Ins & Outs: Hotel Lighting

Exterior, Entrance, Garage & Parking Area – Façade

Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Well, in the case of hotels, the exterior is the way guests decide whether they would or would not like to lodge in the facility. An image of comfort and security will increase a sense of welcome to guests. To create this important initial impression on guests, keep in mind the following:

Keep entrances to driveways, parking garages, and walkways well lit. This will generate an air of security amongst guests during their stay.
Although it is important to keep the above areas lit, there are areas that also require the appropriate levels of illuminance. Be sure to only direct light where it is needed and away from guestroom windows to ensure privacy.
Highlight special features of architecture. With proper lighting, the building can be created into a beautiful landmark and popular attraction.
Use energy efficient lighting that hold stable color temperature and require minimal maintenance.
Lastly, utilize lighting controls to adjust illuminance levels as the day transitions into night.

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Lobby Lighting

As guests enter the hotel, lobby lighting will create a feel of a guests’ overall stay at the hotel. Whether the lobby is small and intimate or large and luxurious, guests are generally looking for a pleasant feel-good atmosphere. Lighting in the lobby will also direct guests to the different areas within the lobby—front desk, elevator lobby, lounge areas, etc. Due to all the different activities that take place in the lobby, it is important to have a good balance between decorative and functional lighting. Below are tips to creating good lobby lighting:

Lobbies are areas of high traffic, where maintenance would be difficult and inconvenient. Consider using energy efficient lighting to minimize re-lamping costs.
Also keep in mind that lobby lighting should provide a safe outdoor-to-indoor transition.
Use dimming systems to control luminance of interior during day and night. Interior walls for lobbies surrounded by glass need to be at a higher luminance during the day so they can be seen from the outside and lower at night.
If display screens are in use be sure avoid glares and reflections from bright lighting fixtures.
In multi-task areas, such as the front desk, utilize general lighting to help guests locate the area, as well as task lighting to aid receptionists at work.
It is suitable have brighter fixtures in the elevator lobbies, especially over the elevator threshold. This is for safety purposes, as well as to direct guests from the lobby toward the elevator to their room or suite.

LBC Recommendations (click to view)

Hallways & Stairwells

While traveling through the hotel, well-lit hallways and stairways will be a clear sign to guests that the hotel management holds their safety in high regards. It is also important to note that proper lighting does not only promote safety, it also acts as a welcome guide for guests as they travel through the hotel to their room.

Like any other space in a hotel, energy efficiency should be a priority. Most, if not all, of the lighting for these areas are kept in use 24/7.
Lighting should provide good facial recognition, illuminate room numbers, exit signs, etc.
Accent lighting on walls can minimize the “tunnel effect”—claustrophobic, long disorienting corridors—in hallways.
Down lighting should be placed above room entrance alcoves to help illuminate entry locks and promote safety.

LBC Recommendations (click to view)

Guest Rooms & Suites

Guest suites are a home away from home. Lighting in this space should, therefore, give a feeling of comfort, homeyness, and security. Lighting in the suite should also suit guest’s needs and preferences so they can read, work or relax in the room.

Remember to layer lighting to accommodate different personal and business tasks. A “base” layer for general illumination can be provided by ceiling lights or wall sconce. Accent and decorative lighting can be placed at desks for more task related activities.
Foyer lighting in the small entrance of the room will help create an enlarge room feel by reflecting light off the walls or ceiling.
Self-illuminated switches will act both as a guide for guests to access lighting in an unfamiliar area, as well as a night light.

LBC Recommendations (click to view)

Event & Conference Rooms

Event and conference rooms are the most multi-functional areas within a hotel. In this regard, functional and effective lighting is essential. These spaces require lighting that can be tailored to the right ambiance for the task at hand. General, accent, decorative, and task lighting are all used within this area to meet guest needs.

Lights in this area must be easily changed, controlled and/or dimmed for different functions and events held at venue.
Keep in mind that lighting for large events will also have to accommodate for high output theatrical and video luminaires and light sources.