Co-living is a type of housing arrangement where individuals or groups of people live together in a shared space. Generally speaking – aside from hostel-bound backpackers, or patrons of niche clubs like SoHo House – the typical hotel guest generally values some degree of privacy and separation from fellow guests.
So how are architects and designers co-opting co-living to create elevated guest experiences in the most luxurious hotels?
Owner Benefits
For hotel owners, co-living spaces can make a lot of sense. They can help maximize the value of underutilized space and even become revenue generators. For example, a hotel might convert an underutilized conference room into a communal kitchen, lounge area, co-working space, or entertainment amenity, all offering unique and valuable experiences for guests, and all ways to generate new revenue. Such features can distinguish a hotel from its competitors, create social opportunities and a sense of community among guests, boost customer loyalty, increase positive word-of-mouth, generate followings, and drive business.
Co-living Elevated
Like the hotels that encompass them, principles of co-living can be applied across the spectrum of hotel chain scales from economy to luxury and lifestyle. When properly designed and executed, co-living can provide a truly elevated guest experience, combining the benefits of a residence with all the services typically available at a hotel. Consider a block of rooms, combined, or a portion of a hotel floor converted to create a luxury apartment setting within the hotel, including multiple sleeping areas, living areas, kitchens, and other at-home features, and designed to feel more authentic and genuine than typical hotel settings. Co-living spaces can be like a home away from home: spaces with unique character, privacy, and comforts of home, but supported by all the services and features typically available only at hotels.
Select Examples of Hotels with Co-Living Features
The Aman Tokyo offers multi-bedroom suites as large as 1,689 square feet, with separate bedrooms, living rooms, dining areas, and pantries, and featuring panoramic views of the city. The suites are designed to accommodate families and groups. Equipped with a personal bar, mini wine cellar, and guest powder room with separate water closet, the suites are well-suited for entertaining.
The Four Seasons Residences are a collection of private residences within the Four Seasons hotels in various locations around the world, including London, New York, and Bangkok. The residences feature multiple bedrooms, private kitchens, and living areas, as well as access to all the hotel’s amenities and services. The property website boasts “legendary Four Seasons service, world-class amenities and a seamless ownership experience, in the world’s most sought-after locations.”
The Rosewood London offers apartment-style accommodations with communal living areas. The hotel has 45 unique luxury suites and houses featuring multiple bedrooms, private kitchens, and living rooms, as well as access to all the amenities and services of the hotel.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences are a collection of private residences within the Ritz-Carlton hotels in various locations around the world. Ritz-Carlton is similarly targeting the meeting point between luxury home and hospitality, advertising “a home not only defined by sophisticated style and luxurious finishes, but equipped to deliver legendary Ritz-Carlton service.”
Architecture and Design
When designing co-living spaces, architects and designers pay specific attention to functional, practical, and aesthetic considerations to create a co-living space that is both beautiful and functional.
Co-living spaces are designed to foster a sense of community and connection among guests, so designers may select art and artifacts that encourage social interaction, such as large communal tables, interactive art installations, or communal activities.
Co-living spaces in hotels can see heavy foot traffic and frequent use, so materials need to be durable and able to withstand wear and tear. Materials like concrete, natural stone, and high-quality wood can be good choices for high-traffic areas.
Co-living spaces should provide guests with a sense of privacy, in shared areas within the suite, and even within shared common areas in the hotel. Materials like soundproofing panels, curtains, and room dividers can be used to create privacy within communal spaces. Shared spaces can be noisy and disruptive, so designers need to select materials that absorb sound and minimize noise. Materials like acoustic panels, carpets, and wall hangings can help to reduce noise levels.
To make co-living spaces feel like home, designers will often include art and artifacts that reflect the location and culture of the hotel, as well as the interests and preferences of the guests. This can include local art, vintage or antique pieces, and custom-made pieces that are tailored to the space.
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Would you like to explore options to incorporate co-living features in your next hotel renovation? Connect with our team and let’s start collaborating.
