Hotel Lighting: : Types, LEDs, Design Considerations & Tips

Hotel lighting is the purposeful use of illumination across guestrooms, lobbies, corridors, meeting spaces, exteriors, and back-of-house to shape ambience, improve safety and wayfinding, and keep staff productive while minimizing energy and maintenance costs.

In this guide we give you insights on guest comfort and adjustable lighting, lobby and public-space ambience, walkway and exterior safety, energy and maintenance savings, sustainability and marketing impact, smart controls, meeting-room needs, design considerations and trends, case studies and ROI, and Relumination’s role in planning and delivering turnkey LED solutions.

Key takeaways:

Hotels are 24/7 operations and lighting accounts for a hefty portion of total energy use

LED lighting is the way to go—long-lasting, efficient, controllable, and cooler to run.

With LED retrofits and smart controls, hotels routinely achieve dramatic utility savings with rapid payback (often under a year in high-use areas), while enhancing guest experience, safety, and brand.

Make Guests Feel Comfortable (Guestroom Fundamentals)

When your guests book a room, you want them to feel comfortable. While comfortable beds, big-screen TVs and nice artwork all provide touches of luxury, you should always pay attention to the room’s lighting.

Make Hotel Lighting Adjustable

Your guests need to function in your hotel room much the way they would at home. Your hotel lighting needs to be bright enough for them to feel comfortable working, reading, or getting ready in the morning. Bright light can easily feel cold and impersonal, so keep the design flexible. Task lighting and accent sconces provide enough light without washing the colors out of the room. A central overhead light by the door and accent lighting near the bed will give your guests the opportunity to adjust the lighting to their needs.

Use Long-Lasting Bulbs

LED bulbs are one of the most sustainable lighting options available. Most bulbs last an average of 50,000 hours, so you’ll spend less time and money replacing burned out bulbs in every hotel room. Furthermore, LEDs are available in a variety of colors, from soft yellow light to bright white. No matter what type of ambience you want to create, there’s a perfect LED bulb for your hotel lighting.

Keep It Simple

Your guests want to operate the lighting in their room with minimal difficulty. This means placing light switches and fixtures where they make sense. An overhead light in the entryway with a switch by the door lets guests instantly see into their room. Reading lamps or sconces with switches within easy reach from the bed make relaxing at night much easier. When creating a design for your hotel lighting, consider what your guests want and what each room needs.

Security, Safety, and Walkways (24/7 Operations)

When you are looking to check into one of the best hotels around, relaxation in a nice atmosphere is high on your list. While comfort is a priority, so is a sense of security. Hotel lighting is one of those considerations that can improve the efficiency, functionality, and much more of the hotel building. Lighting can determine how well the atmosphere in a certain space is. Lighting can also impact the security and safety of the building.

Hotels run long hours with heavy foot traffic and heavy energy consumption. Choosing the best type of lighting that provides sufficient illumination is key to setting the right mood and keeping people safe.

Focus on Walkway Lighting

After making guests feel comfortable, you cannot forego the importance of walkway lighting that makes everyone feel safe when they are walking through hallways of the hotel building. It is having a seamless check-in experience that can create loyal customers out of first-timers.

Help Guests Feel Safe Outside

When people first arrive to your hotel, you must make them feel welcome from the get-go. If you have a designated area for future guests to park their vehicle, provide enough lighting for them to get their documents out of their vehicle without having to fumble around. It is also important to make all guests feel safe when they are heading to the parking lot, pool, or their guestroom.

Exterior Illumination: Aesthetics, Safety, Conscientiousness

Adding exterior lighting to your hospitality venue is an easy way to create an appealing façade for your building which will draw in more customers and therefore increase revenue. Illuminating the outside of your business is the perfect way to instantly make it look warmer, more inviting, and higher in quality while still being cost-effective.

Aesthetics. Highlighting the exterior features—your insignia, well-manicured landscaping and greenery, cascading fountains, and parking areas and thoroughfares—automatically elevates the quality of your establishment. When external characteristics are accentuated, patrons are more likely to investigate the internal amenities and choose to stay.

Safety. Don’t let your building become a stereotypical Bates Motel lookalike by leaving the outside unlit and unwelcoming. After dusk, weary travelers will pass up your venue for a brighter, more cheery option. A lack of lighting presents a safety hazard, increasing the likelihood of trips and falls for customers and staff.

Conscientiousness. Making the investment to have exterior illumination installed speaks highly of you and your establishment. Being conscientious enough to anticipate aesthetic and safety advantages makes customers feel confident in their decision to book a stay with your company.

Lobbies That Welcome (Three Tips to Set the Tone)

A hotel is meant to be a home away from home. If you are looking for extra ways to make your lobby more welcoming, consider these tips:

1. Choose Lighting That is Intrinsically Friendly. Since you are creating a setting that is a home away from home for your lodgers, you want lighting to be friendly. Don’t go for harsh lighting in your lobby or anywhere else. Strive for lighting that offers soft warmth and familiarity.
2. Avoid Fluorescent Lighting Like the Plague. Fluorescent lighting is for sterile, bland environments, not a hotel lobby. It may seem simple and efficient, but it can leave visitors with a sour impression. Many people dislike the harshness and coldness of fluorescent lighting and even complain of headaches. Warm lighting nicely accents décor and furniture.
3. Strive for Elegance and Uniqueness. You want warm lighting, but also lighting that stands out and impresses your visitors—truly artistic in its form, representative of the feel of the entire hotel.

Energy, Maintenance, and Operations: Keep the Lights On (Efficiently)

In today’s economy, hotels and motels are a thriving market and the demand will continue to grow. A huge factor in keeping the lights on—literally—has to do with lighting. Energy efficient lighting is also an attribute for safety and most importantly, it can bring back guests.

According to Energy Star, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the top use of hotel energy is lighting. No matter the size of the establishment, there will always be a need for various types of lighting. Why not choose the most energy efficient type possible to reduce the bill?

Many restaurants and hotels find that their energy bill can be exceedingly high, especially at 24/7 locations. Although keeping the business well lit is a necessity, the high cost isn’t. Our LED lighting approach has a number of advantages:

• LED lighting rarely needs replacement. Nothing is more of a hassle than replacing incandescent or fluorescent bulbs during occupancy. You could go 20 years without having to change an LED light bulb. A typical incandescent lasts about 750 hours; a Geobulb lasts 30,000 hours.
• Superior light quality and control. Typical lighting can be harsh and irritating, often leading to headaches and stress in workers. An LED does not emit ultraviolet or infrared light. LED lights also have extensive brightness/dimness control, allowing adjustment across intensity without a change in color temperature.
• Lower cooling loads. LEDs don’t give off heat like halogen and many legacy lamps, reducing A/C power consumed.
• Safety and reliability. Your guest’s safety is not at risk with energy efficient lights; they are environment-friendly and dependable.

Three benefits of upgrading your lighting:

1. Improved customer experience. Dull lighting makes everything look dingy, and old-looking. New lighting changes everything. Your customers will have a better experience when they walk into a hotel that looks amazing.
2. Save money. Old lighting drives up the power bill. Replacing lighting can save hundreds of dollars a year, sometimes far more in large properties.
3. Going green. New lighting uses less energy, making a great impact on the environment and your power bill.

Bottom line: LED lighting requires less energy, repairs, and maintenance. As an owner or operator, you can take control of the type of lighting you want to offer, while saving money at the same time.

Case Studies: Hyatt Regency & Agua Caliente (Real Numbers, Real Results)

Hotels choose efficient LED lighting because the numbers add up—and guest experience improves.

Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort (Orlando, FL)

The Hyatt replaced 800 halogen lamps in hallways with 636 Cree LR6 LED lights. The new lamps save 90% of energy compared to the old lamps, consume 10.5 watts, and have a 50,000-hour lifetime. In the 10,000 square-foot lobby, Hyatt replaced 35 halogen lamps with Cree LRP-38 LED lamps. Hyatt expects to save $131,659 during the first year, with a return on investment in approximately nine months. The retrofit aligned with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Green Lodging program to conserve energy, reduce water and waste, and protect air quality.

Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa (Rancho Mirage, CA)

Featuring LED lighting on 14 building floors, the resort focused on green technologies and building materials. The chairman sought an amber-like color for elevator and hallway areas and selected Albeo Technologies’ Atmosphere LED cove lighting. LEDs last 10 times longer than other fixtures considered, and the resort doesn’t have to hire a maintenance crew to replace bulbs each year. Result: a consistent, elegant illumination that supports brand and budget.

If a resort, hotel, motel, or any other business has to keep its lights burning 24/7, why not choose the most efficient and long-lasting lamps possible?

Trends and Design Considerations (Layered, Versatile, Smart)

Hotels in the U.S. spend more than $7.5 billion on energy every year, reported by the EPA. This equates to about $2,200 per room per year, across more than 47,000 hotels and motels. Given these facts, there is significant incentive to leverage technology to reduce costs—while keeping guests comfortable.

Lighting is moving toward energy efficiency in the form of LED lamps (and historically CFLs), as the use of incandescent lighting decreases. Although CFL and LED bulbs are initially more of an investment, energy savings and lower maintenance make them a financial win. Most standard lamps can now accommodate LEDs, making the change relatively painless while still providing aesthetically pleasing light.

Layered lighting. Instead of lighting an entire room with one uniform light, which can be bland, use layered lighting. Different parts of the room require different brightness. Layering lets you highlight architecture and provide additional light for tasks like reading.

Meeting rooms. Many hotels now provide rooms for businesspeople to hold mobile meetings. These rooms require lighting that supports laptops, smartphones, and notepads. If video presentations are shown, ensure the room has controls and dimming so everyone can see from any angle.

Design considerations. Attractive fixtures enhance a room’s appearance. Bright lighting can project a cheery ambience, while dim lighting can lend a mysterious air. Guestrooms should contain a variety of lights for different tasks, moods and times of day—overhead lights as well as bedside and desk lamps. Bathroom lights should be bright for getting ready. A floor lamp near an easy chair provides good light for reading. Dimmer switches help satisfy different brightness needs. Fixture style establishes ambience—the style should fit the room’s décor (e.g., a modern stainless fixture looks out of place in a traditional room).

Four ways to achieve versatile hotel lighting:

1. Work with a light planner. Electrical engineers focus on power and code; a light planner thinks about style, ambiance, art, and glamor. With a planner, sockets are better placed and public spaces are well-maintained—you’ll give guests a great first impression.
2. Apply versatile lighting. Spaces are free-flowing; the same room may be used for breakfast and dinner. Lighting must be cooler and brighter in the morning and warm, cozier at dinner.
3. Maintain your concept. Lighting should reinforce the property’s theme. Lamps can highlight decorative and architectural aspects without looking out of place.
4. Invest in quality. Hotels see heavy traffic. You need high-quality bulbs, switches, and fixtures—lamps and stands that withstand knocks. You don’t want bulbs to be an annual expenditure.

Smart lighting. Being able to control electricity through a wireless connection is popular. This lets you manage lighting more efficiently and save money. Add photo sensors and occupancy/daylight controls to keep light levels appropriate while cutting waste.

Public spaces and demographics. Lighting public spaces such as atriums, lobbies and hallways is more important as baby boomers age and safety is a concern. Millennials are connected and share views on social media; they seek pleasing public spaces in which to work and are more attuned to design. Consider task + ambient blends that appeal to both groups.

Safety, Perception, and Repeat Business

Many businesses rely on repeat customers to succeed and grow, and hotels are no different. It is important to make an excellent impression on first-time customers, not only to encourage future stays, but also for the recommendations they might provide.

Make customers feel safer. It is not worth it to skimp on a high-quality hotel necessity. Proper lighting makes just about everything better. Poorly lit areas make customers feel unsafe, especially at night. Prevent this with sufficient lighting throughout the entire property, from the parking lot to the hallways.

Improve safety in parking lots. When people are not able to see well in parking lots, there is a higher chance of accidents—collisions with moving or parked vehicles, or damage to hotel property. Use LED lighting to provide plenty of light so people can get around safely.

Provide a more enjoyable experience. Individual hotel rooms, hallways, ice rooms, snack rooms, breakfast areas, public restrooms, and lobbies should not experience problems in regard to lighting. You want to provide the most enjoyable experience possible—where guests walk down hallways with a smile and fill their ice bucket without sight being an issue.

Sustainability, Marketing, and the Cost of Outdated Lighting

Are you currently managing a full-service hotel designed during the 1970s or 1980s? There is a good chance the property’s lighting costs you far more than you realize.

According to Center for Responsible Travel figures, travelers are actively seeking out hotels that pay more than lip service to environmental issues. Having energy-inefficient lighting could kill your chances of attracting those consumers. Considering they collectively spend over $400 billion annually on travel, that’s a big deal.

In addition, outdated hotel lighting drives up operating costs. Traditional lighting uses 4–5× more electricity than modern counterparts. Older bulbs have short life spans and may require special disposal methods. Therefore, your utility, labor, and inventory costs will be higher than facilities with modern lighting.

Calculate your monthly lighting expense—include materials (lamps), labor, disposal costs, and downtime. If you’ve never done this, it can be a real eye-opener. Once you know the cost of outdated lighting, you’ll want to act. Relumination can help you evaluate and upgrade, from audit to incentives.

Atmosphere and Experience: W Scottsdale (Colored LEDs)

LED lighting has benefits besides saving electricity and money, and reducing carbon emissions. Colored and color-changing LEDs can spruce up any decorative hotel or resort.

The W Hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona is known for its LED lighting display throughout various areas of the hotel. The all-glass exterior hotel features a pool area similar to a beach, dining areas and lounges, a sunset beach bar, and a view of Camelback Mountain. Designers faced budget, technical, and regulatory challenges—then Retina Lighting and Transport, LLC helped make the LED schemes a reality.

• In the elevator, the “W” logo is displayed on LED wall panels when a customer enters; when the doors close, guests are treated to a stunning LED light show; upon arrival, panels return to the logo.
• The outdoor pool area is decorated with LEDs. Four four-ton LED light sticks illuminate the Grand Lanterns around the wet deck. The lanterns change colors with the 360-degree mobile bar that floats around the pool.
• A 24-foot aquarium in the hotel is also lit with LEDs.

The W Hotel is probably saving thousands of dollars each month on these remarkable displays because of the efficiency and long life of LEDs.

Hotels Choose LEDs (Industry Momentum & Guest Experience)

Resorts, hotels, and motels worldwide are guilty of wasting most of their electricity on lighting. These places keep lights burning 24 hours a day—hallways, elevators, lobbies, patio areas, and other gathering places that aren’t filled with people every hour. With energy-efficient lighting, hotels could save thousands while improving the quality of light for their customers.

Hotel lighting can add extra fun energy, a soothing environment, and change the way people interact. Guests will feel more at home, whether moving around constantly, exercising in the gym, or socializing with others. The hotel industry is a big user of energy, so it’s a big opportunity for saving on energy costs. Guests want top notch rest and relaxation; lighting in relaxing areas should meet expectations.

Trends to watch:

• Layered lighting instead of one uniform source, to highlight design and support tasks.
• Meeting rooms tuned for devices and presentations.
• Smart lighting with wireless control, photo sensors, and automation.
• Energy efficient lighting—LEDs for bills and environment.

From Cost Control to Brand Experience (LED as a Strategy)

Managing a hotel brings challenges. It’s not easy to keep guests happy while keeping employees motivated daily. Even with success, you must monitor operating costs. You shouldn’t have to lower costs at the expense of service quality.

LED lighting technology gives hotels the opportunity to operate at greater efficiency. LEDs require less energy, repairs, and maintenance. As a hotel owner or manager, you can take control of the lighting you offer, while saving money. You can create the perfect ambiance in rooms, lobbies, bars, lounges, breakfast rooms, and more. Guests will begin to see your hotel as an entire experience that allows them to sleep, eat, drink, and have an incredible time.

Putting It All Together with Relumination (Plan → Retrofit → Savings)

Relumination specializes in helping companies of all sizes reduce energy costs, lower maintenance expenses, decrease their environmental footprint and improve their quality of light through energy-efficient lighting solutions.

What we do for hotels:

• Audit & Design. We assess existing lighting, user needs, dayparts, and brand to specify the right CCT/CRI, optics, beam spreads, and control profiles for guestrooms, lobbies, corridors, exteriors, and back-of-house. We ensure simple, guest-friendly controls where they matter.
• Photometrics & Engineering. We right-size fixture counts with photometric modeling, ensuring uniformity, task adequacy, and visual comfort. We detail switching, dimming, and sensor layouts.
• Implementation & Training. We phase retrofits to minimize disruption, coordinate with housekeeping and events, and train teams on preset scenes for breakfast/lunch/dinner, events, and overnight.
• Incentives & ROI. We navigate utility rebates and state incentives, building an ROI model. High-use areas often see payback in months.
• Ongoing Support. We provide warranty and service, and optional remote monitoring when smart controls are deployed.

Why LED is the way to go. With so much lighting required to keep a hotel running, you need the most efficient lighting type possible. LED lighting is long-lasting and inexpensive to operate, and making the switch will provide years of significant savings—while improving safety, ambience, and brand appeal.

Conclusion

Hotel lighting is both art and operations—it shapes ambience, guides guests, and keeps teams productive while cutting costs. From guestroom adjustability and friendly lobbies to walkway and exterior safety, lighting influences how people feel, move, and remember your property.

Case studies like Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and Agua Caliente show real-world outcomes: 90% energy savings in some applications, 10.5-watt LED replacements with 50,000-hour life, and sub-year ROI. Colored LEDs at W Scottsdale demonstrate how light can become part of the brand—while still saving.

Travelers increasingly choose properties that are visibly sustainable. Outdated lighting uses 4–5× more electricity and costs more across utilities, labor, and inventory—while signaling the wrong message to eco-conscious guests. Modern LED systems (with layered, versatile, smart control) align energy and experience.

Whether you’re tuning table lamps and bedside sconces, lighting ramps and exits for accessibility, or transforming bars, pools, and façades, LED gives you the control and quality you need—and pays for itself through energy and maintenance savings.

Contact Relumination to plan your hotel lighting retrofit or new-build design. We’ll help you set the mood, lower the bill, and elevate the experience with a smart LED lighting plan tailored to your property.