NEWH - September 2009 - (Page 16)
case study Cambria Suites
Positive Feedback
Designing from the guest perspective By Donald Griner
The project Cambria
Suites by Choice Hotels
International opened five
new properties in the last
month in Denver;
Madison, Wisconsin;
Traverse City, Michigan;
Minneapolis; and
Indianapolis, Indiana,
bringing the total portfolio
to 18 hotels.
Above, clockwise from
top: Two views of the
lobby, the bar, and a
guestroom at a Cambria
Suites.
Donald Griner is the senior
director, design and
construction, for Choice
Hotels International
Design Approach The brand is working on some
exciting new custom projects in Los Angeles and Seattle,
which will incorporate regionalized design features. Our
last wave of openings featured new design elements such
as a lobby fireplace and regional stone exterior.
Regardless of whether the design is prototypical,
regional, or custom urban, the design concept was to
create a comfortable and modern, but not “over-theedge” atmosphere, appealing to the professional “striver”
mindset. Elegance and casual sophistication emanate
from the eclectic décor, including contemporary aspects
defined by the non-traditional use and placement of
materials, textures, and color. Dramatic interior
architecture and irregular geometry complement the
décor to create spaces where guests truly talk about the
design. One of my favorite experiences in the hotel is to
watch the expression of delight and surprise on guests’
faces as they peer up into the two-story lobby and pan
across the public spaces upon check-in. However, even
the unique curb appeal of the exteriors starts the
memorable guest experience as they drive-in before
check-in.
Results Thoughtful amenities and comforts in both
the spacious suites and active public spaces have been
universally valued by the guests, and design aspects of
the hotel are quoted in numerous reviews from leading
16 september 2009 www.newh.org tel 800.593.NEWH
hotel traveler review website TripAdvisor. Cambria
Suites has received four national design awards in the
last two years, reflecting its stylish appeal. However, the
true testimony of the popularity of the brand’s design
comes from the guests themselves and the resulting
property rankings in the markets they are located.
Cambria Suites hotels are ranked as a top 10 hotel in 12
markets, including the top hotel in six of those markets.
Responses from the Cambria Suites guests themselves
from TripAdvisor.com:
“Bold modern sizzle”
“All I can saw is WOW!”
“Very modern, comfortable, stylish”
“I’ve made the Cambria Suites my second home”
“Hip, upscale coffee shop & bar”
“Refreshing and welcoming”
“Best workout room I have seen in a hotel of any class”
“Interesting boutique hotel vibe”
“No expense was spared for the décor”
“Design and attention to detail made us feel like we
could have paid double”
Creating inspirational designs that both “wows” and
comforts road weary travelers should be the mission of
all designers in the hospitality industry, and this clearly
shows that innovative and thoughtful design truly can
delight a wider range of guests. I www.cambriasuites.com
http://www.TripAdvisor.com
http://www.cambriasuites.com
http://www.newh.org
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NEWH - September 2009
NEWH - September 2009
Contents
News
Sustainability: POV
Design 101
Case Study: Project
Case Study: Product
Have you Seen?
Product Know-How: Fabrics
On the Scene
Cover Story: NLP
Project: Langham Shanghai
Project: Founding Farmers
New Members
Save the Date
Partner Profiles
NEWH - September 2009
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