Hampton by Hilton, Hilton’s upper-midscale brand, today unveiled a new Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton and Hampton Inn by Hilton prototype for the Americas: a move which comes with a more contemporary exterior design and a public space refresh, building on Hampton’s existing model.
According to Shruti Gandhi Buckley, Hampton’s senior vice president and global head, the company estimates a cost savings per key of upwards of 5% with the new prototype.
“The new Americas prototype for Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites is more efficient to build and operate, two key factors that drive a strong return on investment for our owners,” Gandhi Buckley told HOTELS. “Hampton is nearly 35 years old, and we must continue to innovate to stay relevant and attuned to the changing needs of guests.”
According to Gandhi Buckley, the prototype retains Hampton’s signature flat roof model, but eliminates approximately 2,000-square-feet from the overall footprint to increase efficiency.
Gandhi Buckley said owners and franchisees were heavily involved throughout the prototype’s development process. At the 2017 Hilton Global Owners Conference, the company shared a sneak peek of the prototype with “overwhelming positive response,” Gandhi Buckley said.
The first early adopter of the new design will open this summer near Baltimore.
Key elements of the new building prototype include a fresh approach to the porte-cochere and enhanced lighting. Additionally, the company used local materials to achieve cost-savings while incorporating those same elements as part of the design esthetic.
Guest research heavily influenced the interior spaces. Public areas build on Hampton’s “Perfect Mix Lobby,” with interior design that includes a reimagined lobby and front desk area with customized front desk signage paying homage to the local area. Communal areas offer varied seating encouraging socializing.
Guestrooms have been redesigned based on how guests live, work and relax while traveling and functionality has been improved with new, intuitive storage solutions. The décor scheme in the rooms includes carefully choreographed pops of color combined with comforting warm tones. Guest room windows have been enlarged by 25% and bathroom design has also gotten a refresh.