Comfort, Durability, Design: Hoteliers Redefine Hotel Furniture Selection Criteria at Industry Salon！

       As global tourism rebounds, the hotel industry is witnessing a wave of renovation and expansion. Data from the salon's released "2026 Hotel Furniture Procurement Trend Report" shows that 68% of hotel renovation projects in 2025 increased their furniture budgets, with the top three considerations being comfort (82%), durability (76%), and design consistency (65%). This marks a shift from the previous focus on cost control to a more experience-driven procurement philosophy.

        Comfort, the core of guest experience, has become the primary criterion for furniture selection. "We used to choose mattresses based solely on price, but now we test at least 10 models before making a decision," said Wang Li, procurement director of a mid-to-high-end resort in Sanya. She shared a specific case: after replacing the guest room mattresses with ergonomic ones that adapt to different body weights, the hotel's guest satisfaction score for "sleep quality" rose from 7.2 to 9.1 out of 10, and the number of repeat bookings increased by 18%. "Guests today are more sensitive to comfort—they can tell the difference between a 10cm and 12cm thick sofa cushion, or a curved and straight chair backrest," added Wang. Many hoteliers at the salon mentioned that they now invite actual guests to participate in furniture testing sessions, collecting feedback on details like seat height, backrest angle, and fabric texture.

        Design, while crucial, is no longer about standing out alone but integrating with the hotel's brand identity and functional needs. "Design should serve the overall atmosphere, not overshadow it," said Sarah Chen, an international hotel interior designer. She took a newly opened Zen-themed hotel as an example: the furniture uses natural wood textures and neutral tones, with simple lines and no excessive decorations, which aligns with the hotel's "serenity" positioning. "A luxury hotel might choose leather-upholstered furniture with intricate carvings to showcase elegance, while a budget business hotel needs simple, easy-to-clean furniture that maximizes space," Sarah explained. Many hoteliers emphasized that "consistency" is key—furniture design should be coherent across the lobby, guest rooms, and dining areas to create a unified brand experience. Modular design has also become a trend, as it allows hotels to rearrange furniture according to different needs, extending its service life.

        The salon also sparked discussions on the balance between the three criteria. "It's not about choosing one over the other, but finding a sweet spot," said Chen Jie. She suggested that hoteliers should first clarify their target customer groups—for example, business hotels might prioritize durability and functionality, while resort hotels focus more on comfort and design. "We work closely with furniture manufacturers to customize products: for our beach resort, we chose outdoor furniture made of weather-resistant aluminum frames and quick-drying fabrics that are both comfortable and durable, with a coastal-style design," Chen added.

As the salon concluded, many participants expressed that the event had helped them clarify their furniture procurement priorities.   

        The organizer announced that it will launch a "Hotel Furniture Selection Guide" in the first quarter of 2026, compiling practical experiences and case studies from the salon to help more hoteliers make informed decisions. "In the competitive hospitality industry, every detail of furniture can affect guest experience and operational efficiency," said the salon's host. "Balancing comfort, durability, and design is not just a purchasing task, but a way to enhance the hotel's core competitiveness."