Core Viewpoint - Hilton Group has quietly allowed some hotels to cancel executive lounges based on actual conditions, indicating a shift in operational strategy towards flexibility and cost management [1][2][6]. Group 1: Hilton's Strategy - The cancellation of executive lounges is not a mandate but an operational suggestion, allowing hotels to provide alternative options for guests [2][3]. - The approach to executive lounges will be more selective and strategic, focusing on properties that can effectively attract guests and generate positive reviews [5][10]. - New Hilton properties in China have not consistently included executive lounges, reflecting a flexible approach to amenities based on market conditions [3][10]. Group 2: Industry Trends - Marriott is also closing executive lounges in several Courtyard hotels starting March 2025, with some locations announcing permanent closures without alternatives [6][8]. - The trend of closing executive lounges is part of a broader "slimming down" strategy among five-star hotels, as these amenities have become cost burdens rather than value-adds [9][12]. - The operational costs of maintaining an executive lounge are significant, often exceeding the revenue generated from them, leading to their removal in favor of more profitable services [13][19]. Group 3: Changing Consumer Preferences - There is a noticeable shift in consumer expectations, with many guests feeling relieved rather than disappointed by the removal of executive lounges, indicating a change in the perceived value of such amenities [9][15]. - The concept of executive lounges has evolved, with their original purpose of providing a high-end experience for business travelers becoming less relevant in the current market [10][20]. - The hotel industry is moving towards a model where services are tailored to actual demand rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, emphasizing quality over quantity [21].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the quiet phase-out of executive lounges in Hilton and Marriott hotels, indicating a shift in the hotel industry's approach to amenities in response to changing market conditions and consumer expectations [4][10][27]. Group 1: Changes in Executive Lounges - Recent reports suggest that Hilton Garden Inn hotels may cancel executive lounges, allowing for alternative service options during operational hours [4][5]. - New Hilton Garden Inn hotels have not included executive lounge services, with some locations offering limited alternatives in public areas instead [5][9]. - Marriott has also closed executive lounges in several locations, indicating a broader trend of reducing such amenities across brands [11][12]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Brand Positioning - The perception that mid-to-high-end international hotels must include executive lounges has been prevalent, driven by competitive differentiation and customer expectations [13][14]. - As economic conditions decline, the operational costs associated with maintaining executive lounges have led to their removal as a cost-cutting measure [16][17]. - The article highlights that brands like Marriott and Hilton have historically over-delivered on amenities, but this is no longer sustainable in the current market environment [18][19]. Group 3: Strategic Adjustments - The cancellation of executive lounges represents a broader commercial reality check for the hotel industry, aligning offerings with brand positioning and market expectations [27][30]. - Some hotels are opting to upgrade their brand positioning rather than maintain underperforming amenities, as seen with Hilton Garden Inn locations transitioning to the Hilton brand [28][29]. - The article suggests that a more selective approach to lounge access, similar to InterContinental Hotels Group's strategy, could help maintain the value of executive lounges for frequent travelers [29][32]. Group 4: Implications for Hotel Operations - The removal of executive lounges may relieve operational pressures on hotel staff, allowing them to focus on core services rather than maintaining additional amenities [30][31]. - The article concludes that while executive lounges may persist in high-end hotels, they are likely to disappear from mid-range brands, reflecting a shift in consumer expectations and operational realities [32][33].

缩减成本，外资五星酒店过冬。 01 最近，社交媒体上有件事被炒得沸沸扬扬：希尔顿逸林的行政酒廊是不是要取消了？ 有部分网友指称，一些已开业的希尔顿逸林酒店收到了来自集团的通知，允许视情况取消行政酒廊，并提供可选的替代方案，包括不限于在行政酒廊应运 营时段（下午茶和欢乐时光）换成大堂吧和餐厅提供对应的服务。 虽然目前官方尚未公开确认这一消息，但这条运营建议之所以引起如此大范围关注，并不是因为消息本身，是很多人恍然意识到，这事其实早就悄悄发生 了。 事实上，过去数年，我们留意到新开的希尔顿逸林酒店基本都不配行政酒廊服务了。 比如郑州东区的希尔顿逸林、四川广安的希尔顿逸林，虽然设计阶段有酒廊配置，但开业之后迟迟没启用。 酒店则会在下午茶时段安排些甜点、饮品放在大堂吧，作为功能补偿，实质上是把原本专属的空间体验，平移成了酒店公共场景中的一小角。 再比如去年4月，北京东三环的希尔顿逸林正式开业。 这家酒店由原陕西大厦改造而来，一经开业就被网友戏称为"三无酒店"：无行政酒廊、无泳池、无浴缸（除套房外）。 社交媒体上充斥着"下午茶只剩几块饼干"、"鲜榨橙汁用浓缩果汁兑的"、"氛围感没了，社交圈层感也弱了。" 甚至还有网友调 ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent discussions about the potential cancellation of executive lounges in Hilton Garden Inn hotels reflect a broader trend in the hotel industry, where many mid-range international hotel brands are reevaluating their service offerings in response to changing market conditions and cost pressures [1][10][17]. Group 1: Changes in Executive Lounge Offerings - There are reports that some Hilton Garden Inn hotels have received notifications allowing for the cancellation of executive lounges, with alternative services provided in public areas like the lobby bar [1][2][5]. - New Hilton Garden Inn hotels have been opening without executive lounge services, indicating a shift in operational standards [3][4]. - The trend of removing executive lounges is not unique to Hilton, as Marriott has also permanently closed executive lounges in several of its hotels [11][13][14]. Group 2: Market Dynamics and Brand Positioning - The perception that mid-to-high-end international hotels must include executive lounges has been prevalent, but this is changing as economic conditions shift [18][22]. - The previous strategy of "over-provisioning" amenities to attract customers is becoming unsustainable in a down market, leading to the removal of executive lounges as a cost-saving measure [20][21][23]. - Brands like Hilton Garden Inn and Marriott are reassessing their positioning, with some properties upgrading to full Hilton branding to better align with market expectations [39][40]. Group 3: Customer Experience and Brand Strategy - The experience of executive lounges has diminished, with complaints about the quality of offerings, leading to a perception that they are no longer valuable [15][16][30]. - The shift away from executive lounges may also reflect a broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs, particularly as hotel owners face financial pressures [34][36]. - The future of executive lounges in mid-range hotels appears uncertain, with a likelihood of their continued existence in high-end hotels but a decline in mid-range offerings [51].