Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton Are Shedding Their Dated Design Legacies

[gallery ids="181652,181574,181630,181657"] It wasn't that long ago when Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton were never uttered in the same sentence as the phrases "trendy design" or "hip social spaces." Today, however, new and newly renovated properties like the JW Marriott Austin, Marriott Marquis Houston, Hilton Cleveland, and Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport are emphasizing fashionable design that looks good and encourages a sense of community. That in turn encourages higher spend on food and beverage, it makes single travelers feel more comfortable, and it attracts more of the local community. These properties won't compete with the best lifestyle hospitality brands in terms of design anytime soon, but they've clearly evolved light years beyond the dark and depressing "big box hotels" of the past. More natural light, more open spaces, and more expansive sightlines are the main architectural trends impacting the next generation of hotel construction. More organic mate