Consumers’ demands are steering towards a more luxurious bathroom experience in all sectors and we are seeing this filter into design decisions. Hospitality owners are realising that with a little more investment into what is spent in the bathroom – in terms of fit-out – the hotel can differentiate from others in the area or with a similar style and lift the brand image upwards at a relatively low expense.
So how can hotels deliver against these higher guest expectations? Focusing on the shower experience is one answer. We know from research that the shower is much higher up the agenda than it was say 20 years ago, as this has evolved as a requirement to unwind after a long day, or to give a refreshing, invigorating start to the day.
In response to this, hotel operators are looking for a shower that offers their guests a really fantastic shower performance.
From their point of view though, it must also optimise water usage and deliver sustainability benefits, while ensuring the guest’s showering experience is not compromised.
As an example, Hansgrohe offers this by mixing air with water in its hand showers and overhead showers to increase the volume of water which makes the droplets softer and offers a better customer experience, whilst saving water and the value to the operator is that it also saves money.
Whether the showers are concealed or exposed, Hansgrohe is seeing more choice in terms of two-head showering; these offer both a fixed overhead and a hand shower, providing more flexibility for the guest. We are also noticing that interior designers and hotel operators are putting more emphasis on showering controls that are simple and intuitive, as unlike most people’s homes, where they have the advantage of familiarity, a shower in a hotel bathroom is probably being used for the first time. Simple push buttons, like on Hansgrohe Select products, are intuitive and easy to use whether with soapy hands, jetlagged or in the early hours of the morning after just a few hours sleep.
Products that are safe, thermostatic, and user-friendly offer a better guest experience for the young and old alike and are seen as adding value. The latest Select launch from Hansgrohe is Axor One designed by Barber & Osgerby – an all-in-one interactive shower control, that consolidates up to three outlets into one simple element. The flow of water is activated by pushing the large paddles on and off, which guests can do with the back of the hand or elbow.
The good news is that there are great solutions across most price points for hotels. For any budget, specifying a well-known, premium brand provides confidence and peace of mind to the hotel investor. They can be reassured of reliability with no surprises – solid engineering, quality manufacturing and genuine innovation.
The modern traveller is looking for convenience, simplicity, exceptional functionality and reliability in combination with sustainability. At the budget end of the market, an attractively-designed hand shower above the bath can deliver this, providing it offers a satisfying shower, looks attractive and is easy to use. Upgrades like a choice of shower spray that is easily switched by a push button or a two-tone chrome and white colour finish are small extras that make a big impression.
At the high-end, large shower heads signal luxury and there is a return to wellness in the bathroom. Sales dropped off in this sector in recent years but it is now back on the agenda, with a focus on showering not just for enjoyment but also for the therapeutic benefits.
Another way to differentiate is through metallic finishes other than traditional chrome. Soft metallic colours are becoming popular as a means of creating a customised bathroom solution with red gold and black chrome leading the way. Hansgrohe’s most popular Axor mixers and showers are now available in seven standard colours: bronze, nickel, gold optic, red gold, black chrome and brass are all offered in a polished and a brushed version. In addition, there is stainless steel optic, so the hotel customer has a breadth of finishes to choose from. For matching taps and accessories throughout the hotel bathroom, Hansgrohe’s Axor Manufaktur division can create brassware in any RAL colour, bespoke sizes, add monograms or logos and Swarovski crystal handles for the ultimate in high-end customisation.