When we hear the words “futuristic hotel,” it conjures up images of valets bringing our space luggage to our rooms via hoverboard.
It’s not quite that, but it’s cool nonetheless: McKinsey travel experts have predictions for how the hotel experience will transform in the 2030s.
Forecasted changes include:
“The big change that I anticipate… is that every single pain point will be removed,” writes Caroline Tufft, a senior partner at McKinsey.
Experts predict that guests will increasingly choose hotels that prioritize sustainability, putting pressure on corporations even before regulators do.
Tech will help as well: Hotel room sensors will monitor who is in a room and what they’re doing, adjusting the temperature accordingly to limit energy use (HVAC systems are responsible for most of the energy consumption in hotels).
Beyond prioritizing sustainability, hotels will become more responsible employers, giving workers more role flexibility and better pay and training.
While hotels today focus on spas and amenities, the future might revolve around customizable restaurant menu items or the technology and lighting used in rooms.
VR and 3D glasses could allow customers to look into different room options before booking, and the rooms themselves could be automated to transform furniture into various configurations based on the guest’s needs.
That’s all pretty cool, but we’ll be holding off on our excitement until there’s a voice-automated french fry dispenser on the bedside table.