Hot Hotel Trends — What’s Cool, Contemporary and Classic in WI

Long gone are the days of lumpy double beds, hideous artwork bolted to the wall, and air conditioning units that turned a hotel stay into an arctic expedition. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, hoteliers are recognizing that their guests are interested in more than just a bed for the night. They want to be comfortable, indulged and made to feel like their business matters. Fortunately, that’s what we’re seeing now in this year’s hotel trends.

Green is trending big time in hotels all across the country, but we’re not talking furniture or wall colors. More and more hotels are considering the carbon footprint they leave behind. For many frequent travelers, a hotel that practices sustainability and eco-friendly policies is a must. At the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club, an eco-passionate corporate culture examines and ensures green operations are in place, from high efficiency water heaters that save 400,000 gallons of water a year, to linen, towel, and energy conservation, to recycling and use of local foods in their restaurants.

And because busy business travelers are saying “no thanks” to the cold cereal/lukewarm coffee “continental breakfast” many hotel chains offered in the past (and even giving the cold shoulder to a hot breakfast at on-site restaurants,) hotels have had to come up with a new snack attack solution. As such, they’re giving guests the goods on the go.

That’s why there’s big buzz about the new Potawatomi Casino Hotel.  It’s not just the gorgeous rooms with breathtaking views, meeting space for up to 3000 people, and delicious casual dining experience at Locavore that’s got us talking. It’s their Stone Creek Coffee shop located in the lobby that features 24/7 grab and go teas, espressos, cappuccinos, pastries and baked goods for hungry guests with a hankering. Of course, the adjoining casino, Jacuzzi suites, and headlining entertainment got us gossiping too.

Of course, most of us know business travel is for the birds. The same old/same old hotel rooms, restaurant fare and crabby front desk clerk in every city feel more than a bit unwelcoming. That’s why more and more often, hotels are striving to make their frequent flier guests feel like visiting royalty rather than a royal pain.

For those who check out the exclusive Pfister Club at the legendary Pfister Hotel, the benefits are quite majestic. Guests enjoy expansive views of the city from the 23rd floor lounge designed with a home library atmosphere that includes fireplace, bookshelves, comfortable seating, workstations, free WiFi and more. Perks like breakfast, snacks, and beverages by day and hors d’oeuvres in the evening can suddenly make a trip about business more about pleasure.

The folks at Hotel Northland know a thing or two about pampering too. Currently under renovations, when the classic hotel reopens in 2015, guests will enjoy the renewed luxury of this historic inn listed on the US National Register of Historic places. Capturing the spirit and elegance it was known for when built in 1924, the 160-room boutique hotel will deliver modern amenities, exciting food and beverage outlets, incredible meeting spaces and a unique club membership.  

The staff at the new Hyatt Regency Green Bay take spoiling their guests rather personally. Recognizing that not every guest has the same taste or needs, they offer three different styles of rooms. All three are spacious and beautifully designed, while providing guests with unexpected touches of elegance at every turn. The Hotel Mead and Conference Center is unparalleled in charm and amenities, with a variety of suites, fitness center, swimming pool, spa, market place, game room and large open terrace with gazebo.

Naturally, every good thing must come to an end, even business meetings. Recognizing that their business guests might be more than a bit stressed and exhausted, some hotels have taken to offering rejuvenating services like expansive spas or relaxing picturesque settings. For example, the recently reopened Hotel Marshfield invites guests to a world of relaxation at their outdoor courtyard featuring lounge seating and fire pit, patio bar service, seasonal outdoor whirlpool, cool down pool and large sauna. The Holiday Inn + Suites Madison West is located just minutes from the UW campus, the Arboretum and the picturesque rolling hills and biking trails of Madison.  

Fewer and fewer business travelers are flying solo these days. As traveling for business increasingly becomes a family affair, hotels are offering packages that cater to the kin, welcoming the whole household with spacious suites that boast full kitchen facilities, sitting rooms, fireplaces and private entrances.

No matter where you book your bunch, the hottest trends in hotels this year are all focused on enhancing the guest experience. In our book, that’s a trend that should always stay in style. For a free complete list of hotels in Wisconsin, visit our meeting and event hotel guide. Not sure where you to host your next meeting, conference or event? Check out our free Wisconsin meeting and event destination guide.