Why Hospitality Interior Design Is Failing: NYC Real Estate Expert & Travel Research Reveal the Art Problem

The Research: When Guests Can't Remember Any Hotel Art

I asked three frequent travelers a simple question about their last hotel stay: "Can you describe any artwork you saw?" The results were startling—not one could remember a single piece. But their explanations revealed exactly why most commercial hotel art fails to create value.

The Professional Perspective: NYC Real Estate Staging Expert Weighs In

To understand this from an industry perspective, I spoke with Vanessa Robertson from EXP Realty, who stages high-end properties throughout New York City. Her insights reveal that the hospitality industry's art problem mirrors what she sees in luxury real estate.

Robertson's staging philosophy aligns perfectly with guest expectations. She emphasizes that successful commercial spaces require art that photographs well for social media while matching both the aesthetic and the target demographic. "When I'm working with upscale properties targeting influential, entertaining professionals, I look for chic, modern pieces—what I call 'grown and sexy' aesthetics. Think blacks, reds, silvers—that NYC style that speaks to sophistication."

What Disappoints vs. What Impresses: The Professional Analysis

Robertson's experience staging luxury properties reveals the exact factors that make or break a space's appeal:

What Disappoints Clients:

• Old, outdated aesthetics that don't blend with current design trends
• Generic art that fails to elevate the space
• Playing it safe with forgettable landscape pieces
• Environments lacking cultural representation or sophistication

What Creates Instagram-Worthy Hotel Spaces:

• Bold, colorful, innovative artwork that sparks conversation
• Pieces that complement the target demographic's lifestyle
• Art that photographs well for social media sharing
• Unique elements that differentiate the property from competitors

The Instagram Factor: Why Visual Impact Matters More Than Ever

The research revealed another critical insight: guests actively photograph spaces that inspire them, but they avoid or edit out generic elements. One traveler mentioned taking pictures of "unique elements that made things stick out," while another noted they wouldn't "stand in front of pictures that just don't" appeal to them.

This behavior has serious business implications for hospitality interior design. When guests edit hotel art out of their social media posts, properties lose valuable organic marketing opportunities. Conversely, memorable art becomes a social media asset that drives authentic engagement and future bookings.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Cultural Sophistication Factor

Both guest interviews and Robertson's professional experience highlight the importance of cultural representation without being heavy-handed. Modern travelers and luxury property buyers expect environments that reflect sophistication and inclusivity.

As Robertson notes, "When you're targeting influential professionals—doctors, lawyers, people who entertain and value social spaces—they notice when a property demonstrates cultural awareness and artistic sophistication. It's part of the lifestyle they're buying into."

The Solution: Strategic Art That Drives Results

The research makes clear what hospitality properties need: art that guests notice, remember, and want to share. This requires moving beyond generic landscapes toward pieces that create genuine emotional connections and social media moments.

As a luxury hotel art consultant who understands both the guest experience and the business imperatives of commercial spaces, I create aluminum portrait art specifically designed to solve these challenges. Each piece combines:

• Visual Impact: Bold compositions that guests immediately notice
• Cultural Sophistication: Authentic representation that appeals to diverse demographics
• Commercial Durability: Aluminum medium that withstands hospitality environments
• Exclusivity: One-of-a-kind pieces that create unique brand identity

What Industry Professionals Are Saying

The conversation with Robertson reinforced that successful commercial spaces require strategic thinking about every visual element. "Innovation in art selection helps sell and differentiate properties," she explains. "It's about understanding your client base and creating environments that speak to their expectations and lifestyle."

This professional validation, combined with guest research showing the failure of generic hotel art, creates a compelling case for properties to rethink their approach to commercial art investment ROI.

The Business Case for Better Art

The evidence from both guest interviews and professional staging experience points to the same conclusion: generic art is a missed business opportunity. Properties that invest in memorable, culturally sophisticated artwork see benefits in:

• Increased social media engagement and organic marketing
• Enhanced guest satisfaction and memorable experiences
• Brand differentiation in competitive markets
• Appeal to sophisticated clientele who value cultural awareness
• Premium positioning that supports higher pricing

Special thanks to Vanessa Robertson of EXP Realty for sharing her professional insights on luxury property staging and client expectations. Her expertise in NYC's high-end real estate market provides valuable perspective on what sophisticated clientele expect from commercial spaces.

Related: Learn more about our commercial art leasing program or explore our exclusive aluminum portrait collection.