Hotels worldwide are redesigning their offerings to better accommodate solo travellers, a group that is steadily growing across age ranges.
Industry forecasts show nearly 10% annual growth in solo travel through 2030, driven by millennials, Gen Z, and retirees alike.
This shift is prompting hotels to rethink their approach, with many now prioritising safety, flexible room design, and built-in social opportunities for guests travelling alone.
Hotel layouts and services evolve for the solo guest
For years, the hospitality industry catered primarily to couples and families. However, solo travellers are no longer an afterthought. Booking.com’s 2024 survey found that 59% of travellers plan to take a solo trip, and hotels are responding with targeted amenities and design changes.
At the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, the Artist Tower offers sleek, open-concept rooms designed to resemble modern studio apartments.
“It’s perfect for someone travelling alone,” said Leon Bolivar, the hotel’s Director of Marketing. Across the Atlantic, The Hoxton hotels have introduced compact "Shoebox" rooms for single occupancy, along with open lobbies and curated local events to foster social interaction among guests.
Marriott’s Moxy Hotels have replaced traditional check-ins with casual bar counters and host regular communal events, specifically catering to solo travellers seeking informal ways to connect.
Safety and community key to solo travel experience
Safety remains a top concern, especially among younger and female solo travellers. Some hotels are offering measures like optional phone check-ins, staff training for approachability, and increased monitoring of public spaces.
Bella Bucchiotti, a solo traveller and writer, described how a Paris hotel’s proactive contact during her trip provided reassurance in an unfamiliar setting.
Community-focused dining is also gaining popularity. At the Omni Boston, solo diners can join group wine tastings and trivia nights at on-site restaurants, while other brands like Freehand Hotels and Moxy feature bar seating and casual layouts that remove the stigma of eating alone.
Activities designed to connect solo travellers
Hotels are also integrating programming that gives solo guests structured ways to explore and connect. The Omni Boston doubles as an art gallery and offers rooftop fitness classes and seasonal events.
This summer, the hotel is launching a package featuring solo-friendly activities, including boat tours and museum visits.
Eaton DC and Kimpton Hotels offer similar experiences with a focus on wellness and culture, including yoga sessions and wine hours, which serve as informal meetups for guests.