How To Choose a Luxury Hotel Reception Desk

It is crucial to make sure that the style you wish to portray is consistent throughout the interior of your hotel, from the luxury hotel reception desk onwards. The look and design of this desk should perfectly reflect your hotel brand. This blog will help you to make sure you have the perfect hotel reception desk, whatever your style.

Define Your Hotel’s Style and Branding

Your individual hotel style and branding should be incorporated in every single aspect of the hotel design, from the front desk to the bedding, to staff uniforms, stationery and soap.

This branding signifies the style of your establishment to all guests and staff and should be strictly adhered to so that the experience remains seamless.

Help to define your branding by asking some questions about the hotel you want to create:

• Is your accommodation supposed to be luxe, modern or simply clean and functional?
• Consider the number of guests and the length of the average stay. Will guests have time to appreciate subtle fine touches or will functionality be the priority?
• Are you positioned for business travellers who may stay for one night only and need to check in and out as efficiently as possible?
• Is your building part of the experience, for example are you based in a period house that requires an appropriately themed hotel reception desk?
• If the hotel is a purpose-built but bland commercial space, could a more thoughtfully designed modern reception desk help to create a more memorable guest experience?

Material Choices

For a high-end establishment, a luxury hotel reception desk will set the scene from the very beginning of the guest journey. For a design-led establishment, the hotel reception desk is where maximum impact meets high-end materials.

Consider materials that symbolise luxury like marble, richly-coloured woods and wood veneers, or sleek glass and shiny chrome.

Functionality and Ergonomics

The hotel reception desk is one place where it’s really important to balance aesthetics with functionality and ergonomics. Some points to think about could be:

• The number of receptionists in place at one time.
• Is the desk manned 24/7 with day and night staff having different working priorities?
• The ergonomics – consider the comfort of staff, seated or standing.

Size and Layout Considerations

Now that you’ve thought about design style and materials, consider the size and layout of the desk, relative to the space available.

1. What is the maximum number of receptionists anticipated to work the desk?
2. How will guests move through the space and around the desk, both inwards and outwards?
3. Is additional office space available nearby or must the desk be self-sufficient?

Reception Desks >

Storage and Organisation

Find a balance between offering a space for papers that should be available to the guests and that which must be securely stored, like paperwork with guests’ personal and financial details on it. The desk should have sufficient storage for everyday stationery and personal effects for staff (if no other space is provided).

This helps create a more luxurious look as well as helping to create a more calm and serene atmosphere. Ensure sufficient lockable drawers, desk storage cabinets and shelves are available, out of public view.

Accessibility and DDA

It’s important to ensure that the hotel and reception desk are accessible for all guests, including wheelchair users. As far as the front desk is concerned, this could include varying desk heights and space for legroom as required. Sufficient space should be available all around the desk for people to pass with walking aids and for wheelchairs to turn, (as well as for people with luggage and buggies!)

In addition to the use of hearing loops in reception areas, you might also want to consider incorporating contrasting colours into the hotel reception desk design, say between the desktop and front counter, to assist the visually impaired.

Integrating Technology

The luxury hotel reception desk should keep everything neatly tucked away out of sight. The essence of luxury hotel design is generally ‘less is more’ for a good reason – the detritus of day to day life needs to be hidden away as far as possible. A well designed desk will incorporate all the technology required by staff, without trailing wires or screens that block customer eyelines.

Digital Check-in Solutions

The pandemic accelerated the use of contact-free solutions in public spaces and hotels were no exception. Guests expect and appreciate digital check-in solutions like touchscreens and apps. Digital check-outs are always popular with business travellers. You may wish to consider separate kiosks to facilitate these solutions and reduce queues at the main desk.

Charging Stations and Connectivity

As in any busy reception space, the hotel reception should offer a variety of seating and tables. Cleverly designed luxury reception seating can include charging facilities in the arms of chairs. The modern hotel reception desk can incorporate charging points or other connectivity, essential not just for business travellers.

Budget and Investment

The luxury hotel reception desk is a working environment that needs to stand out and blend in at the same, without sacrificing any functionality. But it’s a long term investment that will pay off.

Designs are available to suit almost all establishments and specialist commercial hotel furniture suppliers will be able to advise on making the most of your budget.

Remember, your hotel reception desk design needs to incorporate:

• Branding
• Ergonomics
• Functionality
• Accessibility
• Storage
• Integrated technology

Use these tips to easily and economically create a stylish and functional focal point in your hotel reception area.