Recent trends in hotel design shift lobbies from their traditional check-in and check-out functions towards a vision of lobbies as vibrant social hubs. This study explores guests’ preferred hotel lobby designs using choice-based conjoint analysis, focusing on elements that integrate local community characteristics through visual, functional, and activity design. Our findings demonstrate how these preferred design elements contribute to a sense of place and community among both local and non-local guests. Furthermore, the study reveals that combining various design elements creates synergistic effects, enhancing their impact on guests’ sense of place and community. These insights highlight the importance of community-centered integration in hotel design, offering a theoretical framework that bridges the gap between design attributes and guest well-being. This study also provides practical guidelines for creating sustainable and inclusive hotel environments.
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