Why Hospitality Experiences Are Shifting
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how hospitality experiences are changing.
After spending so much of the past year designing pop-ups and immersive spaces, it’s become clear that success isn’t about doing more — it’s about creating places people genuinely want to stay in.
Not louder.
Not bigger.
Not more over-the-top.
More intentional.
Guests are gravitating toward spaces that feel warm, layered, and comfortable — environments that invite you to linger instead of rush through.;
Guests enjoying cocktails at the Rare Bird rooftop Alpine Lodge pop-up at Noelle Nashville, surrounded by immersive winter décor and a cozy après-ski vibe.
The Rise of Cozy, Immersive Design
The most successful hospitality experiences right now focus on the things you feel, not just what you see.
That means:
Cozy moments instead of spectacle overload
Layered lighting instead of harsh brightness
Texture, softness, and warmth
Atmosphere that feels intimate, not performative
These details may feel subtle, but they’re what turn a space into a memory.
Cozy yurt seating at the Rare Bird rooftop Alpine Lodge pop-up at Noelle Nashville, featuring layered textures, soft lighting, and an intimate winter atmosphere.
What Pop-Ups and Immersive Spaces Are Teaching Us
Working on pop-ups at Rare Bird rooftop at Noelle Nashville really reinforced this shift for me.
The most successful moments weren’t the loudest or flashiest installations. They were the quiet, unexpected ones — spaces where guests slowed down, settled in, and stayed longer than planned.
Those moments didn’t rely on excess.
They relied on:
Thoughtful design choices
Warm materials and lighting
A sense of escape without feeling overwhelming
That’s where hospitality design is headed.
Designing for How Guests Want to Feel
Hospitality spaces today aren’t just about visual impact — they’re about emotional connection.
Whether it’s a rooftop pop-up, seasonal activation, or immersive installation, the goal is no longer just to impress. It’s to create a feeling:
Comfort
Escape
Familiarity with a twist
Something slightly unexpected, but approachable
When guests feel good in a space, they stay longer — and that’s where real value lives.
Guest enjoying a warm drink inside a cozy yurt at the Rare Bird rooftop Alpine Lodge pop-up at Noelle Nashville, designed as an intimate immersive hospitality experience.
What’s Next for Hospitality Design?
As we look ahead, I expect to see:
Fewer “one-and-done” installs
More layered, story-driven environments
Spaces designed for lingering, not just photos
Hospitality experiences that prioritize atmosphere over scale
Designing places people want to stay in isn’t a trend — it’s becoming the standard.
Final Thought
The future of hospitality design feels less about doing more and more about doing things better.
Cozy.
Intentional.
A little unexpected.
I’m curious what others are seeing resonate most with guests right now — but one thing feels clear: the shift is already happening.
