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"Phoenix"- New Prototype from Motel 6

031708Motel6_1.jpgIt's not uncommon for many of us to find inspiration from some of the great hotels we've stayed in or seen in magazines...The Parker Palm Springs, The Viceroy, Hotel Fox, Ace Hotel... Motel 6? Last week it was announced that the Motel 6 chain unveiled a new protoype called "Phoenix"...

031708Motel6_2.jpgWe came across this via Unbeige. According to this article at Hotel&Motel Management (an trade site for the hospitality industry), "The Phoenix prototype, named after the mythical bird symbolizing rebirth and renewal, signifies the reinvention of Motel 6 and the re-establishing of its position as the uncontested leader in price value in the economy segment. True to the spirit of Motel 6, the new design is simple, functional and straight to the point. Priestman Goode of London designed the room to optimize the use of space by combining multiple functions into a single piece of furniture to provide modern functionality."
031708Motel6_3.jpg
Apparently early consumer feedback "found the new prototype to have a modern, European boutique-style flair that they find both unexpected and appealing." According to Motel 6 president Jim Amorosia, “This design embodies the heart of Motel 6 – it’s no-frills, uncomplicated and efficient with a new modern edge.”

What do you guys think?

Read the article here for more details.

[ images via ACCOR ] (via Unbeige)

Comments (17)

I think it's great. What many hotel opperators need to learn is that good design doesn't have to cost alot. IKEA is a great example of that.

posted by Laura on 2008-03-17 12:28:00
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ITA...its really nice and clean. I think this is a really good move for the chain!

posted by me-n-dj on 2008-03-17 12:41:41
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I agree; it looks nice. I really like the fact that it looks easy to keep clean.

posted by quercus on 2008-03-17 12:43:17
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Nice! I vowed years ago never to set foot in a Motel 6 again... but after seeing that prototype, I might have to rethink my stance.

posted by cgretton on 2008-03-17 12:46:15
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They should have done this a long time ago, I think it looks great.

posted by plastolux on 2008-03-17 12:48:22
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great idea!

posted by Lizzykewl on 2008-03-17 13:21:20
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Blah. A for effort, but it looks a little 60's european to me. I wish they had gone a little fresher in the color scheme.

posted by Modfan on 2008-03-17 13:42:00
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I'd stay there!

posted by bepsf on 2008-03-17 14:07:24
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It looks cheap and Ikea-over-inspired. But compared to the original... NICE. Maybe tone down the room colors and hike-up the bathroom's.

Funny thing, it could've worked if they made the floors darker and got rid of the beige phone, "default" electric sockets, "condomed" cups, and bible. lol

posted by Djluckyonline on 2008-03-17 14:21:11
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this is a great update! I'd now consider staying at an (updated) Motel 6 again.

posted by Kris on 2008-03-17 15:33:08
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love the orange walls.

posted by LaDonnaNichole on 2008-03-17 17:44:45
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Big ups!

posted by upstatecb on 2008-03-17 17:59:19
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There are positives and negatives to this design. I think the colors are too retro, the overabundant use of orange gives it a 60's vibe (not in a good way). I like the clean lines of the furniture, the dreaded bedcover and bedskirt are gone. But I would have preferred (as was mentioned previously) a more modern color scheme. And it looks a bit stark, treading that fine line between looking stark and looking cheap.

posted by MariannaV on 2008-03-17 18:55:55
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My only suggestion would be a more modern color scheme too; this does look nice, but a bit too retro for me. Love the furniture though!

posted by Melissa82 on 2008-03-17 19:44:54
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Wow. Smart move. Obviously, the intent of this is not to steal away customers from the trendy boutique hotels but to stand out amongst the other budget alternatives. If execution lives up to the pictures, I would say they have done a great job. I would definitely consider Motel 6 as a choice in the future.

posted by RichardinLA on 2008-03-17 20:21:29
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Well, if the stuff is well made, so that it can withstand the Abuse it will get.

The Plywood chair is a bit fragile for industrial usage, But the platform Beds should stay comfortable longer.

Ikea stuff hardly takes the abuse of a Guest room.

posted by phauxtoe on 2008-03-18 00:06:47
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sweet- it's like a german hostel.

posted by greengelato on 2008-03-18 00:34:00
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