Innovation Lab for Aloft & Element brands; Communal living rooms; Los Angeles event
Feb 7, 2017, 8:30 am
#46
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Are there enough folk who want the communal experience to make it cost-effective for the franchisees/Marriott to put this in? I get family reunions, some vacations, some trade shows for biznesses, but wonder overall if that's enough to make it worthwhile implementing it.
The we're getting positive feedback I take w/ a grain of salt. There may be some that think it's a good idea, but not sure of the majority. Plus, even when hotel chains (and airlines) implement 'enhancements' that they say gets positive response, the comments by frequent travelers are often the opposite.
Cheers.
The we're getting positive feedback I take w/ a grain of salt. There may be some that think it's a good idea, but not sure of the majority. Plus, even when hotel chains (and airlines) implement 'enhancements' that they say gets positive response, the comments by frequent travelers are often the opposite.
Cheers.
I might "like" or "dislike" Aman hotels, but it only matters if I'm in the target market and I do or don't patronize them. The same is true with Motel 6. And I guarantee you that the same people don't patronize them both. Probably neither one of those chains could get approval from the majority of frequent travelers, but they both have sustainable business models.
One legitimate concern is that this should be an individual traveler's choice to patronize or not patronize the concept. I can imagine problems if a business books all of it's employees on a project into such a grouping for a long term stay and some folks don't want to be "immersed" with the group during their off-work hours.
Last edited by DeweyCheathem; Feb 7, 2017 at 8:53 am
Feb 7, 2017, 8:38 am
#47
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Threads merged
New readers can view the pictures from the 'innovation lab event' upthread, where the concept was demonstrated.
Feb 7, 2017, 9:16 am
#48
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A majority does not need to like it. Only enough people who would be sufficient to sustain a niche brand need to like it for it to be a good business idea.
I might "like" or "dislike" Aman hotels, but it only matters if I'm in the target market and I do or don't patronize them. The same is true with Motel 6. And I guarantee you that the same people don't patronize them both. Probably neither one of those chains could get approval from the majority of frequent travelers, but they both have sustainable business models.
One legitimate concern is that this should be an individual traveler's choice to patronize or not patronize the concept. I can imagine problems if a business books all of it's employees on a project into such a grouping for a long term stay and some folks don't want to be "immersed" with the group during their off-work hours.
I might "like" or "dislike" Aman hotels, but it only matters if I'm in the target market and I do or don't patronize them. The same is true with Motel 6. And I guarantee you that the same people don't patronize them both. Probably neither one of those chains could get approval from the majority of frequent travelers, but they both have sustainable business models.
One legitimate concern is that this should be an individual traveler's choice to patronize or not patronize the concept. I can imagine problems if a business books all of it's employees on a project into such a grouping for a long term stay and some folks don't want to be "immersed" with the group during their off-work hours.
I simply wondered if there were enough people to make it a viable business decision for franchisees/Marriott to justify the cost of implementing it into properties.Cheers.
Feb 7, 2017, 9:43 am
#49
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Families that travel together, this may be a place for them. They no longer have to worry dealing with or arranging "adjoining" or "adjacent" rooms.
It wont appeal to everyone, but could be a plus to someone else or a group.
Feb 7, 2017, 10:08 am
#50
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Ah, thanks for moving it. I wasn't paying attention and only searched in the Marriott forum so I didn't find the original thread.
Feb 7, 2017, 10:12 am
#51
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I know, but...it's just hard for me to see that there would be enough real demand for this type of room to justify setting it aside. It's a lot of square footage. Will it go empty if they save it only for groups? Or will they rent the rooms individually, but then a group can't rent it because one of the 4 bedrooms has been taken? It really seems like an inventory management nightmare. But I guess Marriott or SPG IT gets paid the big bucks to figure that out.
Feb 7, 2017, 10:42 am
#52
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Most hotels (should) be able to manage this.
Many properties have shared / adjoining suites; so instead of 2 rooms that can be rented together, this is 4.
These "communal living rooms" would strictly be booked as a group offering.
I can see this being very attractive to families, and (some) corporate bookings.
It was mentioned that a lot of younger workers are used to staying in hostels, and are now making travel decisions in companies that have established travel policies. This product would fit that demand well.
Many properties have shared / adjoining suites; so instead of 2 rooms that can be rented together, this is 4.
These "communal living rooms" would strictly be booked as a group offering.
I can see this being very attractive to families, and (some) corporate bookings.
It was mentioned that a lot of younger workers are used to staying in hostels, and are now making travel decisions in companies that have established travel policies. This product would fit that demand well.
Last edited by jerry305; Feb 7, 2017 at 11:05 am
Feb 7, 2017, 11:10 am
#53
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My point was, that doesn't require anything remotely close to a "majority" of frequent travelers for that to be a viable niche product offering.
Feb 7, 2017, 3:48 pm
#55
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The bulk of hotel guests are staying for business travel, correct?
Seems like a lot of square footage to spend banking on Ma and Pa Kettle or millennial hipsters filling up. I'm 33, and would never spend a night in one of these rooms for business travel or personal travel (with my wife). Something like a bachelor party or group vacation? Sure, I might look into it (doesn't guarantee a booking). But how much of a hotel's revenue comes from sources that would use this option on a regular basis?
Just seems like a bit of a stretch in the US.
Seems like a lot of square footage to spend banking on Ma and Pa Kettle or millennial hipsters filling up. I'm 33, and would never spend a night in one of these rooms for business travel or personal travel (with my wife). Something like a bachelor party or group vacation? Sure, I might look into it (doesn't guarantee a booking). But how much of a hotel's revenue comes from sources that would use this option on a regular basis?
Just seems like a bit of a stretch in the US.
Although less of a home run, I think they'd work near convention centers that routinely host massive national-wide conventions.
Feb 7, 2017, 6:03 pm
#56
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Cheers.
Feb 7, 2017, 6:04 pm
#57
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It depends on the market. I can see this concept working relatively well in leisure destinations like Orlando. Put some of these communal rooms just off Disney World property and they will likely be full most nights.
Although less of a home run, I think they'd work near convention centers that routinely host massive national-wide conventions.
Although less of a home run, I think they'd work near convention centers that routinely host massive national-wide conventions.
Cheers.
Feb 7, 2017, 10:53 pm
#58
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This sounds perfect for a (Book of Mormon) bible study group!
Feb 8, 2017, 12:10 pm
#59
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Feb 10, 2017, 4:32 pm
#60
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I think Marriott is trying to kill these brands. While in some spaces this may be a need, overall it is a terrible idea.
Any idea on if the the bathroom is shared too?
Any idea on if the the bathroom is shared too?