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What is a futuristic hotel?
A futuristic hotel is a type of accommodation that imagines what a hotel might look like in the future, then tries to create that experience for its guests.
The futuristic hotel concept has been around for decades, from UFO-inspired hotels in the 1950s and 60s, through automated Japanese hotels in the 90s and 00s, to the futuristic hotels of today, which take many shapes and forms.
Table of contents
What are the elements that make a futuristic hotel?
There’s no single, simple definition for futuristic hotels, beyond the fact that they are inspired by the future. There are however a few key traits that most futuristic hotel ideas tend to share:
- Integrated technology: Most futuristic hotels feature innovative or interesting tech. They will often automate as many systems and processes as possible, whether in high tech hotel rooms (e.g. biometric scanning for access), or in communal areas (e.g. using humanoid robots to provide front desk and bar services).
- Futuristic hotel room design: Futuristic hotels tend to feature innovative design themes that flow through the property. Futuristic hotel design will often be based on science fiction themes.
- Unique amenities: Virtual fitness classes, mirrored rooms, space flight simulation – futuristic, high tech hotels and resorts tend to offer distinctive amenities to drive the theme home.
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10 of the world’s most high-tech hotels and what guests have to say
*Guest reviews collected from Tripadvisor and Booking.com
Some hotels manage to get a step ahead, delivering guests superior luxury or innovation – and sometimes both!
With the progress of futuristic hotel technology accelerating rapidly, many guests demand and expect the very latest the digital world has to offer.
Let’s take a look at some of the most impressive properties already using awe-inspiring features to wow their guests.
High-tech hotel 1. W Singapore Sentosa Cove
Sentosa Island, Singapore
With underwater speakers, suites housing private DJ booths, mood-themed and signature-scented meeting rooms, and LED lights throughout, there’s everything you need in a futuristic hotel room at this property. Everywhere a guest looks there’s a feature they want but probably didn’t know it even exists. W Singapore houses 240 guest rooms and is located in a beautiful tropical escape.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“We stayed in the Fabulous room which also faces onto the pool and marina. It is similarly fabulously decorated as the rest of the hotel. Loved the many different lighting features, and the various mood pre-programmed mood lighting, including the headboard of the beds. The TV comes with a Bose sound system and surround sound, including in the bathroom. It’s a cosy hotel, very quiet locale. Nice place to get away from the madding crowds of the mainland, and enjoy a bit of luxury.”
High-tech hotel 2. The Hotel Silken Puerta América
Madrid, Spain
Built upon the designs of a dream team, The Hotel Silken Puerta América is a traveller’s delight. Nineteen of the world’s best architects came together to create unique rooms on every floor. Even the car park has been vibrantly designed by a leading professional. Concepts throughout the 315 rooms are realised in designs such as white caves and red lacquered walls, and 1000-person capacity meeting and event rooms.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“If like me you feel tired of copy/paste brand hotels, with same interior and same facilities, this is a place for you. Each of the floors has different theme, hotel has really invested into their interior. Believe me, you will be amazed. Great place to stay for some days and enjoy Madrid, small minus is location which is little bit off, but close to the airport.”
High-tech hotel 3. The Yotel New York City
New York, United States
Boasting 669 rooms, the Yotel is a perfect mix of business and pleasure. A capsule style property, it has electronic check-in terminals, an aptly named Yobot the robot to take care of your luggage, and space-saving motorised beds and motion-activated air conditioning. The hotel refers to its front desk as ‘mission control’. Space, technology and efficiency are priorities here helping to deliver an intriguing guest experience.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“Everything from the funky colours to the elevator music suggests that this won’t be your ordinary, boring hotel. I really enjoyed staying somewhere DIFFERENT. If you’re looking for stale and boring, look elsewhere. This place is truly fun and unique. The rooms were small but so is every other room in New York. Prices were reasonable. Rooms were clean. But the STAFF made this stay excellent. Particularly Karina from the “mission control” staff. She was friendly, accommodating and really understood what customer service is all about.”
High-tech hotel 4. Eccleston Square Pimlico
London, England
Bringing together history and cutting-edge technology, Eccleston Square Pimlico is a unique but quintessentially British hotel. While the exterior is a striking 19th Century Grade II listed historical facade, the interior bristles with keypads that control the music and lighting, shower walls with an instant frosting option, flat-screen televisions embedded in bathroom mirrors and iPads that provide concierge service from the comfort of the room.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“Small size of our room was totally overcompensated by the many high-tech conveniences and the friendliness and responsiveness of the staff. Having a personalised iPad and smartphone available for use outside the hotel greatly facilitated our weekend plans and touring objectives.”
High-tech hotel 5. Pengheng Space Capsules Hotel
Shenzhen, China
If the future is one without humans this hotel is a perfect depiction of it. Pengheng staff including doormen, waiters, and front desk attendants, are all robots. All ‘rooms’ are designed as space capsules and the ultra clean and clinical interior has guests thinking they’ve walked into a sci-fi film.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“The atmosphere and location is amazing. Creative design makes you feel like you’re going into a spaceship! Everything is VERY clean, they give you a towel, slippers, toothbrush and toothpaste. I really enjoyed staying here. The girl from reception helped to get a taxi at 5am even though she didn’t speak any English.”
High-tech hotel 6. Blow Up Hall 5050
Poznan, Poland
While hotels often house brilliant restaurants and bars, it’s not a regular sight to see all that combined with an interactive work of art. But that’s exactly what is happening at Blow Up Hall 5050. Numerous digital art installations accompany the 22 guest rooms, with digital check-in and 700-people strong meeting spaces.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“I love, love, love this elegant and artistic hotel! The photos speak for themselves illustrating the fabulous creativity and unique design of each original room. The staff is super attentive, kind and down-to-earth. And the location, attached to a beautiful shopping mall with classical pianist performances and steps away from the old town, make it a perfect blend of options. My experience was so enjoyable that I stayed two extra nights.”
High-tech hotel 7. Marriott City Centre
Charlotte, United States
Marriott has transformed this 1980’s property into a hub of innovation, testing features that may be rolled out in other properties. For example, guests can take part in hundreds of virtual fitness classes presented on large wall-mounted screens, while in the lobby is a booth that measure your mood. Stay well rooms have purified air systems and digitised lighting to help ease jet lag.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“Wow! This hotel is modern, sleek and most of all “cool.” The common areas are gorgeous, and full of spaces to relax. The M club is like a concierge lounge on steroids. There was a huge selection of drinks and food, and a lot of comfortable places to sit (and work too if need be). They even have sparkling water on tap and a candy bar! The room was nice and the fitness center was INCREDIBLE! If this is the future of Marriott, count me in.”
High-tech hotel 8. City Hub
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Many young travellers favour cramped hostels when on budget trips. City Hub is a high-tech alternative, with 50 minimalist pods containing double beds, wifi, audio-streaming services, mood lighting controlled by an app. Plus, guests get given an electronic wristband which can be used to unlock the door.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“We spent five nights at City Hub and it sits somewhere between a hotel and a stylish hostel. Whatever you want to call it, this is a place very much aimed at the young, the beautiful and – most importantly – the tech savvy.
Pretty much everything is operated via the wristband you get when you check yourself in or the app you can install on your phone. You can even use the wristband to pull yourself a beer! It sounds a bit gimmicky, but it all works really well. Even better is the free portable wifi they provide which means you’re always connected. You can also contact the ‘CityHosts’ via the app for tips and advice wherever you are.”
High-tech hotel 9. Kameha Grand
Zurich, Switzerland
This hotel has many different themes, but perhaps the most impressive is the space suite, which includes a live link, via big screen, to NASA’s mission control. It also includes a floating bed and interior furniture resembling rocket ships and astronaut gloves.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“The Kameha Grand has the luxury & high standards I expect from a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, but the quirky name and the playful Swiss themes throughout the hotel make it something special. The staff are uncommonly welcoming, friendly and helpful for a European hotel. I was upgraded to the Fitness Suite, which had a fully functioning treadmill, free weights and, instead of carpeting, a rubberised floor marked like an indoor track. There are also Watchmaker, Serenity and Princess themed suites among others.”
High-tech hotel 10. Hotel Zetta
San Francisco, United States
Complete with a games console-filled playroom, a tech-filled antique telephone booth from which you can tweet, Snapchat or blog, and a museum display of retro games cartridges, computer chips and old mobile phones, Zetta is a gadget-lover’s dream. However it’s the virtual reality room in the lobby that is the jewel in the crown for technology enthusiasts.
What do guests say about this futuristic hotel?
“The lobby is hip, with many comfortable places to sit, a terrific bar, pool table, and two-story Plinko game. In the lounge on the next level they have shuffleboard, another pool table, giant Jenga game, and more fun spaces to hang out and catch up with friends. Given the fun/social nature of our trip, I hadn’t given any thought to what the rooms themselves would be like. When I entered my room, I was blown away. Maybe it’s the Dyson air purifier, layout of the spacious room, room infuser, meditation headset, or display of the minibar (which feels more like a home bar than a hotel) – the room just feels great to walk into and spend time in.”
Viki Edy Priyatna,
E-Business & Reservations Manager
Qunci Villas
Futuristic hotel ideas to elevate your brand
A futuristic theme can help your hotel stand out from the crowd and attract more guests. By offering guests a truly unique stay, it can also allow you to charge more of a premium. But how do you make your hotel more futuristic? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Pick a theme: What type of future are you trying to create? Is it space-based? Something from science fiction (being wary of copyright)? Are you brave enough to try your hand at a dystopia? Consider devoting a room or area to exploring your chosen theme.
- Use mirrored surfaces: For whatever reason, shiny = futuristic. Consider making use of mirrored surfaces in your hotel. Black or dark mirrors can also imitate the look of space, and all mirrors will make your interior feel bigger than it actually is. Clean, angular lines can also feel a little more space-age than curved, organic surfaces.
- Integrate technology: Some forms of futuristic hotel tech, like biometric scanners are humanoid robots, are almost more performative than useful. Others, like smart hotel management systems, are far more subtle, but can ultimately be far more impactful. Speaking of which…
