The Wyndham Garden brand has revealed details on its first global hotel prototype, designed to make travel easier while delivering greater returns for hotel owners through operating efficiencies.
The new offering is designed to create an upscale experience by incorporating modern architecture, functional design and an all-day inclusive culinary concept.
Wyndham Garden’s prototype conveys the promise of a garden, using natural materials and pops of green to make guests feel like they’ve achieved serenity from the moment they arrive. It evokes the outdoors with abundant natural light, proven to increase comfort and productivity while reducing energy consumption, as well as visual cues projecting dappled light in the spaces where guests spend their time.
“With nearly half of our hotels located near airports and in city centers, we understand the need to escape the hustle and bustle that comes along with flying into Newark or doing business in downtown Shanghai,” said Kate Ashton, brand senior vice president, Wyndham Garden. “Travelers deserve respites along with amenities that provide added convenience and comfort. With this philosophy steering the brand in all that we do, we’ve developed a serene environment with purposeful design choices, a lens on the details and meaningful offerings to make our guests’ travels as easy and stress-free as possible.”
Nine prototypical hotels are already under development in markets like Winter Haven and Orlando, Fla; Edinburg, Texas; and South Bend, Ind. The first is expected to open in mid-2017 in Bridgeport, W.V.
At a construction cost of approximately $115,000 per key, the prototype gives owners and developers a competitive, accessible upper-midscale solution that taps into the strength of the Wyndham name and maximizes bottom lines.
Ashton continued, “Its operational efficiencies, turn-key plans and design-forward solutions deliver valuable returns on investments to hotel owners at a time when demand for upper-midscale construction is on the rise.” According to Smith Travel Research, more than 53,000 hotel rooms were under construction in the U.S. alone as of April 2016, up more than 23% since the same time last year.
Design Details
The seven-story prototype, developed with renowned hospitality design firm Krause+Sawyer, brings the outside in upon arrival with a wood trellis porte-cochere and a living wall made of moss and weathered wood which extends indoors. Guests then enter Wyndham Garden’s calming and comfortable space:
- They check in at stations in the Plaza Square, the open lobby brightened by dappled light and garden-inspired artwork;
- Relax in The Green, the brand’s lounge featuring a fireplace, greenery and comfortable furniture with integrated connectivity;
- Grab a drink at The Fountain, the full-service bar which can transform into a work station or seating area during the day for flexible use of space, before heading to their rooms; and
- Enjoy the fresh and creative dishes that are the focus of the brand’s 24-hour inclusive culinary experience, which spans all tastes and preferences including gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian selections. The all-day offerings – ranging from stir-fried cauliflower to barbeque chicken flatbreads and shiitake miso ramen bowls – fits with guests’ lifestyles and busy schedules, allowing them to enjoy what they want when they want it.
The calming effect of the outdoors extends to 139 contemporary guest rooms with bright windows, natural colors, crisp subway tiles, soft lighting and wood-like luxury vinyl flooring. Design doesn’t negate function as each room contains open closets, a mobile table, ample counter space and an enlarged dressing area so guests staying for short periods can unpack and organize in ways that work best for them. Wellness suites with fitness equipment and full-length mirrors allow guests to work out privately.
The LEED-certifiable design, Wyndham Hotel Group’s seventh such prototype, includes low-flow water fixtures, five electric car charging stations and greenery in all guest areas. Additionally, filtered water stations on each floor reduces wasteful bottled water; generous natural light and guest-controlled temperature gauges cuts back on energy use; and locally sourced menu items lend to a more sustainable food process.
Additional highlights include a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with touch-screen machines, expansive windows drawing in ample natural light, and high-ceilings; an outdoor pool; a nearly 1,500-square-foot function room for meetings and events; and an outdoor patio.
