UK architecture studio The Manser Practice has released a design concept for the post-pandemic hotel, creating a blueprint for what hospitality businesses might need to consider in the future when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and people begin to travel again.
The Manser Practice emphasizes that post-pandemic hotels will embrace touchless access and will limit in-person services like receptionists, for example. A key concern for guests will be cleanliness and the studio goes as far as to suggest that consumers will demand "one-way systems and larger rooms with inbuilt gyms."
In the near future, however, the post-pandemic hotel needs to focus on limiting interaction between staff and guests, and it can do so by implementing "touchless check-in with temperature checks, [as well as] doors [that can be] opened using smartphones."
Post-Pandemic Hotel Concepts
The Manser Practice Envisions the Future of Hotel Operation
Trend Themes
1. Touchless Access - Post-pandemic hotels will prioritize touchless check-in using smartphones and other technology to limit interaction between staff and guests.
2. One-way Systems - Consumer demand for cleanliness will include one-way systems and larger rooms with inbuilt gyms in post-pandemic hotels.
3. Limiting In-person Services - Post-pandemic hotels will limit in-person services like receptionists and instead prioritize touchless access and communication with guests.
Industry Implications
1. Hospitality - The hospitality industry will need to consider implementing touchless check-in technology, larger rooms with inbuilt gyms, and limiting in-person services like receptionists to meet the demands of post-pandemic travelers.
2. Architecture - Architecture firms will play a key role in designing post-pandemic hotel concepts that prioritize touchless access and one-way systems while maintaining an appealing and comfortable environment for guests.
3. Technology - Technology companies can develop touchless access and communication solutions for post-pandemic hotels, as well as temperature check systems to enhance guest safety.