As we enter a new year, it is time to cast our gaze towards the future of hotel and resort interiors. In this article, we will consult our (metaphorical) crystal ball to define the industry’s biggest upcoming design trends. In recent years, evolving guest expectations and behaviors have led to an increased focus on sustainability, wellbeing, and authentic experiences. While these influences are here to stay, new trends and technologies have emerged. Read on to discover the top five interior design trends disrupting the hotel and resort industry in 2024 and beyond.
1. Sleep tourism
Wellbeing is a key area coming to the forefront of hotel & resort design and influencing many trends this year. Sleep tourism is the largest trend emerging from this wellbeing focus. According to Hilton’s 2024 traveler trends report, the top travel reason in 2024 is to rest and recharge. As we spend an estimated third of our lives sleeping, why not invest in higher sleep quality? Recent research has indicated how critical good sleep is for bodily restoration, cognition, fat loss and the immune system.
When sleeping in a new environment, such as a guestroom or suite, many suffer from poor sleep. However, many designers are aiming to tackle this in 2024 and beyond. Important suite features and guest considerations include selecting durable yet comfortable mattresses that support the spine accompanied by high quality bedding. To cater to different tastes, some hotels have also opted to introduce a pillow menu.

Other key suite design aspects include providing the ability to control light and temperature. According to sleep experts, lighting is key to improving sleep performance as it directly impacts melatonin, a sleep hormone. At night, we should be exposed to dark rich orange or red light. Whereas in the morning we should be exposed to bright blue light which suppresses melatonin production. Designers are improving hotel lighting inside suites through the inclusion of blackout blinds and curtains, as well as reducing in-room technology and its disruptive blue lighting.
A silent night
Another key consideration is soundproofing. Hilton’s 2024 traveler trends report found that sound is an important concern for guests, with 20% requesting a room away from elevators or on a higher floor. To avoid noise disruption, designers may use soft furnishings such as cushions, carpets, curtains, and even wall textures to absorb and dampen unwanted sounds.
2. Biophilic bliss
Hotel and resort design is undergoing a monumental transformation as sustainability comes to the forefront of the agenda. This has been driven by new initiatives and innovations, brand-led targets, and evolving guest expectations. As sustainability becomes the new standard, it is inspiring many design trends, including biophilia.
Biophilia is defined as the human desire to connect with the natural world around us. The term originates from a combination of the ancient Greek words ‘bio’ (life), and ‘philia’ (love), making its literal definition ‘love for life’. Biophilic elements include prioritizing natural lighting, using biomorphic nature-inspired patterns, shapes or textures, plants and foliage, and natural colour palettes. Another defining trait is the use of natural, organic, or recyclable materials. These include reinforced wood, wool, cotton, ceramics, wicker, bamboo, clay, and mycelium.

Boosting guest satisfaction
When implemented successfully, biophilic designs can boost attention spans, creativity and productivity, offer improved air quality, increase wellbeing, and reduce stress. With so many benefits, it is no surprise that designers are increasingly implementing biophilic elements into interior spaces. But this trend isn’t just designer-led. Booking.com identified sustainable design as a key 2024 travel prediction. According to its survey, 53% of travellers are seeking accommodation that blends comfort with innovative sustainability features, with 65% desiring green spaces and plants during their stays.
The upcoming sustainable luxury destination, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia will debut biophilic design when it opens in early 2026. Guests will be offered full immersion as they stay in buildings designed to blend into the lush landscape. These were built and decorated using natural materials native to the island, Coralina limestone, brick, and stucco. The low-density resort will also feature open spaces, passive cooling, and lush landscaping using curated, non-invasive native species.

3. Smart rooms and personalization
One trend continuing from 2023 is the desire for more personalized spaces. A new trend on the rise is ‘smart’ hotel rooms that incorporate technology allowing guests to fully curate their experience. This results in a more comfortable and personalized stay.
In 2017, Hilton launched its Innovation Gallery. Here, the brand showcased advancements ranging from a noise-cancellation and sleep-improvement device called Nightingale to a digital-art concept, a real-time translation tool called Pilot, and a self-sustaining moss wall that absorbs humidity and odors. Similarly, Marriott gave us a glimpse into the future of hotel rooms with their Internet of Things Guestroom Lab. This revealed a series of innovations including individually customized lighting, voice-activated room controls and a virtual assistant service to organize the guest’s activities. Marriott also revealed they were testing spatial technology that can produce a room with blue-hued lighting in the morning or orange-hued lighting in the evening. During this time, guests could enjoy a superimposed yoga routine on the room’s full-length mirror to unwind.
While these provided a future insight into hotel and resort design, we are now seeing the introduction of smart rooms. Guests can fully curate their stay at Hotel Mousai’s smart hotel suites. These rooms provide an iPad which can be used to cast films and programs to the room’s flatscreen TV, dim the room’s lights, and order room service all from the comfort of one’s bed.
4. More social spaces
As our lives increasingly shift towards being more online, the need for human connection grows stronger. Design Hotels’ Further Forecast, a trend report defining six key themes that will transform the industry in 2024 and beyond, reported that over half of the respondents are seeking more community-led experiences. Many travellers are now seeking to travel ‘like a local’, interacting with residents and engaging in authentic experiences. To aid this, we are beginning to see more hotel and resort designs maximize connectivity by introducing communal spaces. Hotel lobbies, bars and restaurants are increasingly becoming multipurpose spaces that prioritize community and togetherness, introducing exciting new features.

The recently opened Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina’s two new neighbourhood restaurant and bar concepts were designed for both guests and residents to enjoy local cuisine together. Additionally, the recently reimagined Bull & Bear restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Orlando has become a staple for Orlando locals and visitors alike.

5. Cultural connections
Building on the previous trend, guests are increasingly seeking stays that offer unforgettable experiences inspired by local cultures and environments. A Booking.com survey found that 60% of respondents look for “authentic experiences that are representative of the local culture” when travelling. Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report also identified experiential travel as an emerging vacation theme. Travelers reported prioritising new experiences (85%), trying local cuisine (64%) and learning about local customs and traditions (48%).
The LATAM region and USA Southern states are steeped in history and rich culture. Travel and tourism to South America has grown annually by 3.5%, with a predicted revenue of US$37.78bn in 2024. There are also over 100,000 keys lined up in Latin America in the coming years. North American sites represent 62% of this pipeline, followed by Mexico, which boasts 30% of these developments. With a growing interest in this area, there are plenty of opportunities to weave the region’s culture and history into their designs and enrich guest experiences.

An ode to Brazil
One example of this is Rosewood São Paulo’s design which pays homage to the city’s rich past, present, and future. The lobby is embellished with more than 450 artworks across various mediums. Additionally, the hotel’s Rabo di Galo jazz club features a bold ceiling decorated with constellation-like patterns. These were handpainted by local artist Rodrigo de Azevedo Saad. To further the connection, the hotel’s vertical garden tower was constructed entirely of Brazilian wood, paying homage to Brazil’s lush rainforests.

We are also increasingly seeing brands introduce bespoke interiors per destination rather than one generic brand design across all locations. One example of this is Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina. This hotel’s design is steeped in deep cultural history, with installations inspired by the indigo plants that once covered the sandy shorelines. Nautical-inspired fixtures and a triptych depict steam ships once prevalent in the area and evoke the feeling of being out at sea. The property also pays homage to Panama City’s original residents who helped shape the local community.
Want more of this?
Check out the Hotel & Resort Design South blog for more design insights and the latest industry updates. Hotel and Resort Design South is a hotel product-sourcing and networking platform for those involved in the design of hotels and resorts in the South and LATAM regions. The next event will be taking place on 3 – 4 June 2025 alongside Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Americas at the Miami Beach Convention Center.