This year, we are once again tackling the Hotel Trends 2025 together. What will we expect, move and change this year? We have once again ventured a look into the future and have come across 4 emerging trends.
Hotel trend #1: Zero waste hotels
Sustainability, organic hotels and zero waste concepts have long been among the most important hotel trends of recent years. What began with plastic-free alternatives and the goal of climate neutrality is now developing into a holistic approach: sustainable tourism is a major topic worldwide – and it is also becoming increasingly important in the hotel industry.
But is it enough to simply replace the plastic straw with a cardboard version? Or what can zero waste hotels actually achieve? The answer: change starts on a small scale – and this is where digitalisation comes into play. Digital processes can not only optimise workflows, but also save resources at the same time. Less paper, fewer consumables – instead, smart technology that reduces costs in the long term and is environmentally friendly.
Digital tools in the hotel industry, such as our digital guest directory dict or automated booking and check-in systems, enable paper-free communication with guests. This not only protects the environment, but also increases convenience. Sustainable measures can also be implemented in the hotel room itself: Reusable instead of disposable packaging, refill stations instead of mini plastic bottles – small changes with a big impact.
Another idea is to cancel or postpone room cleaning. According to the DEHOGA Bundesverband (2016)*2 , this saves an average of 270,000 litres of water per year in a 100-room hotel.
Hotel trend #2: Smart rooms
Firstly, it should be clarified what exactly is meant by a “smart hotel room”.
What is a smart room? A smart room is a room that is based on Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and equips ordinary devices with an internet connection.*1 A smart room therefore does not necessarily mean a completely digitalised hotel. Rather, they are intelligent hotel rooms that are equipped with modern technology to improve the guest experience. These include systems that automatically control lighting, blinds, temperature or music – sometimes centrally via a smart computer or even an app. TV sets and communication functions can also be integrated into such a system.
Digitalisation is undergoing an exciting transformation in the hotel industry. While some hotels still rely heavily on tradition and personal contact, other establishments are taking a targeted approach to automation and process optimisation and are either already thinking about adding smart solutions or have already implemented them. The reality often lies in the middle, and it is precisely this balance that defines modern hospitality. Because every hotel business is individual, and the needs of guests are just as individual. Smart rooms are an answer to this diversity, but they are not suitable for every hotel and not for every guest. These digitally equipped rooms are particularly popular in the business hotel industry. For many, complete digitalisation and therefore dependence on a system is often too risky these days, so they find the first route to digitalisation via the digital guest directory.
The smart room seems to be able to do everything. But what happens without electricity and the internet?
Then the option of personal contact becomes attractive again, doesn’t it?
Hotel trend #3: Bleisure
Working in the holiday region – that doesn’t just sound tempting, but is becoming a reality for many business travellers thanks to the growing trend of bleisure (a combination of business and leisure). No more pure field service, no more short meetings and straight back: Bleisure has come to stay – and is therefore one of the most important hotel trends of 2025.
But what is the difference between bleisure and classic workation? While workation deliberately combines work and holiday in a planned way, bleisure is often a spontaneous extension of the business trip – to enjoy the destination a little longer. For hotels, this means that they have to cater for both business and leisure guests – and do so as seamlessly as possible. For bleisure to succeed, the hotel needs a professional working environment: a well-equipped desk, quiet rooms, reliable high-speed WiFi – all essential for productive work. At the same time, leisure facilities are crucial: from culinary experiences and cultural activities to a small wellness centre to relax after a long day at work.
This is where digitalisation comes into play in the hotel industry: the digital guest directory is the perfect tool for providing all relevant information for bleisure guests in a compact format that can be accessed at any time. From restaurant tips and spa offers to excursion destinations and meeting rooms – everything is digital, fast and intuitive.
Provide your guests with all the information they need in one central location so that they can take advantage of all the hotel’s offers between work and relaxation of the hotel between working and relaxing.
Hotel trend #4: Wellness & mental health
Promotingmental health should no longer be a trend, but part of everyday life – especially in the hotel industry. It is therefore all the more pleasing that more and more hotels are creating targeted offers that focus on mental health, wellness and holistic well-being.
Whether yoga, Pilates, breathing training or meditation – wellness programmes today go far beyond traditional spa treatments. Supplemented by healthy nutrition, stress management workshops and mindfulness-based activities, a holistic concept is created that strengthens body and mind in equal measure. This holistic approach will therefore become one of the most relevant trends in the coming years.
But there’s more: hotels are increasingly focussing on off-the-grid concepts – consciously switching off from the internet and technology. In a world full of sensory overload and constant availability, guests can experience what it means to be completely with themselves. Just looking after yourself, without any digital distractions. An exciting combination results from both worlds: Hotels that offer modern digital solutions such as the digital guest directory, but at the same time allow their guests conscious “offline time” – for more mindfulness, focus and genuine relaxation.
In harmony with body and mind. More important than ever.
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Sources:
[1] Revfine. (n.d.). What is a smart room? Retrieved 29 April 2025 from https://www.revfine.com/de/smart-zimmer/#what-is-smart-room
[2] DEHOGA, Retrieved on 29 April 2025 from https://www.dehoga-bundesverband.de/fileadmin/Startseite/05_Themen/Energie/DEHOGA_Umweltbroschu__re_Oktober_2016.pdf
