WATG Publishes New White Paper “The Evolution of Lifestyle Select-Service Hotels” — Source: WATG

WATG has released a new white paper titled, "The Evolution of Lifestyle Select-Service Hotels". The paper explores the select-service hotel model, and its proven ability to withstand economic downturn, resulting in higher profit margins compared to their full-service counterparts. The design strategy around select-service hotels is to maximize space efficiency which results in a lean labor model. The 14-page report dives into the differences between hotel models that straddle both lifestyle and select-service categories.

As hotels begin their long journey of post-pandemic recuperation, the operational efficiency mastered by select-service hotels takes first priority. Investors and developers will look towards this category for a few reasons; including a more efficient and lower-risk labor model, construction cost and time savings, resilience in economic downturn, a higher net revenue through direct booking, and eye-catching spaces that draw visitors in through the power of social media.

"The lucrative nature of lifestyle select-service hotels has raised standards and brought new players to the sector, making it fiercely competitive. Major players, in turn, are evolving their strategies to stay ahead," said Greg Villegas, AIA, NCARB, Vice President, at WATG Irvine. "Maintaining a balance between efficiency and high perception of value will be key as lifestyle select-service hotels navigate toward a new and more evolved normal in the post-pandemic world. Unlike luxury hotels where guests still may expect high-touch service, select-service hotels can lean more heavily on technology and robots to take on repetitive or tedious tasks, thereby freeing staff to provide guests with better service."

WATG Strategy, the advisory division of the global, multidisciplinary design firm, grounds every project in economic realities through detailed market research, industry trend monitoring, concept visioning and competitive positioning. WATG Strategy has vast experience, undertaking due diligence for developers and operators around the world. The extensive database of supply and market performance allows the division to equip developers with recommendations which optimize the financial viability of a given scheme.

Download the full report here.

About WATG

Founded in Honolulu in 1945 by George "Pete' Wimberly, WATG is the preeminent leader in integrated luxury hospitality design. Grounded in rigorous strategy and incomparable domain expertise, WATG creates bespoke, exhilarating and culturally significant destinations.

WATG remains independent to this day with a profound respect for its heritage. Its five studios – Advisory, Master Planning, Architecture, Landscape and Wimberly Interiors – stay true to their values, designing spaces that respect, protect and enhance the natural magic of their surroundings while delivering long-term value for clients and communities.

As of 2022, its global yet local team – representing more than 45 nationalities across offices in Honolulu, Irvine (California), Los Angeles, New York, London, Cairo, New Delhi, Singapore and Shanghai – has designed and delivered over 500 built projects in 170 countries and territories, pushing the boundaries of possibility while delivering enduring client success across the globe.

For more information please visit watg.com.

Erica Raskin
Agency PR
WATG