Why Do Guests Say “It’s Uncomfortable to Stay Here”? The Lighting Problem Behind the Experience
Hoteliers often strive to perfect every aspect of their property, yet guest reviews sometimes still say, “The room didn’t feel right,” or “I just wasn’t comfortable staying there.” While the focus is frequently placed on bedding, noise control, or room size, one of the most overlooked factors is lighting. The way a room is illuminated directly affects guests’ emotional responses, comfort, and ultimately, their satisfaction and review scores. This article dives into why lighting is so critical, the emotional pain points caused by poor lighting, and how hotels can use solutions like those from inbright to transform the guest experience.
The Emotional Science of Lighting in Hospitality
Lighting does far more than simply make a space visible. Psychological research has shown that light influences mood, alertness, relaxation, and even our perception of cleanliness and luxury. Soft, warm light can make a guest feel welcome and secure, while harsh, cold light may feel institutional and uncomfortable. In hotel environments, where every detail shapes a guest’s perception, lighting is one of the most powerful—but also most frequently ignored—tools for creating an inviting atmosphere.
Common Guest Pain Points: Where Lighting Goes Wrong
1. Inadequate Room Lighting
Many guests complain about rooms being too dark, especially in older hotels or properties that haven’t upgraded their lighting systems. Insufficient lighting in corners or by the desk can make the room feel cramped and less functional. Business travelers may struggle to work, while leisure guests might feel unsettled by shadows or poorly lit areas.
2. Uncomfortable Color Temperature
A frequent but subtle pain point is color temperature. Cool, blue-toned light can feel stark and unwelcoming, especially at night, while overly yellow lighting may appear dingy or old-fashioned. Hotels that lack adjustable lighting leave guests unable to create a setting that suits their needs, making them feel less at home.
3. Lack of Lighting Control
The modern guest expects personalization and convenience. Walking into a room where all lights are on, but none can be dimmed or adjusted, creates frustration. Guests may want bright light for getting ready, softer light for relaxing, or total darkness for sleep—but few hotels provide that flexibility.
4. Poor Lighting Placement
Overhead lights placed directly above the bed, glaring vanity lights, or missed opportunities for accent lighting can all detract from the ambiance. Lighting that causes harsh shadows or fails to highlight room features can make even a well-designed space feel uncomfortable.
5. Lighting and Cleanliness Perception
It’s surprising, but the right light makes spaces look cleaner and more luxurious. Conversely, bad lighting can make even spotless rooms look dingy or dated. This directly impacts guest comfort and their willingness to leave a positive review.
Guest Comments: The Voice of Experience
Consider these common phrases from real hotel reviews:
“The room was too dim to read at night.”
“The lighting made it feel like a hospital, not a hotel.”
“No way to adjust the lights except turning everything on or off.”
“Bathrooms were either too bright or not bright enough.”
“I wanted to relax but the room was too stark.”
Every one of these comments speaks to a pain point that can easily be solved with modern lighting technology.
The Power of Smart Lighting Solutions
With these guest pain points in mind, what can hotels do? The answer lies in smart, adaptable lighting systems. Today’s leading lighting brands, such as inbright, offer hotels the tools to provide personalized, mood-driven lighting experiences for every guest.
Case Study: Solving Pain Points with inbright Smart Lighting
A four-star hotel in a major city struggled with low guest satisfaction scores related to comfort and ambiance. They invested in a smart lighting upgrade using inbright technology. Here’s how the new system addressed guest pain points:
Adjustable Scenes: Guests could select “work,” “relax,” or “sleep” modes, instantly shifting brightness and color temperature.
App & Wall Panel Controls: Simple interfaces let guests personalize their space without confusion or hassle.
Enhanced Placement: Strategic use of downlights, bedside lamps, and accent lighting eliminated shadows and improved room aesthetics.
Energy Efficiency: The system automatically dimmed or turned off lights in unoccupied areas, supporting sustainability goals.
Within three months, guest survey comments shifted. Phrases like “perfect lighting for reading” and “loved the relaxing atmosphere” began to appear. The number of negative lighting-related reviews dropped by 60%, and overall guest satisfaction improved noticeably.
How Lighting Influences Hotel Reputation and Revenue
Satisfied guests are more likely to leave positive reviews, recommend the property, and return for future stays. Poor lighting, on the other hand, leads to lower ratings, higher complaints, and sometimes lost business. In a world where online reviews can make or break a hotel’s reputation, investing in lighting is an investment in marketing and long-term revenue.
Operational data also reflects the value of lighting upgrades:
Hotels with customizable smart lighting report a 20% reduction in lighting-related maintenance calls.
Properties using inbright systems see faster room turnover because housekeeping staff can set cleaning modes with a single touch, ensuring optimal visibility.
Energy costs are reduced due to automated occupancy and daylight sensors, while guests still enjoy tailored ambiance.
Emotional Resonance: Creating Connection Through Light
The strongest brands in hospitality don’t just provide a service—they create emotional connections with guests. Lighting is a powerful tool in this process. When guests walk into a room that instantly feels welcoming, safe, and comfortable, the experience sticks with them. They are more likely to sleep well, feel at ease, and enjoy every aspect of their stay.
Hotels that listen to their guests’ unspoken needs—offering not just a bed, but a restful sanctuary—are rewarded with loyalty and advocacy. Smart lighting from inbright empowers hotels to design these moments, adapting to each guest’s preferences and needs in real time.
Practical Steps: How Hotels Can Address Lighting Pain Points
Conduct a Lighting Audit: Walk through guest rooms at different times of day. Are there dark corners? Is the lighting harsh or too dim?
Invest in Smart, Adjustable Lighting: Prioritize guest control and flexibility, not just energy efficiency.
Train Staff: Ensure housekeeping and maintenance teams understand how to set lighting scenes for arrivals, cleaning, and special requests.
Highlight Lighting in Marketing: Show off beautifully lit rooms in photos and descriptions. Mention customizable lighting as a key amenity.
Gather Feedback: Ask guests specifically about lighting in post-stay surveys, and be ready to adapt based on their responses.
Conclusion
When guests say, “It’s uncomfortable to stay here,” the culprit is often invisible—until the lights go on. Lighting influences every aspect of hotel comfort, from first impressions to restful nights and positive reviews. By listening to guest pain points and addressing them with thoughtful, flexible lighting solutions from brands like inbright, hotels can create memorable, welcoming spaces that resonate emotionally and turn first-time guests into loyal advocates.
The next time a review mentions discomfort, look up—the answer may be in the light.
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