The Future: Strategy Over Spotify
Music in hospitality is core brand identity. Looking ahead, successful properties must treat music as a strategic pillar, not a decorative afterthought. And the integration of audio into design requires early collaboration between hoteliers, designers, and Audio Visual specialists. As Dan Agne from Sound Investment notes, AV systems are “the heart and soul of a venue.”
Technology offers new possibilities — from AI-powered personalization to immersive soundscapes — but authenticity remains paramount. Hotels can’t fool guests with generic playlists and framed album covers. The hotels that thrive will be those that don’t just use music to entertain, but to engage, inspire, and transport. Immersive means interactive, surprising, and rooted in real artistry.
In an oversaturated market, the properties that sound as good as they look are the ones that truly resonate. Frank Roberts, Vice President of Brand Experience at EDITION & W Hotels, confirms: “Music-driven programming has not only generated significant additional revenue from bar sales and extended guest stays but has also strengthened our brand’s positioning in the luxury lifestyle space.”
And, as Schrager puts it: “Music isn’t just heard, it’s felt. And in hospitality, it becomes a living, breathing part of a property’s soul.”
You can read the complete four-part series on Giant Step’s website.
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