Hotel design isn’t decoration. It’s strategy, storytelling, and the difference between a property you sleep in and a place you can’t stop talking about. I’m joined by Stacy Shoemaker Rauen, one of the most influential voices in hospitality design media, to connect the dots between design, operations, and the modern guest experience.

We get into how the industry moved from “anywhere” brand boxes to spaces that feel authentic and local, and why the lobby became a living, breathing extension of the hotel’s identity. Stacy shares what she’s seen across two decades of hotel design trends, from the rise of chef-driven F&B to the details guests latch onto in unexpected ways. We also talk candidly about budget myths, why good design doesn't have to be expensive, and how operators can protect great design rather than watering it down after opening.

Then we go forward-looking: social media’s love-hate effect on originality, why chasing an “Instagram moment” can backfire, and how wellness design works best when it matches the real traveler a property serves. Finally, we debate AI in hotel design, where it can speed up process work, and why a human point of view still matters if you want a space with heart. Stacy also shares the story behind launching Stay and Gather and what resilience looks like when you build again on your own terms.

This episode sponsored by NESPRESSO, Nespresso for Business provides premium coffee solutions specifically designed for organizations across a wide range of industries and environments. Combining exceptional coffee, innovative commercial machines and tailored services, Nespresso helps businesses of all sizes elevate everyday experiences for employees, customers, guests and visitors.

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