We would like to extend an invitation for you to read an article that has been recently published in Sherman Travel. Titled “Top Hotel Travel Trends for 2023 and Beyond,” the piece explores some of the latest and most innovative trends in the hotel industry.
Hotel dining with a difference
Once upon a time, a room service club sandwich was enough to satiate hungry travelers. Today, hotels are upping the ante with on-site dining venues with plenty of panache. At the Preserve Sporting Club in Rhode Island, novel HOBBIT HOUSE™ with tree trunks incorporated into the design offer candlelight dinners straight out of a fairytale. Meanwhile, Tellers is an Italian restaurant in The National in Oklahoma City (part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection) that once served as the First National Bank: Today, diners can mangia while sitting in restored original teller booths.
Nature for the win
National parks are currently trending; however, since in-park lodges are often booked months in advance, staying at a hotel just outside the park is a no-brainer. In Utah, The Moab Resort by WorldMark by Wyndham is right near Arches National Park. The property, which is surrounded by stunning red rock landscapes, even has a dedicated hiking concierge who can help curate the perfect outdoor itinerary. Glamping is another easy way to commune with nature, even in the big city. Collective Retreats offers seasonal glamping on Governors Island, an urban sanctuary that’s a quick ferry ride from lower Manhattan. Tents here are filled with amenities like plush linens, air conditioning, bedside sockets, and private decks, so there’s no forfeiting luxury.
Sweet dreams
Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to maintaining good health, but it can be tough to achieve in a new environment. Properties like the hip Hotel Figueroa in Los Angeles — part of Hyatt’s Unbound Collection — are prioritizing the intersection of sleep and hospitality. The Rest and Recovery Suite aims to optimize sleep quality with a pillow menu, a mattress with an adjustable thermostat for hot or cold sleepers, and a slumber-inducing 670nm red light. Additionally, at Arizona’s Castle Hot Springs, multi-day sleep retreats can help uncover the secrets to great rest while you enjoy a respite in the desert.
Unusual options
Ditch the predictable four walls of a traditional hotel in favor of a quirkier option that packs a visual punch. With cabooses converted into guest accommodations, a stay at the whimsical Railroad Park Resort in Dunsmuir, California is a must for train buffs. Alternatively, consider sleeping in a treehouse: At Among the Trees in Hocking Hills, Ohio, eye-catching abodes offer an elevated experience with private decks and hot tubs with panoramic views.
Healthy habits are hot
Wellness-centric hotels are in the spotlight. With this in mind, it’s no surprise that more and more properties are offering yoga classes to help travelers maintain harmony. At Cancun’s Royal Uno All-Inclusive Resort & Spa, a morning yoga class can be a panacea to over-indulging at the swim-up bar. Similarly, all Even Hotels locations in the US are equipped with in-room workout equipment, on-demand fitness videos, a 24/7 exercise studio, and healthy food options.
Everything’s included, just bring the baby
If you’ve ever traveled with an infant, you know that they require an amount of gear that seems inconsistent with their diminutive size. At Velas Resorts, a luxury chain of all-inclusive hotels in Mexico, a baby concierge is on hand to provide everything tiny travelers need — from cribs to bottle warmers and beyond — so that you can travel light. Or, if you’re bringing a baby to Portugal, consider staying with Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts, which also has baby concierges. Meanwhile, the kitchen staff will prepare a menu of tasty purees to tempt tots without teeth.
Chain hotels with local flavor
What chain hotels sometimes lack in personality, they make up for with consistency. The sweet spot, however, is when they can do both. Consider a stay with Cambria Hotels, where each property features décor and artwork inspired by the surrounding community. For example, at Cambria Hotel Portland Downtown Old Port, perks include micro-craft beers on tap and products from local makers merging with brand-wide initiatives like comfy beds and practical workspaces. Similarly, every Life House Hotel embraces the distinct architectural and historical roots of the neighborhood. Life House, Nantucket occupies a Federal-style mansion once owned by a sea captain. Bric-a-brac from eclectic ports of call effortlessly blends with New England coastal accents.
Airport hotels for early morning departures
With airport delays so frequent, savvy travelers are booking early morning flights to decrease their chances of getting stuck overnight. As such, sleeping at an airport hotel before a daybreak flight makes the most sense. Avid Hotels is a growing chain that does the basics right for a fair price, with numerous locations near major airports. Expect rooms that are intentionally designed for a good night’s sleep, plus a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast and an efficient shuttle to whisk you to the terminal. Hyatt also has airport hotels scattered around the country. Grand Hyatt DFW is popular with folks catching early flights out of Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Located in Terminal D, the rooms here have stellar runway views — though, fortunately, they’re completely soundproofed.
Source: Shermans Travel by Allison Tibaldi
