Surface Magazine recently published a story on how Renaissance Hotels has been working hard to “localize” its hotels.
Renaissance is, of course, a brand in the Marriott portfolio with over 160 hotels worldwide. As a brand, Renaissance tries to capture the essence of the city and even the neighborhood that each property is in.
The Surface story focuses on several Renaissance properties – in Minneapolis, Toledo, Ohio, Philadelphia….and Dallas…. and goes into detail why each property and its story were central to the recent renovations that properties have undergone.
As an example, in Minneapolis, the Renaissance Hotel is part of the former train depot and local studio ESG Architecture & Design tried to capture the story of travel when undertaking the re-design of the property.
According to ESG Associate Mark Whitenack, “We were really inspired by the local stories and imagery of the historic depot and train shed. We wanted to capture the excitement, romance, and sense of adventure from when experiencing travel was a big deal,”
The same type of localization went on with the renovation at the Toledo, Ohio Renaissance property, as well.
With its long history of glassmaking – the artistry of glassmaking and Toledo industry, in general, is a central to the hotels ambiance from the moment you step into the lobby all the way through to the rooftop lounge.
In Philadelphia and in Dallas, the story is the same – the theme of telling the local story was critical to the re-design of each Renaissance Hotel property in those cities.
Which leads us to the concept of design playing a major role in the guest experience, not only from a hi-tech, guest efficiency approach but also from an emotional “How can we transport our guests into the local history….make them briefly feel a part of the neighborhood or city?” approach.
And this is where food & beverage….and of course, tabletop can come in.
Experiencing localized menus …..local foods …. Local beverages… seems like today every city and neighborhood has a local, craft brewery….or a local distillery… its all part of these hotels’ stories.
Tabletop suppliers need to consider how tabletop products can help add to those stories, as well.
Which type of china, glassware and flatware help to reinforce that feeling of “living local” even if its just for a few days. All done so that the hotel guests can – briefly – feel and understand the local story that each hotel is trying to tell.
If you want check out the Surface Magazine story…..go here: https://www.surfacemag.com/articles/renaissance-hotels-local-spirit/
