Exploring the best hotel reception design

A hotel reception is arguably one of the most powerful spaces in a hotel. As the first space guests enter upon arrival and the last place they see when they leave, an excellent first impression ‘curb appeal’ is key for a hotel brand’s success. The reception can act as a concierge desk with advice for customers, a hub for staff and the place to connect to when issues arise. It’s essential that a lobby functions well for both guests and staff and that it creates an ambiance which communicates expectations and sets the tone for a great stay.

Best practices for hotel receptions are usually to ensure there is a clear and designated area for baggage, plus a comfortable seating area. The staff-to-guest interface has to be at the correct height and scale for the room and refreshments and any other immediate amenities are to hand.

One of WOOLF’s hotel reception favourites - The London NYC, New York Hotel

Operationally well considered, perfect lighting layers, great visual pointers and informative feel .

At Woolf Interior Architecture and Interior Design, when we work in a hotel setting, we often start by having a discussion with the operations manager or the general manager to find out how the reception works and how the reception staff experience that space. We usually spot any number of operational issues that we need to resolve. There are always several operational elements for us to consider when striking the right rhythm for the ideal reception design. Click here to see our past hotel projects. 

Here are our top five key considerations when creating welcoming, well curated and functional interior design for a hotel reception area: 

One of WOOLF’s hotel reception favourites - The Lobby Lounge at Gleneagles - featuring the modernist-inspired reception desk and scagliola clock.

Operationally well laid out, variable lighting layers, great visual pointers both stylish, formal and informal simultaneously.

Establish an overall tone

When working with a hotel brand, we establish whether the brand is tuned towards inviting the guest to feel as if they've reached a home-from-home destination, or whether they want to present a formal service-based reception area. The designs for hotel receptions are always based upon what the brand value wants to communicate and the usability of the space for the staff.

We need to form a space with a clear focus, which communicates to guests how their stay will unfold. All this needs to be communicated within the first few minutes of a guest's arrival.

Examples of tone can include; a calming serenity for a spa hotel, upbeat invigoration for a modern business hotel, or comforting traditionalism for a historic hotel.

Ensure a functional reception desk

Operational issues can occur when reception desks are not functional in a reception lobby. They need to be the right height to ensure that guests can communicate easily with staff, and it needs to be established whether that ‘right’ height is standing, or seated, depending on the feel of the brand. Additionally, the area needs to conceal ‘behind-the-scenes ‘ or the ‘back-of-house’ workings of the hotel. Accompanying a front desk with an informal self-service station where guests can grab  a refreshment is always a winning addition for frazzled travellers.

This reception area we designed for a hotel project in Moscow gives the perfectly intimate, one-to-one client interface needed for such a luxurious hotel brand.

Oceanic House sits in the heart of London opposite the National Gallery - the Concierge style development has a lobby that reflects the history of the building.

This lobby concept WOOLF designed for Oceanic House provides the lighting, seating, desk space and mood needed for the makings of the perfect hotel lobby experience.

Provide focal points

A welcoming hotel reception lobby has the ability to make or break a first impression when a guest walks through the doors. All sorts of creative devices can be utilised to deliver that great first impression. This may include impressive sweeping stair-cases, bold curvaceous sculptures, impressive light fixtures, wood-burning fireplaces, sculptural sofas, bold gallery format artwork. We know that in a reception area there can be delays, so visual focal points within areas that are intriguing or characterful are useful strategies.

We were brought in as consultants for ‘Four Seasons Hotel’ Jumeirah Dubai. This entrance staircase is a truly breathtaking sight upon arrival. 

At the ‘Four Seasons Hotel’ Jumeirah Dubai. This Lobby has a discreet and spacious feel .

This public lounge bar in ‘Four Seasons Hotel’ Jumeirah Dubai is the perfect place to relax or meet with friends or colleagues.

Provide multifunctional use options

Lobbies are frequently evolving into multi-use spaces for casual and formal meetings. They can be spaces for guests to catch up on work or have a snack whilst waiting for friends or an appointment.  Increasingly the hotel lobby is used by non-staying customers as workplaces, meeting areas or drinking venues. This means it is useful to incorporate some creative segmentation and noise buffers, for formal and informal spaces that are ‘zoned’ for different uses, which can be separated by living walls, art or other acoustic design devices.

One of WOOLF’s hotel reception favourites- This Soho House reception strikes a balance between being both formal and informal.

The Soho House reception - Hong Kong - is both minimal elegant and inviting

Appeal to the senses

Crucial to a successful hotel reception is ensuring that there is lighting on several layers (i.e. lamps, built in, wall, overhead), and flattering mirrors. As sight is our primary sense, effective lighting immediately sets the tone for the space, and can imbue a feeling of serenity, moodiness, or intrigue depending on the brand value. Importantly, a calm reception where the noise levels and acoustic values are lower, makes it much easier for people who speak numerous languages to communicate with each other on arrival and departure. 
There are ways to appeal to the visual, auditory, tactile, gustatory and olfactory senses, by including comfortable textures on seating and soft furnishings, offering invigorating or relaxing refreshments and lacing the space with scent. These devices ensure maximum guest experience.

A multitude of considerations shape the success of the reception area and the hotel beyond. When a space is functional, positive and ‘on-brand’, there is a higher likelihood of a positive stay experience, repeat custom, word-of-mouth publicity and digital marketing via social media sharing. Woolf Interior Architecture and Interior Design imbue the brand value and brand narrative into every aspect of our hotel interior design, as we create spaces that are enticing as they are ergonomic. 

To discuss your hotel project designed by WOOLF, do get in touch with us below.

This home - hotel project at out Poundon House, project has a traditional understated elegance upon arrival

The Poundon House, traditional lobby is designed to feel like a dream home away from home.