Playa Hotels & Resorts just recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a big event in Cancun.
25.08.2023 - 13:13 / skift.com / Carley Thornell / Marriott International
More and more designers believe lighting is critical in making hotel lobbies more inviting because of a next-gen traveler demand for more social interaction and blended travel. The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club renovation is an example worth spotlighting.
An ongoing property-wide renovation recently began in what general manager Martin Rodriguez refers to as “the living room” of the hotel, better known as the lobby. At his property, the lobby serves as the check-in desk, lounge, elevator bank, gift shop entrance, and cocktail bar.
To understand why a lighting refresh was critical here, you have to know that there are no towers at this Westin. The property’s horseshoe design gives each of the resort’s 200 rooms a view of the ocean and the central pool. This open architecture affords the centrally located lobby a breathtaking view — straight through to sand and sea. Supporting that panorama is a lighting schema that, like a chameleon, must fluctuate day or night, rain or shine.
“It was important for us to make the guest feel instantly attracted and captivated by the extraordinary natural environment that this beautiful property has to offer,” said Spectro Lighting founder and president Luis José Jacobo of the renovation. “Natural light in the Caribbean is abundant and highlights its landscape. But we also wanted to ensure that the same areas could be enjoyed just as much at nightfall.”
When it came to strategizing what areas to enhance first, it was no question that the open-air lobby was tops on the list, said Emilio Perez, Marriott senior continent leader for global design.
About 50% of ongoing Marriott renovations today are initiated by the need to enhance the main arrival experience, which in turn elevates guest satisfaction,” Perez said.
It’s an investment that’s worked, he claimed.
Replacing a dark iron fixture with a brighter brass one spotlights the addition of pops of color and textures in the lobby bar while reducing glare. The addition of a back-lit cocktail bar has drawn in guests and others from neighboring hotels, who often spend hours chatting or watching sports on TV. (The Westin hosts the PGA and many golfers.)
Others grab a drink and cozy up on cushy new weather-resilient furniture to watch the sun fade. They’re all protected by floor-to-ceiling retractable shades that keep out blazing rays or showers — complemented by dimmable, well-placed lighting that creates minimal glare on the tile floor.
“It’s all a game of light and shadows,” said Jacobo, who is familiar with the Westin’s setting for multiple reasons. As a native of the Dominican Republic, he’s part of Marriott’s mission to hire diverse, local vendors, said Perez. Jacobo was also part of the original construction team for
Playa Hotels & Resorts just recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a big event in Cancun.
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