At Studio IDC, we believe hospitality design should be more than beautiful. It should feel personal, intentional, and rooted in its setting. As Chief Creative Officer Todd Tyler shared during a recent panel discussion at Bisnow’s South Florida & Caribbean Hotel & Hospitality Summit, today’s guests expect more than luxury. They want experiences that feel authentic, memorable, and emotionally resonant. Below, we share Todd’s perspective on how thoughtful design meets the evolving expectations of guests in 2025 and beyond.
What does an elevated guest experience mean in 2025, and how does design contribute to it?
Today’s guests are looking for more than service, luxury, and beautiful spaces. Those elements are still essential, but they are no longer enough on their own. Modern travelers want something that stays with them—an experience that feels unique and cannot simply be replicated somewhere else. Design can create these moments by offering layers of experience within a single environment and allowing guests to discover something new each time they visit. When spaces feel intentional and meaningful, they leave a lasting impression.
How does authenticity and local culture shape guest experience, especially in the Caribbean?
In the Caribbean, the setting itself is a major part of the experience. Guests want to feel connected to the place they are visiting, like they are truly in Jamaica, Barbados, or St. Lucia and not just in a generic luxury property. Authenticity comes from weaving local culture, art, topography, and history into the design. This might mean sourcing materials locally, showcasing regional craftsmanship, or designing spaces that celebrate the landscape.
Why do guests value authenticity?
Guests are savvy. Many have traveled extensively and can tell when something feels fabricated or generic. They value authenticity because it allows them to skip past the surface and feel immediately immersed in the location. Travelers are looking for something real, something that feels rooted in the culture and character of the destination. That could mean staying in a boutique property with strong ties to the community or discovering thoughtful design details that tell a story about where they are.
How do you design for sophisticated, repeat guests?
In places like the Caribbean, it is common to encounter guests who have visited dozens of times and know the destination deeply. Designing for these guests means moving beyond clichés and offering nuanced layers. For example, it is not enough to add colorful tilework and call it “Caribbean.” These travelers recognize and appreciate details that reflect the true spirit of the place. The design needs to withstand close scrutiny and reward those who return again and again by revealing something new each time.
How does flexibility shape guest experience?
One of the most powerful ways to elevate a guest’s experience is to create spaces that transform. A single space can feel relaxed and casual during the day and then become sophisticated and intimate in the evening. That kind of flexibility can be achieved through lighting, furniture arrangement, and the thoughtful use of materials. Guests love the feeling of discovery when a familiar place changes its character and offers a completely different atmosphere within the same visit.
How should technology and tactile experiences coexist in hospitality?
Technology offers incredible convenience and operational efficiency, but hospitality is still a human and sensory experience. Guests appreciate innovations that make their stay easier, but they also crave the tangible: the feel of a real key in their hand, the sound of an old-fashioned phone, and the texture of handcrafted materials. Great design strikes a balance between the digital and the physical, ensuring that the guest experience remains grounded in reality while benefiting from modern conveniences.
Creating Meaningful Experiences
At Studio IDC, we see every project as an opportunity to create something special for guests. Whether we are designing a boutique property in the Caribbean or a full-service resort in South Florida, our focus is always on crafting environments that feel personal, authentic, and unforgettable. Hospitality design is about more than how a space looks. It is about how it makes people feel.
If you are ready to explore what meaningful, elevated hospitality design can bring to your next project, we would love to connect.