Last year was marked by the appearance of many geopolitical factors, social and technological phenomena in the world. Many businesses in different fields of activity have undergone changes and forced transformations. In our photo gallery, you will find out what metamorphoses, according to the leading experts, await the sphere of hotel business in 2018.

New duties will hit major markets

American hotels can significantly rise in price this year, as local authorities increasingly introduce resort fees which were previously introduced only in the tourist corners of the world. The fee can be up to $25 per day. Tourists are advised to include the cost of potential fees in their expenses in advance, as the hotel business cannot yet offer full transparency.

No housekeeping in rooms

More and more often hotels refuse to provide daily cleaning in the rooms for two reasons. Firstly, the cost of this service and, secondly, the desire of the guests to maintain their confidentiality. Many clients today seek maximum non-interference in their personal space and do not want the hotel staff to gain access to their personal belongings. For some companies, housekeeping is a part of a positive image, but for most - it's just additional costs that fall to the client.

Internet of things in rooms

With the development of information technology, more and more modern hotels offer to clients all kinds of "smart" assistants in the rooms. For example, in some hotels, you can find a shower that remembers the client's favorite water temperature, digital paintings on the walls or mirrors with built-in displays that show video by voice request. The Hilton hotel offers "smart rooms" in which you can control TV, lighting and indoor air temperature using a mobile application.

Lobby will look different

Many hotel brands are gradually moving away from the usual form of their lobby and turning their halls into coworking or cozy rooms where the line between the staff and the client is blurred. Many travelers today prefer an atmosphere of closeness rather than formal etiquette. For example, the lobby of Parisian Hôtel de Crillon is a cozy living room with plush furniture and antique tables where a traveler can feel at home and relax after a long journey.

Brands will turn to the travelers values

Soon, the first in the world hotel for liberals, Eaton Workshop, will open in Washington. Wealthy customers choose brands that demonstrate participation in society's problems and not just a desire to sell and earn. The hotel management clearly understands that the support of some "non-traditional" sections of the population will be an important step towards social equity.

Importance of a healthy lifestyle

The healthy lifestyle industry is gradually turning into a multi-billion dollar market. Many spa hotels strive to offer their guests the most comfortable conditions for practicing not only classical sports but also highly specialized - yoga, meditative practices, ballet, etc. The Four Seasons hotel chain has developed special "health rooms" with dechlorinated shower and Deepak Chopra videos. Moreover, the hotel management is changing hiring strategies in order to attract more professional doctors, nurses, and nutritionists.

Hotels will offer much more than just a bed

Currently, many hotels present themselves as active participants not only in the hotel business but also in the tourism sector of the economy as a whole. Now hotels can offer their clients not only accommodation but also their own tourist programs and events. For example, the Waldorf Astoria hotel chain provides its guests the opportunity to meet with various celebrities, a variety of hiking and cycling routes, visits to culinary schools and anything else that can help tourists remember the vacation in the chosen hotel.