Beyond the Lobby: How Recent Hotel Designs Create More Social Public Spaces

Kimpton Fitzroy London’s ground-floor redesign moves through the lobby and reception, Fitz’s Brasserie, The Parlour, The Snug and a seasonal terrace. The project keeps the building’s 19th-century tiled zodiac floor, then builds a new layer around it with bespoke furniture, banquettes, antiques and materials that feel collected rather than installed all at once.

That layered approach gives the public floor a sense of depth. Warm reds, yellows and greens establish the arrival, while distressed brass, rich timber and curved upholstery create a more residential scale around the circulation route. The result is useful for hospitality teams because it allows the same floor to serve a short visit, a meeting, a meal and an evening drink without making each zone feel like a separate brand.

The Maya in Long Beach follows a different but related strategy. Its property-wide renovation uses a calmer palette of coastal blues and sunset tones, stone surfaces, textured wall coverings and organic finishes. Open seating and improved flow are part of the redesign, while Fuego’s new indoor-outdoor relationship gives the lounge a reason to attract local users as well as hotel guests.

Recess Hotel & Club transforms Savannah’s 114-year-old Manger Building into a 221-key property organised around a playful “new old school” idea. The lobby bar connects to a living-room-style lounge, while Rumpus Rooms become shared hubs with lounge seating, games and media. Original mosaic flooring and arched windows remain in conversation with natural wood, marble, modern finishes and custom lighting.

What matters is the sequence. The hotel does not rely on one spectacular lobby image. It creates a series of invitations, each with a different level of energy and privacy. For developers, that can support a wider operating model: guests can move between work, food, informal meetings and evening events without leaving the property.

At Kimpton Quinta da Marinha in Cascais, the material story is tied to the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and Portugal’s Atlantic coastline. Organic materials, warm neutrals, layered textures and Portuguese craftsmanship give the 194-room resort a relaxed identity, while the lobby, dining venues, spa, pools and sports facilities create different points of social contact across the site.

Anantara Hoi An Resort takes a more direct route through history. Its refreshed riverfront suites blend French colonial character with Asian influences, while the redesigned pool and Art Space Restaurant & Bar extend the experience toward the Thu Bon River. The addition of local artwork and a performance stage makes the dining venue part of the destination rather than a room that happens to serve food.