Hotel Design- September 2008

technology Star of the show lat-screen televisions are becoming standard in guestrooms. Now, instead of being hidden away, they are taking center stage. From layout to furniture to functionality, hotel rooms are being designed around the LCD or plasma TV. “People are incorporating the [flat-screen TV] so it’s a seamless part of the guestroom, but also a central focal point that’s easy to see from all different areas of the room,” says Faith Taylor, VP of innovation and product development, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Wyndham is in the process of making flat-screen TVs standard for all Wall mounting is used to display flat-screen TVs at some Wyndham Hotels and Resorts properties. F guestrooms going into 2009. “Television technology has changed the way we view guestroom design,” says William Gullion, VP of product design and technical services, Hyatt Corp. The new plasma and LCD televisions no longer need the 20- to 30-degree cone of vision that was optimal with older standard televisions, and the sharper picture and flat screen allow for viewing at a much wider angle. “The need to hide the sides and back of the TV are not as important now that the overall profile has been reduced. In general, the new TVs are opening up the room,” Gullion says. —Allie Johnson WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS Sleeker guestroom style urniture is changing to complement the sleek look of flat-screen TVs and also to support the viewing experience. Chunky armoires that used to hide bulky TVs are giving way to streamlined, modern pieces. “We’re moving toward low-profile pieces like credenzas; design that is more sophisticated with more clean lines,” says Robin Byrne, director of programs and product design for Hilton Hotels Corp. Hotels also are offering seating options for TV viewing. At Hyatt Place hotels, guests can watch the 42-inch flat-panel TV from the modern Cozy Corner sectional. And Wyndham Hotels and Resorts created the streamlined Smart Chair, fully wired for Internet access and iPod listening. —Allie Johnson F Tips for flat-screen design: Make the TV the room’s focal point—try framing it like a piece of art. Keep size and scale in mind so the TV doesn’t overpower the room. Consider offering high-definition programming. Crisp-looking content is part of the experience. Look at guests’ behavior in the hotel room and design with that in mind. Make interfaces intuitive. At a hotel, guests don’t have the time or the desire to figure out the ins and outs of a new system. Wall mounting can cause noise issues. Make sure you have the proper technology or buffers to keep it quiet. WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS Modern furniture with clean lines complements flat-screen TVs at Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. Source: Faith Taylor, VP of innovation and product development, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts; Robin Byrne, director of programs and product design, Hilton Hotels; and Doug Stein, Team Lead–In Room Entertainment Strategy Initiative, Hilton Hotels Corp. 68 Hotel Design | SEPTEMBER 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hotel Design- September 2008

Hotel Design - September 2008 Contents First Word Design Pulse News Briefs Boho Chic in South Beach Bath Trends Waterworks Photography 101 Illuminations First Looks Caribbean Cool Updating History On the Wall Call for Entries Technology Trendlines Form & Function Designer Viewpoint Under the Texan Sun Brand Outlook Call for Submissions Bringing Outside In Facelifts Portfolio People Watch Good Life Up Close & Personal Source List Ad Index Signature Projects

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