The future of modern hotel design

Chicago Marriott Oak Brook Before

In this exclusive interview, Oak Brook Magazine sits down with Komal Patel, CEO of Vinayaka Hospitality. Patel oversees the prominent DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook and the Chicago Marriott Oak Brook. Here, he shares insights into the meticulous design process, evolving guest expectations, and the art of creating a “home away from home.”

Oak Brook Magazine (OBM): Can you walk us through how a hotel room renovation comes to life – from research and inspiration to final design decisions?

Komal Patel: There are many elements to consider when designing a hotel room, and every renovation begins with understanding both the location and the guest profile. We looked closely at the area’s identity – Oak Brook is home to hundreds of acres of forest, as well as a thriving hub for business and retail. We wanted the design to reflect the natural beauty of the area while nodding to the culture that defines the town. Organic elements such as stone, warm wood textures, autumn tones, and water-inspired blues were incorporated to create a space that feels elevated yet grounded. We believe strong design requires a careful balance of aesthetics and performance; we prioritize furniture, finishes, and layouts that are not only sophisticated but also durable and comfortable. In a suburban setting that welcomes business professionals, athletes, and brides alike, everyone who walks through our doors should feel at home. A successful design isn’t just visual; it’s experiential. Every decision supports how the guest lives in the space.

OBM: Do hotel rooms follow a standard layout, or is there room for variation? Patel: We are a Marriott hotel and have been since our inception. Following a standard layout and adhering to brand standards is essential to delivering the Marriott experience, while also ensuring efficiency and accessibility across the board. There isn’t much variation from room to room, and that consistency is intentional – it allows us to provide every guest with the same high level of comfort and experience. That said, a guest won’t have the same experience when checking into a suite versus a standard room. In those cases, variation is expected and welcomed.

OBM: How have guest expectations for hotel rooms changed over the past several years?

Patel: Guest expectations for hotel rooms have changed quite a bit over the past few years. Technology should be seamless and almost invisible; digital conveniences like mobile check-in, app-based services, and easy access to charging are considered standard. At the same time, guests are looking for greater comfort and personalization. Rooms are expected to be flexible and multifunctional, evolving with the guest from morning to night. Amenities matter more than ever, but guests prefer them to feel purposeful rather than arbitrary. Overall, expectations have shifted toward intentional design, with a clear focus on quality over quantity.

“A successful design isn’t just visual; it’s experiential. Every decision supports how the guest lives in the space.”

— Komal Patel

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook After

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Oak Brook Before

OBM: In what ways do you see hotel rooms becoming more like a “home away from home”?

Patel: We’re seeing a move away from sterile uniformity toward warmer, more lived-in environments. Softer lighting, layered textures, and natural tones help spaces feel human rather than institutional. Functional zones also play an important role – coffee bars, ergonomic desks, and comfortable seating support real daily habits. The goal is to create a room guests can truly live in, not just sleep in.

OBM: How do decisions about furniture, carpet, and finishes reflect both design trends and the practical needs of hotel guests?

Patel: Hospitality design is always a balance between trend and durability. Guests expect rooms to feel clean and new, whether they’re staying tomorrow or several years from now. Furniture must maintain a contemporary look while withstanding constant wear. While our overarching aesthetic nods to current trends, finishes are ultimately selected for longevity, cleanability, and comfort. We like to say that good design should age gracefully – it shouldn’t feel dated a few years down the line, and it should always feel welcoming.

OBM: How do you incorporate technology without overwhelming the guest experience?

Patel: We incorporate technology in a way that feels intuitive. Features like digital keys, app-based services, and smart lighting are integrated seamlessly so they feel effortless. It’s ultimately about convenience. For the guest, it should be as simple as the click of a button!

OBM: Are there any design elements you believe homeowners are increasingly borrowing from hotels?

Patel: Absolutely. We’re seeing homeowners adopt heated bathroom floors, blackout curtains, rainfall showers, floating vanities, smart lighting systems, and layered accent lighting. Hotels are often testing grounds for comfort innovations. When guests experience something luxurious during travel, they want to recreate that feeling at home.

OBM: How do you balance timeless design with current trends?

Patel: Our design philosophy looks beyond trends to create hotel rooms with lasting appeal. We acknowledge trends subtly through elements that are easier to update over time, such as artwork, wallpaper, textiles, and accent details. Pops of color help keep a space feeling current while remaining relatively neutral. When colors are thoughtfully chosen and work well together, they modernize the space without overpowering it, as reflected throughout the rooms.

OBM: Looking ahead, how do you see hotel room design continuing to evolve?

Patel: Guests are looking for spaces that feel personal yet sleek and modern, with rooms that are both sustainable and adaptable. Hotel rooms are increasingly functioning as hybrid living spaces – part retreat, part workspace, part sanctuary. At Vinayaka Hospitality, we prioritize timeless design while drawing inspiration from our surroundings. As the industry continues to evolve, technology is becoming more seamlessly integrated into the experience rather than standing out. Design is also moving toward thoughtful minimalism, creating warm, refined spaces that feel calm and purposeful without excess. Renovating during a time of so much change has allowed us to deliberately incorporate these shifts and create an experience that feels relevant, comfortable, and built for the future.