Noticed a slew of bright new hotel brands popping up all over the
place lately? You can thank Millennials.
place lately? You can thank Millennials.
Big lodging chains are working hard to attract the younger
generation with quirky, fresh brands such as Marriott’s Moxy,
which appeared on the scene a few years back to appeal to
“a sassy, determined, individualistic consumer.”
generation with quirky, fresh brands such as Marriott’s Moxy,
which appeared on the scene a few years back to appeal to
“a sassy, determined, individualistic consumer.”
So what does this trend in Millennial hotels mean for your next
stay? In many cases, you’ll find cozier guestrooms offset by
well-appointed lobbies, perhaps suggesting the young ones spend
more time in communal spaces instead of their rooms. Moxy’s
lobby, for one, will have an industrial chic vibe, featuring zones for
computing, caffeinating and conversation. Unisex bathrooms are
planned for the lobby, too. A New Orleans Moxy is set to open in
the first quarter of 2016, making it the brand’s second location
after Milan, Italy.
stay? In many cases, you’ll find cozier guestrooms offset by
well-appointed lobbies, perhaps suggesting the young ones spend
more time in communal spaces instead of their rooms. Moxy’s
lobby, for one, will have an industrial chic vibe, featuring zones for
computing, caffeinating and conversation. Unisex bathrooms are
planned for the lobby, too. A New Orleans Moxy is set to open in
the first quarter of 2016, making it the brand’s second location
after Milan, Italy.
Meanwhile, Hotel RL is the hip brand coming from Spokane,
Washington-based Red Lion Hotels. The public areas here feel
more Pacific Northwest coffeehouse than chain hotel, and forget
about a front desk—there isn’t one. Also are in short supply are the
buttoned up and blazered staffers you see at the big chains; instead
expect twenty-somethings hanging out in jeans, T-shirts and
colorful, coiffed hair. Once you figure out who’s who, it’s easy
enough to settle in. The lobby features a barista bar, a live stage,
and a game room stacked with classic board games. Rooms are a
bit more conventional, with plush beds and large walk-in showers.
The first Hotel RL is now open in Baltimore, along with a second
one that opened in October in Washington, DC.
Washington-based Red Lion Hotels. The public areas here feel
more Pacific Northwest coffeehouse than chain hotel, and forget
about a front desk—there isn’t one. Also are in short supply are the
buttoned up and blazered staffers you see at the big chains; instead
expect twenty-somethings hanging out in jeans, T-shirts and
colorful, coiffed hair. Once you figure out who’s who, it’s easy
enough to settle in. The lobby features a barista bar, a live stage,
and a game room stacked with classic board games. Rooms are a
bit more conventional, with plush beds and large walk-in showers.
The first Hotel RL is now open in Baltimore, along with a second
one that opened in October in Washington, DC.
Perhaps more fitster than hipster is EVEN. This IHG brand is all
about wellness. Each guest gets an orange sport-top water bottle,
which can be filled at filtered water stations on each floor. Even-numbered rooms (which, oddly enough, are the only rooms) contain fitness equipment ranging from exercise
balls and resistance bands to yoga mats. For a more extensive
workout, each EVEN location has a hefty athletic studio on the
main floor. When it comes time to grab some chow after hard
workouts, the restaurant menu is packed with healthy nosh like
quinoa and kale. EVENs are now open in Rockville, MD; Norwalk,
CT; and New York City.
about wellness. Each guest gets an orange sport-top water bottle,
which can be filled at filtered water stations on each floor. Even-numbered rooms (which, oddly enough, are the only rooms) contain fitness equipment ranging from exercise
balls and resistance bands to yoga mats. For a more extensive
workout, each EVEN location has a hefty athletic studio on the
main floor. When it comes time to grab some chow after hard
workouts, the restaurant menu is packed with healthy nosh like
quinoa and kale. EVENs are now open in Rockville, MD; Norwalk,
CT; and New York City.
Best Western and Hilton are both looking to debut fresh, youthful
brands in 2016, as well. Vib—that’s pronounced vibe—is Best
Western’s entry, featuring lobbies that do quadruple-duty as
check-in area, bar/coffee lounge, gaming center, and gathering
space. A Zen Zone, located on a mezzanine cantilevered over the
lobby, will be a public place where guests can work above it all.
Here again, guestrooms will be smaller than your typical room, with
space-saving features like platform beds with storage below.
Canopy by Hilton is also trying to reinvent the concept of the lobby
with Canopy Central, a public area that will serve as a living room
for guests and neighbors alike. It also will house a Transfer Refuge,
containing DIY luggage storage and changing areas with showers
for travelers on the go. Free-ranging staffers, aka enthusiasts, will
don oxford shirts and blue jeans. Rumor has it that some may even
sport Converse hightops in bright orange, the hotel brand’s
loud-and-proud signature color.
brands in 2016, as well. Vib—that’s pronounced vibe—is Best
Western’s entry, featuring lobbies that do quadruple-duty as
check-in area, bar/coffee lounge, gaming center, and gathering
space. A Zen Zone, located on a mezzanine cantilevered over the
lobby, will be a public place where guests can work above it all.
Here again, guestrooms will be smaller than your typical room, with
space-saving features like platform beds with storage below.
Canopy by Hilton is also trying to reinvent the concept of the lobby
with Canopy Central, a public area that will serve as a living room
for guests and neighbors alike. It also will house a Transfer Refuge,
containing DIY luggage storage and changing areas with showers
for travelers on the go. Free-ranging staffers, aka enthusiasts, will
don oxford shirts and blue jeans. Rumor has it that some may even
sport Converse hightops in bright orange, the hotel brand’s
loud-and-proud signature color.
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