In 2025, hotel design took on a new lease of life. There was a clear move away from just looking good on screen, and hotels instead focused on how guests feel when they arrive and stay in the space. This resulted in warmer interiors that felt homely and relaxed, helping guests feel comfortable from the moment they checked in.
In this article, we take a look at some of our favourite hotel design concepts of last year and also look at what’s likely to shape hotel design in 2026.
Nature-led designs
Nature-led design softened last year, and that’s a good thing. Rather than overloading spaces with plants, designers are choosing materials that feel natural and honest. Timber with visible grain, textured stone and muted, earthy colours make rooms feel calm without being bland.
There’s a sense that these spaces are meant to be used, not admired from a distance. Natural light is doing more of the work, too, giving rooms a different feel from morning to evening. It all adds up to interiors that feel comforting and easy to be in.
Subtle earthy tones were also a prominent feature in 2025. Take a look at our DoubleTree by Hilton Kensington project for inspiration.
Bold colours and spaces
We love this concept. Alongside calmer spaces, 2025 was also the year of confident colour. Hotels are stepping away from safe neutrals and embracing deeper tones and richer palettes. Used well, these colours add warmth and personality to shared spaces such as lobbies and bars.
What stands out is how deliberate the choices feel. Colour isn’t there to make a statement for the sake of it. It’s there to set a mood and give the hotel a sense of identity. These are spaces guests remember for being alive and full of character.
For inspiration, take a look at our Travelodge London City Road project.
Design that feels rooted in place
Another shift in 2025 was towards a design that feels genuinely connected to its location. Instead of obvious themes, hotels are using quieter references to reflect where they are. Local materials, artwork from nearby makers and subtle architectural details all help tell that story.
These elements don’t dominate the space, but they add meaning. Guests feel like they’re staying somewhere specific, not just anywhere.
Check out our Travelodge Central Queen Street Cardiff project, which uses a mix of blues and greens to reflect the coastal location and modern finishes with warmer textures to replicate the city’s blend of old and new.
Functional spaces
Lastly, hotels in 2025 became much better at designing for how people actually behave. Lobbies are no longer just places to pass through. They’re somewhere you might work for an hour, meet someone or simply sit with a coffee.
Bedrooms feel more flexible too, with layouts that support both rest and downtime without feeling cluttered. Everything feels considered, practical and comfortable, which makes a big difference to the overall experience.
See our Travelodge Kings Cross Royal Scot for inspiration. It brings together vibrant, welcoming shared spaces for work or coffee meetings, with private work areas in guest rooms.
If you are looking to give your hotel interior a new lease of life, we can help. Our team of hotel refurbishment experts at IH Group will be by your side at every stage to help you plan and execute your hotel renovation project. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
