new locations and return to a hotel room that feels like home. In the past, hotels selected bland furniture that appeals to the widest range of tastes. Hotels are now choosing furniture and upholstery that feels more personal than sterile neutrals.
A sleeper sofa is one way to add a burst of color or incorporate a bold pattern that makes rooms feel inviting and unique. A historic Seattle hotel added sleek sleeper sofas with gel-infused memory foam mattresses, while a hotel in Austin, Texas opted for sleepers in a rich, durable hide. A resort in Jackson Hole, Wyo., had a unique rustic feel, so that design team chose sleepers in chocolate brown leather.
2. Keep it Green
Hotels are improving insulation and appliances to boost energy-efficiency. It also helps them stand out to consumers: When being environmentally conscious is important to travelers, they stay at hotels that share their values.
One way hotels are going green involves their furnishings. Manufacturers use water-based stains and non-toxic glues, so no pollutants are released into the environment when each sofa is made. They are available in leather or natural fabrics that look and feel decidedly comfortable.
3. Make it Versatile
Hotels have always chosen furniture that accommodates a wide range of uses. As they face increasing competition from vacation rental websites, versatility is more important than ever. Hotel rooms have a limited amount of space, so there aren’t many options for fitting in more people.
A guestroom might hold one business traveler for one night. The next, it might be inhabited by a family of six. After that, the whole floor might be filled with middle-schoolers on a band trip.
When hotels invest in sleeper sofas, they can appeal to a wider range of guests. Without taking up any additional square footage, they can sleep two extra guests per room. Sleepers designed for hospitality are manufactured with durability in mind, so they stand up to heavy traffic.
4. Keep it Comfortable
How an object feels is as important as how it looks. If fabrics are scratchy or feel cheap, guests are more likely to leave negative reviews and less likely to return.
5. Bring the Outdoors Indoors
Expect to see more hotel furniture made of natural materials that look like they were made to go with the outdoor environment. One North Carolina resort recently upgraded its ocean-front units with furnishings that complemented the view. They chose colors, fabrics and tables as soothing as the sand and sea. Napa Valley, on the other hand, is known for its sun and vineyards, so when a hotel there renovated its rooms, they chose natural wood and bright green for sunny rooms with a quirky vibe.
6. Remember the Sectionals
Hotels with large suites are breaking out of the mold by incorporating sectional sleepers instead of the traditional sofa and two chairs. Sleepers come in all shapes and sizes, making them easy to configure to a variety of spaces.