It'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"...
"Phoenix"- New Prototype from Motel 6
We 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."
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.
Comments (17)
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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.
view Laura's profile
ITA...its really nice and clean. I think this is a really good move for the chain!
view me-n-dj's profile
I agree; it looks nice. I really like the fact that it looks easy to keep clean.
view quercus's profile
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.
view cgretton's profile
They should have done this a long time ago, I think it looks great.
view plastolux's profile
great idea!
view Lizzykewl's profile
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.
view Modfan's profile
I'd stay there!
view bepsf's profile
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
view Djluckyonline's profile
this is a great update! I'd now consider staying at an (updated) Motel 6 again.
view Kris's profile
love the orange walls.
view LaDonnaNichole's profile
Big ups!
view upstatecb's profile
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.
view MariannaV's profile
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!
view Melissa82's profile
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.
view RichardinLA's profile
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.
view phauxtoe's profile
sweet- it's like a german hostel.
view greengelato's profile