Community living rooms: High-ROI strategy

GLOBAL REPORT – As the hospitality industry evolves, hoteliers and developers increasingly recognize the financial and operational benefits of adopting a “Community Living Room” approach. This trend is not only reshaping guest experiences but also driving substantial return on investment (ROI) for properties that embrace it. By creating spaces that foster social interaction between guests and the local community, hotels are gaining a competitive edge in a crowded market and driving more elastic revenue potential(s) in operations.

Shift toward social connectivity

As hotels pivot toward a more inclusive, experience-driven model, they open the door to new revenue streams and diversify their business, which is essential for long-term growth.

With low-cost seating and ambient upgrades (think outlets, Wi-Fi, and light bites), the Proper Hotel in downtown Los Angeles posted a 13% increase in F&B within the first year, improving lobby activation and guest satisfaction scores.

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For example, The Proper Hotel in downtown Los Angeles offers a public lounge and café, which draws remote workers and neighborhood locals during the day. With low-cost seating and ambient upgrades (think outlets, Wi-Fi, and light bites), the hotel posted a 13% increase in F&B within the first year, improving lobby activation and guest satisfaction scores.

Another example is a major brand that enhanced underutilized lobby space for guests and the community in Chicago. Converting its cut-off lobby into a fully actualized space and revamping its menu, branding and aesthetics resulted in the hotel posting a 150% gain in revenue within one month of the renovation’s completion.

Gains through community focus

Adopting a community-driven hospitality model has the potential to drive significant ROI. While figures may vary based on property size, location, and brand positioning, industry experts report that hotels embracing these trends can see ROI in the range of 6% to 12%. Beyond the immediate financial uplift, community-oriented operations have proven to increase brand loyalty, attract a diverse customer base, and extend revenue-generating periods throughout the day.

One of the most compelling aspects of this approach is the ability to reduce costly downtimes. Traditional hotel operations often experience revenue gaps, particularly during non-peak hours, such as midday or post-dinner.

Community-focused design maximizes these intervals by offering spaces that cater to guests and local residents. These multifunctional spaces—such as public lounges, casual meeting pods, pop-up event areas, private clubs — ensure that hotels are active hubs of social and economic activity throughout the day.

One striking example is the LINE Hotel in Austin. The hotel regularly collaborates with local artists, chefs, and brands to host pop-up events and community gatherings. This collaborative strategy creates sponsorship revenue that increases foot traffic by 20% and earns social media visibility without incurring traditional marketing spend.

Renovation costs for hotels like the Proper and the LINE hotels are not typically publicly available. However, industry data provides insight into estimated costs for these types of projects.

For instance, the Kingston Hotel in Savannah, Georgia, spent $3 million in its renovation, which included the addition of a function room and a revamp of a restaurant, which has been booked solid since its reopening.

Another hotel renovation, the Sol Cypress hotel in San Antonio, spent an estimated $11 million added new dining options, an event venue, and a dog park to enhance guest experience reflective of the local culture.

Power of social spaces

An essential element in the success of community-driven hospitality is the enhancement of F&B offerings. Hotels that provide unique F&B experiences—such as craft cocktails, specialty dining, or locally sourced menus—can significantly enhance their community engagement.

A prime example is the Death & Company cocktail bar at Denver’s Ramble Hotel, a local hotspot blending brand loyalty with local appeal while driving significant revenue growth.

The bar, New York-based Death & Co.’s second outpost, is designed with dark, intimate, and layered with rich textures complementing its award-winning cocktail offerings.

These spaces go beyond merely offering food and drink; they foster social engagement, become centers for community activity, and in doing so, directly enhance the hotel’s bottom line by converting a traditional hotel lobby into a revenue-generating social gathering place. Creating welcoming spaces where people can linger, connect, and enjoy a premium product is a direct driver of operational profitability.

Rise of social clubs

Another high-ROI trend that has emerged from the community-focused hospitality shift is the rise of private social clubs. Hotels with private, members-only lounges or clubs are not only enhancing guest experience but also tapping into a new revenue model.

Membership-based venues, such as Soho House and Dream Nashville, have proven successful in cultivating a loyal customer base that generates both membership fees and sustained business activity.

This model capitalizes on the growing demand for exclusivity, personalized service, and social connectivity. The global private club market is forecast to reach nearly $26 billion by 2027, signaling a lucrative opportunity for hotel operators to tap into this growing segment.

Looking ahead

As the hospitality industry moves forward, the ability to foster a community-driven environment will be a defining factor in a hotel’s success. Those who invest in spaces designed to promote social connectivity and inclusivity will be well-positioned to capture new customer bases, increase repeat visits, and drive long-term profitability.

Hotel developers who embrace this shift will find themselves at the forefront of a new wave of hospitality—one that blends local engagement, experiential design, and financial savvy to create exceptional returns on investment.

As consumer preferences continue to evolve, hoteliers who prioritize community connections will not only differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace but will transform the very essence of what a hotel can be.

Contributed by Scott Lowe, chief revenue officer, The Beck Group, Dallas

The views and opinions expressed in this content do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hotel Investment Today by Northstar or Northstar Travel Group and its affiliated companies.