REDEFINED LOBBIES

The lobby is the most vital part of the hotel as it sets the tone for guests’ experience as soon as they arrive. It is now becoming a lifestyle space and a touchpoint for hotel associates to interact with guests. So, in the lobby you will nd a front desk designed on the lines of a DJ’s console, colourful couches to laze around, a space to soak up the sun, a grab-and-go corner to catch up on some work or reading. Saadhvi Mehra, assistant director of marketing, W Goa says, “We can see the trend catching up already at the W Goa as guests are looking to move out of the closed boardroom walls, and choose more outdoor and ambient settings to conduct quick meetings over a cup of co ee.”

She adds, Our lobby space, which is called the Living Room by day and WOOBAR by night at W Goa has a di erent vibe altogether — the music, the ambience and lighting that changes from morning to evening, lounge chairs and sofas, the bar and DJ console – makes it a lobby space like none other.” Another Marriott International property, Alo Bengaluru Cessna Business Park sees this trend gaining popularity among business travellers. Sushma Khichar, hotel manager says, “Meetings in hotels are transforming quite quickly, with clients looking to modify their setting into something more informal like conducting meetings at various locations in our lobby or sometimes even over a game of pool. ese meetings then also tend to breaks out into a quick social setting at our bar or a fun karaoke session in our lobby.”