For a long time, when staying we only had the traditional hotel option. Then, a couple of years ago came the option of renting an apartment or room through, for example, Airbnb, but some time ago there is the fusion of these two worlds, being the latest evolution of hotel typology and becoming an increasingly common option.
Evolution of hotel typology.
The typology of hotels, like that of housing, has evolved over time, responding to changes in the behaviour, preferences and needs of users, as well as to technological advances and cultural trends. From simple hostels to traditional hotels with their variants as a boutique hotel, hostel, thematic or luxury, the offer has diversified to offer different experiences and respond to different needs. This change has been driven by the increasing accessibility of travel and the demand for more comfortable and specialized accommodation.
The latest typological evolution: hotel/apartment.
The latest evolution in hotel typology is the appearance of hotel-apartments and this is the one I want to delve into. It’s a typology that combines the best of traditional hotels like breakfast included, on-site dining options, 24-hour front desk service and housekeeping services, with the comfort and flexibility of a private apartment with fully equipped kitchens and spacious living areas.
The hotel/apartment from the architectural and design.
From an architectural point of view, this unique combination poses challenges for architects and designers, who must balance the comfort and privacy of guests with the operational efficiency of a hotel. To do this, there are aspects to consider, from the architectural and design, when making such a project.
As far as design of the space is concerned, architects must achieve the optimization of the use of space to include living, bedroom, kitchen and dining areas, all within a compact but at the same time comfortable area. This involves careful design planning to ensure that every square centimeter is used efficiently.
Flexibility is another point that we must take into account when designing this typology since it must adapt as best as possible to the needs of guests, that is to say the spaces must be designed in a modular and versatile way, to allow travellers to customize their environment according to their specific preferences and requirements. This could involve the incorporation of furniture and accessories that can be easily moved or reconfigured, such as sofa beds, extending tables, sliding panels that divide and flex a space, etc., as well as storage systems designed to maximize available space.
We must consider Technology Integration, as it has a fundamental role in the experience of hotel-apartments, both in terms of comfort and operational efficiency. The integration of smart technologies in hotel management can improve energy efficiency and optimize the services offered. These systems should be taken into account from the beginning of the project.
Another important aspect of the architectural design of such hotels is the guarantee of privacy and security for guests. This may involve the inclusion of features such as private entrances, controlled access systems and acoustic separation between housing units to ensure the tranquillity and comfort of the occupants.
Finally, the architectural design of hotel-apartments should also create an attractive aesthetic and a welcoming atmosphere for guests. This can be achieved through the choice of materials, finishes and carefully selected design details that reflect the identity and brand of the establishment.
Think about the project from the environment and the user.
While this typology is fantastic on many occasions, there are others where it would not work and that will depend on the environment where the hotel is located and the public to which the hotel points. For example, using this typology in a hotel located in front of an airport would not be functional, since the guests of these hotels only want to spend a night and have breakfast before a flight. On the other hand, and as an example of the many hotels that exist with this typology, one that I think meets with excellence the needs of the user and its environment is a hotel that is located in Aarhus, a city in Denmark. The hotel is called "GUEST-apart HOTEL" and I consider that it knew to read to the excellence its surroundings and the needs that would arise from this, why do I say this? If we study around the hotel, is located in front of the city hospital which is one of the most important in the country and where many people even from other countries will do treatments and also near multinational companies who bring people to conferences or employees for headquarters transfers, who move to Denmark and need a place to stay for the first month until they get a flat.
So both hospital treatment patients who come from elsewhere and the employees of these companies need a place where they can have a medium to long-term stay with the comforts of a department, with space where you can cook and lead a life more similar to home, combined with the dynamics of a hotel where they ensure daily cleaning and attention 24/7.
It is worth noting that in this hotel all its rooms are apartments, but there are also those that combine traditional rooms with apartment rooms, having a wider offer for the user.
Finally, the architectural design of the hotel-apartments is an exercise in balance between functionality, flexibility, technology and aesthetics, with the aim of creating comfortable living spaces, efficient and attractive for guests and that allows travellers to feel at home while exploring new destinations where in the fusion of this typology they find all the comfort of both worlds, the hotel and the residential.