The New Generation of Hospitality
http://distinctivedesignco.com

Providing the Baby Boomers with the new generation of hospitality. With comfort and convenience as the primary consideration, Distinctive Design Company designs hotel and resort spaces to accommodate a diverse demographic.

Baby Boomers can be described as anyone born between the years of 1946 and 1964. But more importantly, Baby Boomers are ninety million strong, have the spending capacity of $2 trillion annually and an average of after tax annual income of $60,000.00. They also happen to be the most diverse demographic, the younger boomers, those in their early 40s spend most of their money on family and mortgages and are most likely to travel for business. While the older boomers, those in there 60s are capable of indulging in the “finer things in life” such as leisurely travel and other luxuries.

With years of experience in traveling under their belt, both business and leisure alike, Boomers are the most well traveled generation of our time. This life experience has allowed the Boomers to be particularly discriminating in their lodging choices, thus forcing the hospitality and design industry to increase their creativity, awareness and ability to accommodate more than ever.

The comfortably factor is vital. In recent years the emphasis on comfort and convenience has increased and is expected. Distinctive Design Co. has comprehensive designers who keep those two key factors in mind throughout the execution of design. This generation of clientele wants to be accommodated with all the conveniences of home in their hotel room, plasma TVs, iPods, high-tech gadgetry, luxurious bedding and mattresses, all the amenities they’ve grown accustom to.

Spa services are a must. Most luxury and large hotels have full service spa facilities on site. The mid-market hotels and small boutique hotels are now featuring spa suites with soaking tubs, a chair for a manicure/pedicure and space for in-room massages or Yoga/Palates sessions.

As designers, we also recognize that lobbies tend to double as a social scene. Seating arrangements should be in small groups to facilitate relaxed conversation and guest interaction. The single traveler on business should be able to engage in the social scene as comfortably as the traveling couple. The ideal situation for a reception area is to place it to the left of the entry allowing the patrons to feel comfortable in the new environment. Using visual contrast or a light feature will attract the eye and no signage should be placed closer than 15 feet from the entrance. The average person walks approximately 15 feet into a space before they have a chance to look around, placed any closer the guest might miss it.

Space planning to fit all the required amenities into a small hotel room becomes a fete for us as designers. However, in recent projects we have discussed building a model room exactly as it would lie out, then experiencing the room in its entirety as a guest would. The baby boomers are trail blazing the hotel industry, setting the trends and demands of the modern day traveler. The hospitality and design industry is following along closely to these standards as to not be left behind.