But there is more subtle evidence of the same trend here. Scaling public spaces to feel intimate and inviting rather than grand and impressive. This trend is perhaps even more pronounced in Seattle, where guests arrive with certain expectations of casual comfort, the smell of espresso in the air and micro brews on tap. They're smaller, filled with comfortable chairs, coffee bars and fireplaces. Staircases replace escalators.
Comforters replace bedspreads.
Increasing the size and level of comfort and convenience in the guest rooms with the addition of desks with good chairs and lighting, easy chairs, computer games. Giving upgrades or discounts on rooms, or sometimes on car rentals and airline mileage. Reducing multiple food and beverage outlets. Particularly in the U.S., the trend is to consolidate into one central kitchen. Both room service and a signature, street-level restaurant operate out of it, and it is often leased to an independent operator and has an entrance and identity completely separate from the hotel.