FT.com / Columnists / Tyler Brûlé - Here today, gone tomorrow

FT.com / Columnists / Tyler Brûlé - Here today, gone tomorrow


Mr. Brule gets Ditched for assuming that all hotel patrons fit his profile of road warrior. What of those patrons on vacation and looking for an escape from their ordinary surroundings? Is that sense of escape not aided by all of the trendy furnishings and finishes that can be seen in their hotel setting? Finally, is our society's sense of trend not time-dependent and constantly evolving based on a host of industries and factors? Why should hotels even think about ignoring that sense of trend for the sake of giving themselves a green check mark? It defines their existence for a significant segment of their market. 


One travelling strictly for business can very easily overlook the satisfaction derived from trendy offerings because their main goal for the stay is comfort and utility. They need a clean and quiet place to sleep with a helpful staff (only when beckoned). There is rarely an appreciation for the