Key Insights from NoVacancy 2025 Expo: How to Design Hotels that Delight Guests and Drive Revenue
The NoVacancy Hotel + Accommodation Industry Expo 2025, in Sydney last week reinforced that successful hospitality venues and hotels combine story, place, people and commercial rigour.
Key takeaways for operators, hoteliers and developers:
Storytelling is strategic.
Every decision should tie back to a clear narrative, this includes a persona for the space. This will activate the whole customer experience including the spatial design, wayfinding, fragrance, sound, lighting, uniforms, menus and service/ staff training.
Understand the customer.
Interiors should be designed and targeted to two guest personas to meet (and hopefully exceed) their expectations, this will drive revenue.
Start with the site and context.
These elements shape the experience and help define the narrative. Design to the key features of the space- whether this is the view or existing historical architectural features/ history of the hotel.
Community and F+B drive activation and revenue.
Make spaces that welcome locals as easily as guests. Activate spaces though all times of the day from morning to night for max revenue.
Practical delivery wins.
Start with a clear master plan that will drive all future decisions, rather than piece meal decisions (such as changing curtains/ furniture only) that will not achieve your long term strategic goals. This will cost more in the long run. Build prototypes/ test room, check services for hidden costs and prioritise lighting, way-finding and sensory consistency.
Respect the existing fabric and history.
Reimagining what is already there is often the most sustainable and valuable move. Work with Indigenous consultants and local elders to position rooms and interpret place. This is more than artwork, it is respect and authenticity.
Sustainability and wellness matter.
Healthy interiors and durable choices benefit guests, staff and future generations.
Holistic design aligns brand, operations and place to create emotional connection and measurable commercial outcomes. If you are planning a hospitality project and want design that delights guests and strengthens the bottom line, I would welcome a conversation.