New Hotel Concept

The first thing anyone notices about a hotel and often the one thing which may determine their stay is the Front Office.

When one thinks of luxurious accommodations, one may think of and older aristocratic society of individuals who frown upon the very sight of someone not as sophisticated as themselves. Well, I have news for you. There is a new trend in hotel goers! As the saying goes "Out with the Old and In with the New!" hotels are doing just that.

For instance starting with a very basic luxury brand, designed with the business traveler in mind, Courtyard by Marriott is updating all of their hotels to feature a contemporary style lobby complete with a bar, panera bread isk'-style restaurant, Starbucks, touch screen navigation platform displayed quite visibly with directions at the fingertips, and a totally new front office design. Their front office will now feature a revolutionary design where the guest service agents will be able to walk out and great the guests. Imagine that! Finally a hotel which grasps what the business traveler really desires, a place of inclusion with attentive service.

There are other companies which are taking a less dynamic approach to this issue such as the Ritz Carlton brand. Often thought of by consumers as the essence of luxury, the Ritz Carlton brand is actively updating their hotels to become more contemporary, while continuing to expand their company throughout the world. Even though they are slowly updating their hotels in a conservative manner, the hotel remains to have a fair share of the luxury market.

So why improve a product which is already great? The Ritz Carlton along with Marriott Intl. both are innovators in the hospitality industry and have been for many years. As the times are changing, so are the demographics of the guests who stay at hotels. Much of the "Old Money" is giving way to an ever-rising demographic of "New Money." With this new money, the older demographics of guests averaging in their late 50's staying at hotels is giving way to a slightly younger average in their early 50's and the trend in continuing to progress this way yearly.

Not only has the hotel industry noticed this change, but the cruise industry as well. As one used to think of a cruise liner being for widowed women who love to dress up and share life's stories over a 5-course meal, the new industry is leading to 2,700 cabin mega-ships who's sole purpose is to entertain guests while keeping them active such as Royal Caribbeans newest ship the Oasis of the Seas! 5 times larger then the ever-famous Titanic of the White Star Line, Oasis of the Seas delivers year round escapes from reality upon a ship where the cruise-goer finds oneself easy to be lost in. It may appear as there is no time left to explore the beautiful ports which this ship with a PAX of over 5,000 people pulls into ports.

However, this ship delivers all of the glamour and sophistication of the old ships with much more options. In a week of cruising there are over 15 entertainment engagements to attend featuring the hit musical Hairspray! Who doesn't love that kind of diversity. But I know what you are thinking, "Too large and lost the charm." Well I have news on that matter too. The people at Royal Caribbean have thought of a way to seclude those ladies and gentlemen who would like a little more intimate experience. The ship now features Spa Suites which are directly located near the Solarium and Spa. This part of the ship is excluded from many of the hustling and bustling activities of the rest of the ship yet gives a garden refreshing service with a glass open-air wrap around sanctuary at the bow.

Well if this does not define luxury, I do not know what does. Welcome to the new line of luxury.