Hotel Design Public Entry Front Desk

Create an inviting, personal feeling, not in direct path of entry, and avoid an impersonal monumental “check-in" type atmosphere.

Size/Area: See dimensional requirements in
Supplement.
• Front Desk Length: 1.8 m (6 ft.) minimum for each 75 keys. Example: (300 keys / 75 keys) x 1.8 m = 7.2 m (24 ft.)
• Clear Work Space: 1.5 m (5 ft.) minimum, measured
from staff work edge of counter to parallel back wall. • Guest Queuing: Provide 3.7 m (12 ft.) area in front of desk.
• Accessible Registration Counter (or Desk): 86 cm (34 inch) maximum height with 70 cm (27 inch) knee clearance. Comply with governing accessibility regulations.

Equipment: Coordinate and locate front desk equipment for convenient use by hotel associates, but conceal wires, task lights, and equipment from guest view. • Accommodate guest registration; check-out counter, cashier and support equipment

Space Planning:
• Locate administrative front desk support activities immediately adjacent to Front Desk. • Separate the Front Desk from the Front Desk Support Office functions by a wall and door.
• Design desk with a minimum of one open side or end of counter to allow staff to attend guests from the Lobby side.

Security Equipment: <13E> Provide and incorporate the following:
Duress alarms below front desk counter.
Fixed camera to monitor front desk area.
Door access to administrative support areas controlled by electronic or push-button combination door lock

Finishes:
• Front Desk: See Module 2A Supplement for Front Desk Design. Detailed in stone or a combination of stone and woodwork with durable stone counter top and base.
Design to conceal equipment on attendants’ side from guest view.
• Floor (behind Front Desk): Highly durable and easily cleaned 80/20 Axminster carpet, complementary to
Lobby finishes, with pad material, or other floor materials and finish combinations acceptable to main hotel owner
Design and designed for long-term comfort of standing attendants.
• Rear Wall: Uncluttered feature wall behind front desk forms a back-drop for the Front Desk employees and features only focal, fine artwork or sophisticated decorative elements. Avoid property logos, clocks and other functional elements.
• Lighting: Provide architectural lighting that appropriately and dramatically accents the space. Design