Hotel chains have begun courting Millennials—travelers in their 20s and 30s who have been spending more and more money on trips. Two of the generation's defining characteristics are said to be a fixation on technology and a fondness for laid-back communal spaces, so in the future you can expect a lot more hotels with internet TV and ping-pong tables in the lobby.
To wit: Marriott International is bringing its youthful Moxy brand, which launched in Europe in 2014, to the United States. The flagship Moxy New Orleans is now open in the French Quarter; in the next decade Marriott plans to open about 150 more Moxy hotels across the country and in Europe. The New Orleans outpost has a sleek industrial look and is technology-soaked: you can get into your room using your mobile device, the TV is equipped for watching Hulu and other internet sites, the WiFi is free, and the USB ports are plentiful.
Common areas have Millennial-friendly features such as game tables, a "digital guestbook" for streaming images via Instagram, visiting DJs, and food and drink options that include craft beers.
Sounds like they've ticked off all the boxes to us.
If you're confused by the seemingly limitless number of brands owned by big hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton Worldwide, check out our field guide to the newest additions.Â
