What are the determinants of European hotel room design 2030?

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this research paper is to identify determinants influencing hotel room design now and in the future to offer hotel owners, hotel investors, architects and other partners involved in hotel planning, a framework regarding hotel room design 2030. Based both on theoretical foundations and empirical findings, guidelines for an innovative future hotel room design are evolved and represented by a triangular model. Design/methodology/approach A detailed analysis of basic and topic-related hotel management literature as well as of promising best practices of leading international hotel companies is supplemented by the evaluation of 27 expert interviews with hoteliers of varying hotel conceptions in Germany, Austria and Spain. Findings The paper presents qualitative as well as quantitative results of the applied methodology and leads to the emergence of a triangular model for an innovative future hotel room design approach. Research limitations/implications Safety and security aspects (both physical and virtual) as well as sustainability as a limiting factor have not been further discussed within the model construction so far. Practical implications The theoretical findings and the emergent framework may be customized to the determining factors and specific needs of individual hotels, hotel consortia or hotel chains to meet the needs of hotel room design 2030. Originality/value This research paper offers guidelines beyond design aspects by considering target group priorities, technological innovation and economical aspects.