Towards Inclusive Hotel Interior Design: An Exploratory Analysis of Women Travelers’s Preferences
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Abstract
The design of hotel interiors significantly influences guest experiences, yet the specific needs of women travelers remain underexplored in scholarly discourse. This study investigates women’s preferences in hotel interior design through an exploratory online survey with 29 participants across diverse age groups and travel purposes. The survey focused on micro-interior aspects, including daylight, curtain choices, room styles, bathroom features, lobby layouts, and sensory cues such as scent and decoration. Findings reveal three key themes: (1) safety as spatial and emotional assurance, emphasizing natural light, non-slip flooring, and secure spatial layouts; (2) comfort as an aesthetic of care, reflected in preferences for warm, cozy interiors enriched with artwork and decoration; and (3) micro-interior details as markers of inclusivity, where small features such as curtain flexibility, mirror placement, and fragrance strongly shaped perceptions of being cared for. The study contributes to hospitality and interior design research by reframing hotel interiors as active mediators of gendered experiences rather than neutral service backdrops. Its novelty lies in advancing the concept of micro-interior inclusivity, underscoring how subtle design interventions can substantially enhance perceptions of safety, comfort, and empathy. Despite limitations in sample size, the study offers theoretical insights and practical implications for inclusive and gender-responsive hospitality design.
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