Who doesn’t love a good Hotel lobby? 

We’ve all heard the phrase “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Well I can’t think of a place where this phrase applies more than a hotel lobby. 

Lobbies are the first interior place where guests get to know the style, ambiance, and feel of the hotel. And it can be said that the lobby is the “heartbeat” of the hotel - making a positive first impression crucial as it can have a lasting impact on guest satisfaction and willingness to come back.  

Over the years hotel lobbies have evolved from a greeting ground to get guests checked in and up to their rooms, to full on destination spots complete with waterfalls, massive green walls and craft cocktails. 

We could never give credit to all of the interior designers who have envisioned and created the hundreds of magnificent hotel lobbies we see today, but we’ll do our best to highlight a couple. 

The following 3 hotel lobbies are true embodiments of excellence and a standard for other lobbies around the world. 

Four Seasons Hotel New York

As we said, Hotel lobbies are designed to make a great first impression, one that welcomes guests and visitors alike.

The Four Seasons Hotel New York stands out as the only hotel in the Western Hemisphere designed by I.M. Pei. Among the architect’s other notable achievements: the distinctive glass entrance to the Louvre in Paris, the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in D.C. and the Museum of Islamic At in Doha.

Craft Cocktails at TY: Visit the famous TY bar, located in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel New York for contemporary takes on some of the nation's most iconic drinks. 

Mandarin Oriental Hotel New York

Definitely the most unique lobby on our list, the Mandarin Oriental has its own flair you won’t see anywhere else. 

Rather than entering at ground level, visitors are whisked up to the 35th floor Sky Lobby on express elevators. There waiting are magnificent views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline from 280 feet above, and the eye-catching Chihuly glass sculpture that seems to be emerging from a moss garden set in the elliptically-shaped marble and granite floor. 

Look at that view!: Offering a bird's eye view of the city, the Mandarin Oriental, New York is a one of a kind hotel offering an unforgettable experience in one of the most famous regions in the world. 

Fairmont San Francisco 

A favorite of U.S. presidents, the Fairmont San Francisco's grand lobby certainly plays the part of a West Coast White House, with gilded walls, large marble columns, and leather chairs throughout. The decor might be considered out of place if it wasn’t filled with greenery - giving it a California Vibe.

With a reputation of impeccable service, the Fairmont San Francisco is designed to make all of their guests feel like Royalty. 

Who’s that?: Keep an eye out next time you stay at this property - you might just see someone famous! 

Conclusion

Each of these lobbies is stunningly unique, yet they all have one thing in common - “wowing” guests as soon as they walk in the front door. Whether through excellence service, a birds eye view of New York City, or refreshing cocktails - these hotels provide an experience you won’t soon forget. 

We know this list is missing some of the other incredible hotel lobbies out there. There’s just too many to include! But if you have a favorite lobby we’d love to hear from you!