Limited-service, lifestyle brand Sleep Inn from Choice Hotels International Inc. has unveiled the interior details for its latest prototype, Scenic Dreams.
Developed in collaboration with developers, owners and operators, the refreshed Sleep Inn prototype features redesigned guestrooms and common areas that complement the exterior tower, and purple accent lighting previously announced in April 2023. Through consumer testing, the prototype was found to significantly increase guests’ likelihood to stay, while remaining one of the lowest cost hotels to build and operate in midscale, according to the company.
“We are really excited to introduce this next generation of Sleep Inn with Scenic Dreams,” Jason Cowan, SVP, signature development, Choice Hotels, told Hotel Business during an interview at the Hunter Hotel Conference. “Sleep Inn has always been a modern, nature-focused brand design, and we really wanted to build on that and take it to the next level, so we started focusing on wellness and sustainability in this prototype.”
A new interior inspired by nature
The prototype interior fulfills Sleep Inn’s brand promise of providing an uplifting and tranquil sanctuary inspired by nature, giving guests the feeling of being outside while indoors, the company reports. Throughout the iterative value engineering process, done in collaboration with owners and operators, the designs went through extensive customer research and testing to ensure a distinct and optimized customer experience, while maintaining a low cost to build and operate.
The newly refreshed “bright and airy” interior includes signature murals of natural landscapes as well as calming color schemes and modern wood accents, all designed to complement the exterior purple tower and distinctive purple lighting accents. The new interior also aims to maximize efficiency through its thoughtfully composed hotel layout and room designs, which minimizes wasted space and optimizes operational processes. Key efficiency drivers include strategically placed back-of-house spaces; easily movable furniture; ample AC and USB outlets; and easy-to-clean surfaces.
“It was exciting to work with Choice on the Sleep Inn Scenic Dreams prototype,” said David Burton, president, Burton Hotel Group and owner of the Sleep Inn & Suites Round Rock. “From the owner’s perspective, they really listened to us and took our feedback and made changes to improve the guest experience while keeping our costs low. When people walk into this hotel, they instantly feel like they’re walking into a refreshed hotel that helps them immediately recharge.”
Additional updates and additions that enhance efficiency for hotel owners and guest satisfaction, according to the company include:
- Lobbies with open floorplans; large windows; a front desk welcome wall consisting of illuminated abstract natural wood cutouts to reflect the changing night sky; and updated signature murals, giving developers eight signature mural options to highlight natural landscapes, such as coast, palms, pines, maples, field, forest, desert and mountains.
- Modernized guestrooms featuring increased functional spaces, light dimming and smart thermostat capabilities, as well as regional artwork. Developers can choose from four calming color schemes, including dusk, starry night, twilight and dawn.
- New-and-improved breakfast areas with the ability to be zoned into three distinct areas to suit guests’ needs, including a game room, TV room and flexible workspace.
Enhancing guest experience around active travelers
The new prototype offers guests expanded wellness offerings, including fitness centers, complimentary premium access to the BetterSleep sleep and relaxation app and designated outdoor spaces to enhance guests’ ability to connect with nature throughout every touchpoint. Sleep Inn also offers guests a free hot breakfast, tea blends at the signature Dream Cup Station and a Dream Corner Marketplace stocked with essential items. Sleep Inn continues to team up with AllTrails, the world’s largest digital guidebook for outdoor activities, to provide guests with a QR code for a curated list of nearby hiking trails at participating hotels. More than 90% of Sleep Inn hotels are located within an hour and a half of a national park.
Sustainable innovation: Reducing environmental footprint
The new prototype was designed with sustainability in mind. It includes energy-efficient LED lighting, a linen and towel reuse program and low-flow shower heads and faucets. Water refill stations will also encourage guests to help reduce single-use plastics. Additionally, Sleep Inn properties will offer electric car charging stations for guests at select locations. Every aspect of the hotel’s layout and room designs has also been carefully crafted to reduce material, supply and labor costs.
For more on the prototype, check out the Hotel Business interview with Jason Cowan.
