Hotel lobbies have a long way to go, according to Wafik Youssef, chief operating officer for Kerten Hospitality. He says “cold and impersonal” lobbies must give way for spaces more akin to living rooms – spaces that invite socialisation and nurture creativity. Wafik Youssef helps lead the mixed-use operator, that welcomes ‘workcationers’, putting as much attention into its working spaces as it does its hotel rooms and amenities.
Speaking to Hotelier Middle East, Youssef says this stance has helped turn Kerten properties into social hubs. He explained: “Our social hub is what others would call a lobby but for us it serves a totally different purpose across all our destinations. This living space cannot be compared to the usual cold and impersonal reception area of standard hotels with a check-in desk and a welcome refreshment. Instead, the social hub is a lively space, frequented by hotel guests as well as locals that come together creating a unique atmosphere. This same space offers unique seating features where guests or passers-by can work or host meetings, dine and brainstorm with teams.
Read the interview on the changing face of the lobby space here: https://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/business/cold-and-impersonal-lobbies-dont-suit-modern-guests-sayskerten-coo?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push-notification&utm_campaign=pushnotification-traffic
