Entertaining family and friends at home often centers around the kitchen and Staybridge Suites today unveils a similar concept for its upscale extended-stay hotels with a new design of the buffet area that will serve as a social gathering place for guests. The transformation will open the wall between the great room and buffet area, while a bar-height, granite-topped island surrounded by stools will encourage guest interaction during breakfast and evening Sundowner receptions.
According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey released this February, there is strong consumer desire to integrate the kitchen with living space allowing for an open home environment.
"We've found through customer research that travelers feel more comfortable in hotel public space that is comparable to the layout of their own home," said Robert Radomski, vice president, Brand Management, Staybridge Suites. "Opening the buffet area to the Staybridge Suites great room while adding an island for seating and conversation is intended for our guests to feel as comfortable as they would in the kitchen of a family member or friend."
Similar to the "Just Like Home Theater" and "Wireless Anywhere" features, once complete the new design will provide additional community space in the public areas inviting guests to spend even more time outside of their suites. Some of the Staybridge Suites' concepts for the new design aimed at increasing guest interaction include other bar height tables in the great room, wall-mounted televisions and a community bulletin board that features hotel activities and items of interest for guests such as the menu for the Sundowner reception or a notice from a guest looking for a tennis partner. Upgrades such as pendant lighting and stone wall accents in the buffet area will also be part of the new design.
Part of the brand's latest prototype design, the buffet area enhancements are expected to launch at the Staybridge Suites Atlanta - Perimeter East this fall and later available as a design option for current hotels and those under development.
