New York City has been an interesting crucible for hotel design trends – often reflecting more than just the trends in real estate. The best designs are a reflection of changing times in the city’s history.
– In early years, NYC hotels saluted the rich artistic traditions of the times – theatre, luxury, power. Example – the Plaza.
– “Cool design + hip lifestyle” inpired boutiques really took off in NYC. Boutiques also transformed rundown residential districts into international tourist attractions.
– Previously, hotels that were built tended to be really full service including large banquet spaces besides restaurants & bars. The new trends shy away from banquet spaces in particular – the high cost of real estate & labor is a factor.
– In recent years the condotel trend has seen developers rush to sell, convert part or all of their hotel properties into residential apartments. As CNNmoney reports, the residential market has trumped the hotel market and landmark hotels are giving way to condo-residences.
The NYC hotel design trend will always be geared, it seems, towards lifestyles rather than meeting functional needs. In that respect, it is a healthy hunting ground for new concepts.