5 Tips for Creating Unforgettable Hotel Lobby Design

A well-designed hotel lobby does more than welcome guests—it sets the tone for their entire stay. At GRECODECO, we understand the importance of a captivating lobby full of thoughtful and cohesive design details. Here are five essential tips for creating an unforgettable hotel lobby design.

  1. Define what you want the guest experience to be.

How should your guests feel when they enter the space? While every lobby should be welcoming, consider how yours stands apart. Get specific about how this hotel lobby is different from others and how it makes your guests feel: inspired, confident, calm, energized, nostalgic, romantic–and the list goes on. 

The hotel lobby is essentially a first impression–so you’re going to want to make it a good one. It’s also helpful to think about the nitty-gritty of their guest experience. Will beverages be served in one section of the lobby? Will there be areas for socializing or quiet relaxation? Note: you will need to collaborate with the owner on this piece (and on all pieces, but this in particular!).

 

  1. Know how you want the space to flow.

The flow of your lobby is crucial for both functionality and ambiance. Consider how guests will walk as they enter, find the front desk, and exit to other public areas or their rooms. Their journey through the lobby should be easy, simple, and stress-free since many guests will be weary from travel and ready to relax.

Among other factors regarding flow, you should ask yourself:

  • Do you want guests to be welcomed immediately upon arrival, or should they approach the front desk from a distance? 
  • Is there a place guests can wait for their rideshares? 
  • Where will they hand off their bags?
  • Do you want the lobby to encourage lingering, or should it propel your guests to other parts of the hotel?
  • Are there any particularly great photo opportunities (and will they block the flow of traffic)? 
  1. Decide on a focal point.

Identify a focal point in your lobby design that can serve as a conversation starter and a memorable element. This could be a dramatic fountain, a striking mural, or a captivating sculpture. You can truly get creative with this: a focal point can be anything that helps define the space’s personality, brings people together, and provides guests with a lasting impression of their visit.

  1. Create a cohesive color scheme.

The color scheme of your lobby should hint at the colors used in guest rooms without completely mirroring them. This approach helps guests feel a seamless transition from the lobby to their rooms, while allowing each space to retain its unique character. Once they reach their rooms, a similar but differentiated color palette will encourage guests to see their space as exclusive and special. 

  1. Consider comfort and functionality.

While aesthetics are important, comfort and functionality should not be overlooked. Choose furniture that is both stylish and comfortable, and make sure there are ample seating areas. Pay attention to lighting—it should be both practical for reading and ambient for a relaxed atmosphere. Be sure to incorporate elements that cater to modern needs, such as charging stations and Wi-Fi.

 

Villa Inkognito: A Case Study

Our project Villa Inkognito located in Oslo is a great example of our approach to hotel lobby design. The lobby features a private entrance for an exclusive feel, with bold colors from pillows and accents of royal blue and bold red that add intrigue. The space flows seamlessly, directing guests from the entrance to various themed areas while maintaining a luxurious and intimate ambiance. We also incorporated locally sourced antiques and restored architectural details to create a cohesive atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on every guest. These design choices illustrate the importance of crafting a unique guest experience, ensuring a smooth and intuitive flow, and creating standout elements—all of which contribute to a lobby that is both equally inviting and unique.

Perhaps most of all, we wanted the Villa Inkognito lobby to be memorable. As they write on their website, the public spaces in the hotel are “an eclectic journey comprising a series of distinctly themed rooms in wildly different color schemes…much like Dorothy’s experience after landing in technicolor Oz.”

With that in mind, we’ll leave you with a final question: How will your hotel lobby be its own version of Oz?

 

Learn More About GRECODECO

Founded by Adam Greco in 2017, GRECODECO is a Manhattan-based firm that designs thoughtfully layered commercial and residential spaces worldwide. Our passionate team of designers specializes in research-heavy historic projects that capture and celebrate the essence of various iconic time periods, guiding guests through an elegant and emotional journey of the senses.

Interested in learning more about how GRECODECO can craft a hotel lobby that sparks joy in guests and encourages them to unwind? Please don’t hesitate to inquire with us.