Cool News of the Day (http://reveries.com/) com reports that InterContental's Hotel Indigo is looking to capture younger business travelers, "who are said to like more in the way of 'natural materials and fabrics, food geared toward 'grazing' rather than dining, a greater emphasis on technology and common areas that offer guests a variety of places to congregate.' "
This seems to be in direct contrast to a recent Wall Street Journal article that said aging Generation Xers are getting tired of trendy and are moving toward more comfort, better service, and less attitude. Here’s an excerpt from that February 13 article by Darren Everson:
“The W Chicago City Center has a stylish lobby and chic guest rooms, with 350-thread count sheets and marble bathrooms. But it doesn't have a bar Frank Bynum feels comfortable in, or even a phone he can understand.
When traveling, the University of Southern California law student usually likes to grab a drink in the hotel bar before bed. But when he stayed at the W in December, he skipped it. The hotel's Whiskey Blue bar, with its mirrored walls and clubby scene, was so trendy, he says, he felt he would've had to dress up.
Then there was the phone. Instead of typical buttons for the fitness center or the valet, it had "Sweat" and "Wheels."
"I couldn't figure it out for a couple of minutes," Mr. Bynum says. "I was like, 'I just want my car.'" Next time, he says, he just wants a Westin.
There's a backlash brewing against boutique hotels. While brands like Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.'s W are still thriving, they are finding that some customers -- even once loyal ones -- are getting tired of their tragically hip ways. Generation X consumers, the traditional target market, are aging and their priorities are changing. Once smitten with trendy furnishings and achingly cool bars -- and unfazed by inferior amenities, tiny rooms and snooty hotel staff – boutique customers increasingly say they're just as interested in good service and a good room as they are in style."
Hummmm. This makes us wonder if 40 is the magic number. Yep, Gen Xers began to hit the big 4-0 in 2005. Maybe once we reach that ripe, old age words like “comfy” and “exceptional customer service” are more appealing. And maybe in the end, we’ll find that the Baby Boomers and the Generation Xers aren’t so different after all.
