THE LOCAL TOUCH: TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF HOTEL STAYS
In todays era, where screens often dominate our attention and interactions there is a growing desire for tangible experiences. People no longer find satisfaction in another hotel stay; they crave a touch of authenticity and a glimpse into the local essence that connects them to a place.
A recent 2023 report from the World Tourism Organization shed some intriguing light on travel trends: more and more folks are bypassing the glitz of big cities, opting instead for the charm of rural and lesser-known spots. It seems like there’s a heartfelt yearning among travelers to connect with genuine local experiences and traditions.
As technology continues to advance hotels have transformed into havens of identity offering travelers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the real, traditional, and heartfelt aspects. Hotels are leveling up, blending local vibes and traditions right into the core of their guest journey. With interior design, they’re turning those tales into tangible experiences, letting guests truly vibe with the essence of a place.
Here’s how interior design can deeply root your hotel in its local setting:
Reflect the spirit of the land with materials: Local wood that has been soaking up the sun and mountain wind for centuries, natural stones, warm clay, and ceramics from local artisans. The essence of a place often lies in its natural resources. For example, in the design of the Khedi Hotel in Tbilisi, we recreated fragments of traditional Georgian stone masonry for the walls in the common areas and in each room of the hotel. All the furniture for the hotel is made of high-quality local wood, and for the upholstery, we chose cotton and wool in various versions.
Celebrate local craftsmanship: When you adorn interiors with locally sourced paintings, handicrafts, and textiles, you’re not just decorating—you’re narrating a tale. Rugs meticulously hand-woven following age-old traditions, ceramics echoing the timeless stories of local craftsmen, furniture crafted through traditional methods, and intricate leather and felt works offer travelers an immersive sensory journey into the heart of local culture.
Culinary voyage: Dive into the world of local culinary tales. As travelers seek out authentic and immersive culinary experiences, hotels can play a key role in facilitating gastronomic journeys. This could include featuring local ingredients on the restaurant menu, serving local beers and wines, and partnering with local businesses to offer guests unique culinary experiences like cheese-making master-class or wine tasting tour of the local vineyards, or cooking class on how to make traditional regional dishes.
