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Is this the future of hotels?

April 09, 2008 | Hospitality Industry

The Times Online gives voice to top hoteliers in Europe and their take on the future of hotel rooms. Simplicity, practicality, personalization - the trend is clearly back to the basics, but the new basics.

Wired-up guests who check out the latest website reviews on sites such as Times Online and TripAdvisor will finish off any hotels that still offer “smelly carpets and uncomfortable beds”, says Hutson, who co-founded the chic Hotel du Vin chain.

The online world is bringing a fierce meritocracy to the hotel industry, he says. “If a place is not up to scratch, then it will get a roasting on a review website. The result is likely to be better service and a return to the “traditional essence of good hotel-keeping”.

People need to “stop wasting hot air talking about service” and “give guests what they really want”, says the no-nonsense Beecham, who has moved into hotels after co-founding the Pret a Manger sandwich chain. “Everyone talks about ‘improving service’, but then they don’t actually do anything.”

Guests want “practical things”, he says. At his Shoreditch hotel these include retail price snacks; fresh milk in minibars; 3p-a-minute calls; free newspapers; and five budget-airline-style rooms every night for £1 each.

Get the full story at Times Online

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