The hotel industry is constantly evolving and facing numerous challenges, including increased competition and a quest for authenticity and sustainability. More and more travellers seek a unique experience where every detail tells a story. As an interior architect, having worked on hotel projects in Berlin and Sydney, as well as being a customer myself, I look for spaces that are not just aesthetically pleasing, but that contribute to creating a complete experience of the destination.

The hotels where we stay are no longer seen simply as places of transit. The preferred hotel experience is one that embodies the local flavour and allows guests to feel connected to their surroundings. The hotel itself should mark our memories as much as the visit to a historical monument, the landscapes we pass through, and the local gastronomy.

At a time when alternatives such as Airbnb are offering a more autonomous experience, hoteliers need to rethink their offer to create vibrant places, where authenticity and interconnection with the city are becoming essential assets. To attract guests, the design of hotel construction or renovation projects must include values such as local craftsmanship and the preservation of cultural identity. The hotel becomes an extension of the city.

The Hotel as an Immersive Experience

The new generation of hotels, and more particularly boutique hotels, stands out from traditional hospitality by offering personalisation and a strong identity. To align its establishment with the local context, a hotel can offer a gastronomic experience that matches the culture of the region, create unique spaces that reinterpret local cultural practices (such as a spätkauf in a Berlin hotel), or offer bespoke activities (like wellness retreats in the mountains). Another important aspect is the creation of a social space frequented by both guests and the local community. Establishing strong partnerships with actors of the local artistic scene helps position the hotel as a dynamic cultural player, strengthening its ties with the immediate environment.

Nonetheless, interior design plays a crucial role in the creation of an establishment’s identity. It helps create a visual, sensory, and emotional universe. « You never get a second chance to make a good first impression » said David Swanson. In the hotel industry, the first visual impression of an establishment plays a decisive role in a guest’s decision to return or recommend the place. Integrating local craftsmanship or art into the design concept helps improve guests’ perception of the hotel because it creates an authentic and original atmosphere.

Integrating Local Craftsmanship into the Project

Sourcing from local artisans is not only a way to support the regional economy. Unlike mass-produced objects, artisanal works infuse spaces with their own identity. The trend is to enhance the value of handmade products, which highlights the talent, experience and creativity of local craftspeople. It is also associated with another significant trend: the growing demand for environmentally respectful design. Many traditional cultural practices are inherently sustainable.

By incorporating these principles, hotels can offer a design that is both culturally rich and environmentally responsible. But how can the integration of local elements be practically implemented?

The first step in the design process is understanding the local culture. This involves immersing oneself in the history, art, and traditions of the region. It may also mean collaborating with local partners to bring in additional expertise. Such an approach allows for informed choices, grounded in the history and culture of the place. For example, a hotel located in a region known for its textile industry could integrate local fabrics into its furniture and decor, such as Majorcan canvas (ikat) in a hotel in Palma.

Other approaches to consider are the conservation of remarkable elements of the architecture of the building in which the hotel is housed, using local construction materials (does local architecture primarily use brick, stone, or a specific type of natural stone?), decorative pieces, or even colour schemes that directly reference the destination. As discussed in the previous article, colours play a crucial role in defining the atmosphere of a space.

Integrating furniture, whether bespoke or not, is an excellent way to implement local elements into the design, for example, through artisanal techniques such as wood carving or metalworking. These elements also serve as conversation starters, allowing guests to connect with the local population. This emotional connection often translates into positive reviews and loyal customers, which are invaluable in the hospitality sector.

Case Study: Hotel Dar El Jeld in Tunis

The Hotel Dar El Jeld, located at the gates of the medina in Tunis, perfectly illustrates these principles. It combines traditional architecture with local craftsmanship and modern comfort. The design of this high-end establishment incorporates works by Tunisian masters such as Ali Ben Salem and Pierre Boucherle, a contemporary sculpture by Rym Karoui, ancient pottery from Nabeul, and a custom fragrance with notes of white jasmine, the emblematic flower of Tunisia. The decor of the hammam recalls traditional codes through the use of shiny purple mosaics and Kadhel marble. Architects Anouar Ennafaa and Ghazi Ben Ismail have successfully created an authentic atmosphere that immerses the visitor in the very soul of the medina, while offering a modern and luxurious experience.

Sources:

Connecting travelers and local communities through hotel design, Casey Scalf, 2023, www.hospitalitynet.org

Comment agencer les espaces de détente dans un hôtel pour une expérience client optimale ?, 2025, www.carolinetissier.com

Hôtel Dar El Jeld : Un havre de paix au coeur de la Medina, 2018, www.mosaiquefm.net