Pioneering Design, Sustainability, and Guest Experiences: #HDSV Showcases Innovation at #HVC2026
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Running concurrently with the 9th Hospitality Vietnam Conference #HVC2026, the Hotel Design Summit Vietnam #HDSV brought together leading architects, developers, and hospitality operators to explore how innovative design, sustainability, and experience-led strategies are reshaping Vietnam’s hospitality sector.
Across six dynamic panel discussions, participants examined strategies for regenerative and nature-first design, low-tech sustainable solutions, experience-driven guest journeys, wellness and biophilic concepts, adaptive smart environments, and human-centered hotel technology. Sessions highlighted how thoughtful design enhances operational efficiency, creates immersive experiences, and positions hotels as destinations in themselves.
Summit Insights and Themes
Discussions explored how hotels can go beyond carbon neutrality to actively restore ecosystems and support local communities. Experts shared insights on vernacular, low-carbon solutions such as passive cooling, natural ventilation, and climate-adapted landscaping that reduce operational energy use while celebrating local culture.
Panels also emphasized that design is now a strategic driver of revenue, with guest touchpoints—from social spaces to guestrooms, wellness areas, and F&B environments—optimized for both comfort and commercial performance. Smart lighting, sensor-driven systems, and intuitive technology were highlighted as tools that enhance the guest experience while maintaining warmth and brand identity.
Featured speakers included Andy Fisher, Founder & Managing Director of AFW, and Francesc Domingo, Director at Concept i, who shared insights on aligning design strategy with operational goals and guest expectations.
Panel Highlights: Experience-Led Design in Action
At the Experience-Led Design: Turning Guest Journeys into Revenue Drivers panel, speakers discussed how hotels can transform guest experiences into strategic revenue opportunities and make properties true destinations.
“It’s a combination of everything. But if you step back, experience design is about creating a destination. You are turning a hotel into a destination—somewhere people want to stay, not just sleep.” said Francesc Domingo, Director, Concept i.
He also explained that effective design balances functionality, aesthetics, and local context to enhance both guest appeal and revenue.
Andy Fisher highlighted how changing guest expectations are influencing design priorities in Vietnam, “Guests today are more informed and demanding. Ten years ago, international brands were the main attraction. Now, local brands are more adaptable and connected to place. Expectations are higher, and design must respond accordingly.”
He added that local brands’ adaptability allows hotels to deliver authentic, context-driven experiences, strengthen loyalty, and boost profitability.
Thanh Vu, Director of Design and Technical Services, Accor Vietnam & Cambodia shared how public spaces and lobbies are evolving to maximize guest engagement and commercial outcomes, “The first impression is very important. Lobbies are no longer just functional—they’re social hubs where guests can work, relax, or meet.”
Looking Ahead
Panelists concluded that Vietnam’s hotel design sector is entering a phase where commercial performance, sustainability, and immersive guest experiences are tightly integrated. Hotels that combine nature-first design, wellness-oriented environments, and human-centered smart technology are expected to outperform in occupancy, guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
By aligning global design principles with local insight and context, Vietnamese hotels can establish competitive differentiation, drive revenue, and contribute positively to communities and ecosystems.