2026 Hospitality Design Trends: Curating Experiences Guests Remember
In 2026, hospitality design is all about creating immersive, memorable experiences that resonate with guests long after they leave. From boutique hotels to large-scale resorts and entertainment destinations, the bar for innovation has never been higher. HBG Design, ranked #2 Hospitality and Entertainment Design Firm in the U.S., by Hotel Business Magazine for 2026, has decades of experience translating industry insights into transformative guest experiences. This year, our team has identified the trends that will define hospitality interiors and drive both engagement and operational success. You can download the full trends report here.
Social Wellness: Connection as the New Currency
Wellness has evolved beyond serenity and self-care—connection is now central to well-being. Guests increasingly seek shared experiences that foster community and engagement. HBG clients are already ahead of this curve, with co-ed hydrothermal lounges at WinStar Spa and hydrotherapy pools at MnoYé Spa at Gun Lake Resort. These spaces blend luxury, functionality, and social interaction, transforming wellness into a destination activity rather than a solitary experience.
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Blurred Indoor–Outdoor Experiences
Seamless indoor–outdoor environments are no longer just a coastal luxury—they’re expected year-round, everywhere. The Wawyé Oasis at Gun Lake Resort exemplifies this trend, featuring a six-story glass dome that creates a tropical, light-filled escape in Wayland, Michigan. Guests enjoy the sensation of being outdoors while designers control climate, programming, and operational flexibility, proving that immersive environments drive engagement and revenue alike.
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Rich Color & Craft
Color and material storytelling are taking center stage. For an upcoming five-star resort lobby, HBG Design collaborated with Schumacher Hospitality to transform iconic residential patterns into hospitality-grade fabrics and wallcoverings. Custom applications—from vibrant lobby wallcoverings to rooftop restaurant fabrics—combine durability with artistry, craft, and narrative inspiration drawn from the surrounding woodland landscapes and local industrial heritage.
Ready to explore all six trends in detail?
Download the full 2026 Hospitality Design Trends Report to see pull quotes, actionable owner checklists, and client case studies that bring these insights to life.
Project Delivery: Delivering Complexity with Confidence
Ensuring Design Intent for Large Scale Projects
At first glance, the Wawyé Oasis appears effortless—an all-season, six-story glass retreat filled with light and warmth in the heart of West Michigan. Behind that experience, however, is a highly disciplined Construction Administration (CA) process that ensures bold ideas are delivered with precision, consistency, and confidence.
At HBG Design, Construction Administration is not a back-end service. It is a core component of project delivery—bridging design intent and built reality. On a project as large and technically demanding as the Wawyé Oasis, CA became the engine that aligned teams, managed complexity, and protected the guest experience from day one.
Exceptional Project Delivery
The Oasis is both an engineering and operational achievement: a 32,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed entertainment venue designed to maintain resort-level comfort year-round, supported by more than 800 low-E glass panels and a segmented steel space frame engineered for Michigan’s snow and wind loads.
Delivering a structure of this scale and complexity required constant coordination during construction. HBG’s CA team worked closely with the contractor, consultants, operations staff, and the Tribe to ensure that design decisions were accurately executed and that performance expectations were met in the field—not just on paper.
Embedded Expertise from Day One
HBG provided dedicated on-site CA representatives, including our Construction Administration leader, Jason Fox, who brings deep casino and large-scale hospitality experience. But “on-site” only begins to describe the role. Our CA leaders are fully embedded in the construction process—participating in CM/GC meetings, Owner meetings, and coordination sessions to ensure decisions are clearly documented, communicated, and implemented.
In the field, our CA representatives operate with a clear mandate: be visible, accessible, accountable, and solution-oriented. Site observation debriefs were conducted at the conclusion of each visit, allowing real-time discussion of observed conditions before formal reports were issued. This proactive communication helped resolve questions early, reduced downstream impacts, and reinforced trust across the project team.
Technology That Keeps Teams Aligned
On projects of this scale, speed and clarity matter. HBG’s CA teams leverage purpose-built technology to keep information current and accessible.
Field representatives use iPads and PlanGrid to access the most up-to-date drawings and specifications, generate site observation reports, and track revisions in real time. Work Packages and ASIs are integrated into PlanGrid through our QA/QC process, ensuring alignment between design documentation and construction activities throughout critical milestones—from structural erection to glazing installation to complex mechanical and humidity-control systems.
For RFIs and Submittals, HBG uses the Newforma–Bluebeam connector to streamline reviews and enable real-time collaboration across disciplines. Our contract documents outline a prompt RFI response process—one our team upholds rigorously, even when coordination across multiple consultants is required. The result is faster resolution, clearer documentation, and fewer interruptions to construction progress.
Managing Change with Clarity and Control
Change is inevitable on complex projects. What matters is how it is managed. HBG’s CA team identifies potential changes early, evaluates impacts to design, budget, and schedule, and presents clear options so Owners can make informed decisions.
By closely monitoring RFIs, Submittals, and field conditions, our team minimizes ASIs and reduces opportunities for misalignment. When changes are approved, we focus on value-based solutions that maintain quality, protect design intent, and support overall project goals.
Closing Out with the Same Discipline
Construction Administration doesn’t end at substantial completion. HBG uses Newforma Capture to streamline punch list documentation, allowing items to be recorded efficiently and consistently across the CA team—often with reports generated before leaving the site.
Our services also include reviewing pay applications, coordinating close-out documentation, and assembling complete record drawings, including building signage. Deliverables are provided in the format preferred by Ownership, supporting smooth turnover and long-term facility operations.
Collaboration That Drives Results
The success of the Wawyé Oasis was built on continuous collaboration. Tribal leadership, Owner’s representatives, the CM/GC, specialty fabricators, engineers, and HBG’s design teams remained closely aligned throughout construction. HBG’s role was to maintain momentum, clarity, and accountability—ensuring that every decision supported the project’s performance, schedule, and guest experience.
Design Intent, Fully Realized
Today, when guests step into the Wawyé Oasis, they experience the result of that effort: a space where comfort, structure, and atmosphere perform exactly as intended. That outcome was not accidental. It was the product of an engaged CA team, disciplined processes, the right technology, and a service mindset focused on delivery.
This is how HBG Design turns complex design into successful construction—and how we continue to deliver large, technically demanding destinations with confidence, project after project.
Hospitality Design Trends for 2025
HBG Design Thinking: From Sustainable Innovations to Immersive Guest Experiences
As the hospitality industry gears up for 2025, the landscape continues to shift in response to economic, cultural, and technological forces. Insights from recent conferences such as The Lodging Conference, BDNY, and HD Expo provide a roadmap for what’s next in hospitality design. From sustainable innovations to immersive guest experiences, the trends shaping the future align closely with HBG Design’s mission to craft inspired and transformative spaces. HBG leaders Nathan Peak, Emily Marshall, Alexandra Milkovich and Landon Shockey weigh in on the trends.
Here’s what to expect in 2025 and how these trends will impact hospitality projects.
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Sustainability as a Core Value
HD Expo 2024 Show Floor
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s integral to the guest experience and the development process. Hotels are weaving sustainable practices into their brand narratives, using them as a competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways:
- Material Choices: Expect an emphasis on eco-friendly materials, such as rattan, rich wood tones, and recycled metals.
- Operational Practices: Digital keys, water refill stations, and large-format amenities reduce waste and align with consumer expectations.
- Circular Design: Designers are scrutinizing supply chains to reduce carbon footprints, inspired by innovations like Styrofoam-free casegoods and eco-conscious packaging.
"HBG Design’s approach prioritizes solutions that enhance both operational efficiency and environmental stewardship – focusing on product longevity and sustainably made products, creating spaces that resonate with eco-conscious travelers," says Nathan Peak, AIA, LEED GA, HBG Principal and Practice Leader.
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Wellness and Well-Being Take Center Stage
The wellness economy continues to flourish, influencing everything from luxury spa design to guestroom amenities.
"Wellness isn’t just a trend—it’s a fundamental expectation for guests," says HBG Sr. Interior Designer, Landon Shockey, ASID, NCIDQ.
Key Takeaways:
- Holistic Offerings: Wellness extends beyond spas. Guests seek spaces that nourish mind and body, from sound baths to in-room wellness features like sleep-enhancing technologies.
- Luxury Wellness: Hotels like Six Senses are redefining luxury by integrating sleep science, spiritual well-being, and sustainable design into the guest journey.
- Flexible Programming: Spaces designed for multi-use programming—yoga classes by day and stargazing at night—offer unique experiences while maximizing ROI.
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Technology: Enhancing, Not Replacing, the Human Touch
Guest rooms and suites at Oaklawn Resort, Hot Springs, feature in-room tablets as digital concierges, offering seamless access to dining, promotions, events, and more.
"As artificial intelligence and automation advance, successful hospitality design will balance technology with human-centered experiences" explains Emily Marshall, IIDA, NCIDQ, HBG Principal / Interior Design Leader.
Key Takeaways:
- AI-Powered Guest Experiences: From personalized room preferences to virtual concierge services, AI adds convenience while preserving the essence of hospitality.
- Connected Spaces: Smart room technology enhances intuitive design, providing guests with seamless control over lighting, climate, and entertainment.
- Community Connection: Digital platforms are enabling guests to engage with one another, enhancing the sense of belonging and discovery.
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Elevated Design: Nostalgia Meets Modern Luxury
Design trends are leaning into warm palettes, nostalgic textures, and tactile materials, creating spaces that feel both luxurious and welcoming.
Key Takeaways:
- Color Trends: Deep plums, cranberry reds, olive greens, and butterscotch tones evoke a cozy, grounded atmosphere.
- Biophilia and Texture: Rich biophilic elements and layered textures add visual and sensory depth.
- Experiential Elements: Thoughtful design moments—like curated art installations or locally inspired storytelling—leave lasting impressions on guests.
"HBG Design excels at blending these elements into cohesive narratives that connect deeply with guests and reflect the property’s location and brand identity," offers Alexandra Milkovich, IIDA, NCIDQ, HBG Sr. Associate / Sr. Interior Designer.
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The Rise of Lifestyle and Extended-Stay Models
The Hadsten Solvang, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, blends a “vineyard vibe” with vintage Danish charm, the design reflects the rich heritage of Solvang and the allure of its wine-country surroundings.
"Increased demand for lifestyle boutique hotels and extended-stay options is reshaping the market, driven by the need for flexible, experience-rich accommodations," adds Marshall.
Key Takeaways:
- Lifestyle Hotels: Brands like Moxy and Virgin focus on curated experiences, from local art displays to intimate dining.
- Extended Stay: Accommodations catering to 30-, 60-, or 90-day stays provide opportunities for innovative design that bridges home and hospitality.
- Personalization: These models emphasize creating environments that feel unique and personal, offering a sense of discovery with every stay.
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Storytelling: Creating Emotional Connections
Milkovich adds: "The art of storytelling is redefining hospitality. Guests crave narratives that shape every aspect of their journey, from booking to departure."
Key Takeaways:
- Unique Branding: Fictional personas or cultural references—create memorable, cohesive brand stories.
- Local Integration: Leveraging neighborhood influences, such as street art or regional culinary themes, creates authentic connections.
- Consistent Messaging: Every touchpoint, from architecture to amenities, must reinforce the story and immerse guests in the experience.
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Looking Ahead: Opportunities for 2025
"The year ahead promises growth, innovation, and creativity in hospitality design," says Peak. "HBG Design remains committed to staying at the forefront of these trends, helping clients achieve their vision while crafting spaces that inspire and endure."
By combining sustainable practices, cutting-edge technology, and emotionally resonant storytelling, HBG is creating destinations that not only meet guest expectations but exceed them—ensuring properties thrive in an ever-evolving market.
Let’s start the conversation about how these trends can elevate your next project. Reach out to our team at HBG Design to explore the possibilities.