They say you onlyget one chance to make a first impression, and because the entrance willtypically be the first time you get to experience a hotel, that first impression should be something really special. That’s because a hotel entrance sets the scene for your entire stay. Ideally it should take your breath away and captivate you and make you dream of the delights you’ll experience from the very first moment you enter. That’s because your hotel entrance is an essential part of your whole experience and is how the hotel can set you off on the right foot right from the first moment you open the doors.
The importance of the entrance, lobby and guest check-in shouldn’t be underestimated. It’s what can help make a hotel experience unique and set it apart from the competition. By using clever combinations of colours, tones and hues, lighting (both natural and illuminated), plants, ambient music and by tapping into other sensory perceptions (don’t forget the importance of smells, as well as fresh flowers some brands even have signature scents that can be diffused in the entrance area), guests can be made to feel immediately at home and inspired by the hints of what lies instore for their stay.
If the hotel has stunning views, whether of city landscapes or natural beauty, then it should expose its guests to thatas soon as possible by providing a taste of what’s on the menu. For example, in the image above, the whole entrance has been designed to accentuate the hotel’s beautiful coastal views with natural lighting, decorative features and colours evoking waves and foam in the sea and finally, at the end of the lobby, we see a teasing hint of the breath-taking view that awaits.
And hotels can expose guests to a taste of what they’ll experience by giving glimpses of the bars and restaurants visible through glass panes or from open plan areas. Perhaps a piano in the lobby, with someone tickling the ivories can set the scene as you wait tocheck-in.
The entrance can also benefit from acollection of captivating sculptures, paintings, or installations. As well as adding aesthetic benefits, these can act to create curiosity and spark conversations with staff and other guests. Particularly when the artworks are authentic and provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of the hotel’s location and surrounding area, these can further help differentiate a hotel.
Of course, during the autumn and winter seasons, a well-placed and inviting cozy fireplace can add a touch of warmth and comfort, as well as an aesthetic motion that encourages you to relax and unwind.
Any finally from a practical perspective, entrances should accommodate an effortless arrival for all guests regardless of age or mobility needs with ramps, handrails and assistance readily available. The check-in should be immediately accessible but with generousand comfortable seating for those who need to wait their turn.
Unfortunately, too many hotels neglect their entrance and lobby, with entrances that are dark and dingy or austere and utilitarian or cramped in space, almost as if only an afterthought. When one ofthe things that can make a difference to your stay is the smile and warm greeting from the hotel staff, imagine how much easier it is to smile genuinely when you’re proud to work in a beautiful and distinctive reception versus a staid regulation entrance lobby?
At NPrieto Studio, we always give every part of a property the attention, love and care that it deserves in creating the perfect home or commercial space.
