A Dream Come True For Business Travelers, Courtesy Of Marriott and Steelcase

Architizer News

A Dream Come True For Business Travelers, Courtesy Of Marriott and Steelcase

September 26, 2012

Images courtesy of Marriott Hotels & Resorts

Anybody who travels for work knows that business trips typically do not lend themselves to inspiring work environments. More often than not, travelers are forced to camp out in hotel lobbies or hold meetings in their own guest rooms. Marriott Hotels & Resorts has partnered exclusively with designers at Steelcase to tackle this problem and “re-imagine” the future of small meeting spaces. Their initiative is dubbed Workspring at Marriott. The Redmond Marriott Town Center, near Seattle, is the first hotel to offer a Workspring meeting space, serving as a proof-of-concept model that may pave the way for similar installments in other cities. Read more.

Workspring at Marriott is the industry’s first purpose-built suite of meeting spaces. Based on extensive workplace research, the contemporary design is intended to encourage collaboration among guests while offering modern technology (including wireless access), office supplies, and even food and beverages.

The Redmond space, which opened on August 20, consists of five studios that can accommodate anywhere from three to 75 guests. The suite also features various common areas filled with natural light and access to the outdoors.

“We are seizing the opportunity to offer the new generation of travelers a small meetings environment built to suit their collaborative work style,” said Paul Cahill, senior vice president of brand management for Marriott Hotels & Resorts. “While some competitors may have nibbled around the edges with incremental and tactical changes, Marriott Hotels & Resorts is leading with a strategic approach to small meetings that hotel guests and nearby businesses will find very appealing.”

Workspring at Marriott is in experimental stage; the company is currently gathering user feedback and looking at potential markets.