How to Improve Acoustics in Hospitality Spaces

Have you ever walked into a restaurant, excited for a great meal, only to leave early because of the unbearable noise?

You’re not alone.

In the hospitality industry, noise can make or break an experience. 80% of people have cut their dining experiences short due to noise. It’s not just annoying; excessive sounds can negatively affect both your guests’ experiences and your staff’s well-being.

For Guests: Loud environments can make it difficult to relax, enjoy your meal, or hold a conversation. Studies have shown that background noise can even affect our perception of taste!

For Staff: High noise levels can create stress for your team, resulting in mistakes and decreased productivity.

Good acoustics are essential for more than just reducing noise; they play a crucial role in creating a positive experience. By improving acoustics, you not only enhance guest satisfaction but also boost staff productivity. A quiet, comfortable space means happy guests who will return, and less stressed-out staff, which leads to better service and improved reviews!

Luckily, with the right acoustic strategies, you can create a welcoming space that’s both lively and comfortable. Let’s break it down by area:

Problem: In restaurants, hard surfaces and insufficient acoustic design create noisy environments. Bars also often lack the necessary acoustic treatments to absorb sound. The combination of loud background chatter, clinking dishes, and hard surfaces results in a chaotic space.

Solution: Use wall and ceiling panels like BuzziReForm or BuzziFold to help lower noise levels and improve guest experience by enhancing speech intelligibility and comfort. Additionally, incorporating low ceiling bars with acoustic lighting solutions, such as BuzziPleat Light, creates a comfortable and visually appealing environment for patrons.

These solutions come to life in a 2-Star Michelin-awarded Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia which serves up a sound and sensory experience.

Problem: Large, open spaces amplify sound, making it hard to relax or have private conversations. Untreated lobbies and lounges can become highly reverberant, making it difficult for guests to relax.

Solution: Use acoustic furniture like BuzziBrella, BuzziSpark, and BuzziBlinds room dividers to create cozy, quiet zones for guests to enjoy. These solutions also help reduce reverberation to improve speech clarity and overall comfort for guests.

First impressions matter, especially in hotel lobbies and reception areas. Belstay Hotels illuminated the guest experience at its Italian locations with BuzziSpace solutions, creating a welcoming and acoustically balanced environment.

Incorporating biophilic elements can work wonders. Integrating plants and natural textures enhances the atmosphere while improving acoustics. Combining functional acoustic solutions with natural design makes spaces feel cozy, inviting, and socially engaging.