These days, Wi-Fi is cheaper than water — and way cheaper than marketing. The New York Times reports that hotels are evolving beyond the outdated ‘business centers’ of yore, to create co-working common spaces in their lobbies.
Chains like the trendy Ace Hotel are revamping their lobbies to lure in digital nomads with the promise of free Wi-Fi and bathrooms.
The offerings are so on-point it’s almost predatory: The Ace Hotel in NYC, for example, serves coffees, tofu bowls, and CBD brownies until 4am to attract its hip, local clientele.
Meanwhile, WeWork’s getting in on the hotel action with its chain WeLive, a lined of fully furnished short-term apartment rentals.
You know what they say, come for the Wi-Fi, stay for the tofu bowls…
Marriott currently has 80 locations in the works for its new hotel brand, Moxy, which features larger common spaces and an entrance that requires you to check in at a bar for your key and a complimentary drink.
Sheraton has also invested in overhauling 450 of its current lobbies to include “productivity tables,” which come equipped with outlets, USB ports, and rentable drawers.