{"id":12569,"date":"2026-03-19T12:30:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T10:30:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.klicarquitectos.com\/designing-hotel-communal-areas-a-practical-guide-to-enhancing-the-guest-experience-and-profitability\/"},"modified":"2026-09-05T04:14:07","modified_gmt":"2026-09-05T02:14:07","slug":"designing-hotel-communal-areas-a-practical-guide-to-enhancing-the-guest-experience-and-profitability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.klicarquitectos.com\/en\/designing-hotel-communal-areas-a-practical-guide-to-enhancing-the-guest-experience-and-profitability\/","title":{"rendered":"Designing hotel communal areas: a practical guide to enhancing the guest experience and profitability"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why the design of hotel communal areas determines the guest experience (and profitability)<\/h2>\n
The design of communal areas in hotels is not just about aesthetics: it is the \u2018first interaction\u2019 between the guest and the brand. The lobby, reception, bar, restaurant, corridors, co-working spaces, spa and terraces have a direct influence on perceptions of quality, length of stay, on-site spending, reviews and repeat bookings. When common areas are well thought out, the hotel feels fluid, welcoming and cohesive; when they are not, queues, noise, disorientation and a sense of \u201cneglect\u201d arise, leading to poor reviews. In this article, you will find practical criteria for designing or refurbishing common areas with a modern approach: functionality + identity + comfort + operations. <\/p>\n

What objectives should the design of hotel communal areas meet today?<\/h2>\n

The starting point isn\u2019t \u2018how nice it looks\u2019, but what the space needs to achieve for the guest and for the business. Today, communal areas compete with caf\u00e9s, co-working spaces and \u2018Instagrammable\u2019 spots, but they must also support day-to-day operations. <\/p>\n

Guest experience: clarity, comfort and excitement<\/h3>\n

Good design reduces friction: guests know where to go, feel at ease and have a sense of control (lighting, noise, privacy). This translates into fewer complaints and longer stays at the hotel itself. <\/p>\n

Business performance: consumption, events and brand value<\/h3>\n

Effective communal areas encourage greater use of the bar and restaurant, provide versatile spaces for events, and convey a consistent brand narrative: what the hotel \u2018promises\u2019 is both seen and felt.<\/p>\n

Common ground that builds a brand: narrative, identity and consistency<\/h2>\n

Common areas serve as both a \u2018showcase\u2019 and a \u2018stage\u2019. A cohesive design is evident when every element tells the same story: materials, lighting, circulation routes, scents, sound and signage. <\/p>\n

Materials and details that enhance the experience<\/h3>\n

In hotels, the little details are what signify quality: floor transitions, textures, fittings, upholstery, and the way elements come together. You don\u2019t need extreme luxury; you need consistency and durability. <\/p>\n

Layered lighting (not just general lighting)<\/h3>\n

A common mistake is to use \u2018one-size-fits-all\u2019 lighting. In communal areas, layered lighting works best: ambient + accent + task lighting. This creates atmosphere and provides visual cues without causing glare. <\/p>\n

\"layered<\/p>\n

How do you design a lobby that reduces queues and boosts satisfaction?<\/h2>\n

The lobby is where guests really get their first impression of the hotel. If there is chaos, noise or pointless waiting, the experience is ruined before they even reach their room. <\/p>\n

Clear zones: arrival, waiting, attention and movement<\/h3>\n

The lobby should distinguish (albeit subtly) between four distinct functions: entry, check-in, waiting and transit. If these functions are mixed, conflicts arise: people with luggage blocking the way, queues cutting across walkways and noise in rest areas. <\/p>\n

Small decisions that change the flow<\/h3>\n

Small changes can make a big difference: clearly signpost the reception area, create a welcoming space just before it, position coat racks without getting in the way, and design seating that makes waiting feel more comfortable without looking like a waiting room.<\/p>\n

Quick guide: functional lobby vs. problematic lobby<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Element<\/th>\nFunctional lobby<\/th>\nProblematic lobby<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Traffic<\/td>\nClear routes, with no junctions<\/td>\nPaths blocked by queues and suitcases<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Check-in<\/td>\nVisible service + efficient option<\/td>\nHidden counter or single bottleneck<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Waiting<\/td>\nA variety of seating options + privacy<\/td>\nUncomfortable bench seats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Noise<\/td>\nSound-absorbing materials + zones<\/td>\nReverberation and a sense of chaos<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\"lobby<\/p>\n

Acoustic comfort, lighting and ergonomics: the factors that most influence reviews<\/h2>\n

In reviews, guests don\u2019t usually say \u201cthere wasn\u2019t enough soundproofing\u201d, but they will say: \u201ctoo noisy\u201d, \u201coppressive\u201d, \u201cyou can\u2019t get any rest\u201d. When designing hotel communal areas, the three \u201cinvisible\u201d factors that carry the most weight are sound, light and ergonomics. <\/p>\n

Acoustics: avoiding reverberation<\/h3>\n

Restaurants, high-ceilinged lobbies and hard-floored corridors often cause sound to bounce around. The solution is not to turn up the music, but to introduce sound-absorbing materials (ceilings, panels, textiles, carefully placed plants) and create micro-zones that break up the propagation of sound. <\/p>\n

Ergonomics: sitting properly means staying longer<\/h3>\n

Well-designed seating encourages guests to stay longer and, consequently, spend more. The key lies in variety: sofas, armchairs, high tables, seating areas for one or two people, and options for groups \u2013 all of which should be consistent with the type of guest and the purpose of the space. <\/p>\n

How can you strike a balance between aesthetics and maintenance without driving up costs?<\/h2>\n

A hotel isn\u2019t just about its opening day: it\u2019s about thousands of repeated uses. That\u2019s why the key question is: what will happen to this material in 12, 24 and 60 months\u2019 time?<\/strong> <\/p>\n

Selection of \u2018hotel-friendly\u2019 materials<\/h3>\n

Look for materials that perform well in terms of abrasion resistance, ease of cleaning and impact resistance. Sometimes, the most cost-effective option is a slightly more expensive material that requires less frequent replacement<\/strong> and ages better. <\/p>\n

Designing for operations: cleaning, restocking and \u2018critical points\u2019<\/h3>\n

The cleaning and maintenance team quickly spots design flaws: hard-to-reach corners, joints that get dirty, delicate fabrics or light fittings that are difficult to access. Taking their perspective on board reduces costs and problems from the very first month. <\/p>\n

Current trends in the design of hotel communal areas<\/h2>\n

Useful trends are not fads, but responses to real-life habits: hybrid working, experiential travel, the need for wellbeing, and the search for photogenic spots.<\/p>\n

Hybrid spaces: lobby + co-working space + caf\u00e9<\/h3>\n

Hotels are transforming their lobbies into dynamic spaces, featuring informal workspaces, power sockets, reliable Wi-Fi and a controlled atmosphere. This boosts footfall and spending, but requires careful planning in terms of acoustics and circulation. <\/p>\n

\"lobby<\/p>\n

Biophilia and well-being (without getting bogged down in decoration)<\/h3>\n

Greenery, natural light, warm materials and views are not merely decorative: they influence stress levels and comfort. The key is that they must be sustainable and consistent with the hotel\u2019s identity. <\/p>\n

\"Designing<\/p>\n

What common mistakes ruin the design of communal areas?<\/h2>\n

Many faults aren\u2019t visible in renderings; they only become apparent in everyday use. Identifying them helps avoid unnecessary renovations and bad reviews. <\/p>\n