PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Super 8 by Wyndham has unveiled the winning design for its first-ever shared-room concept, ROOM8.
Developed by Candice Buttars, an undergraduate design student at Utah State University — with support from celebrity interior designer and TV personality Alison Victoria — the concept reimagines the traditional hotel suite in an effort to accommodate a new generation of road trippers who thrive in communal spaces.
Piloting at select Super 8 locations as early as next year and anchored by unique features — including vintage arcade games and individual sleeping spaces for up to four guests — the innovative room concept was sourced through the brand’s recent ROOM8 Design Challenge, which called on aspiring designers, co-living experts and urbanites to submit renderings of an original concept that would provide a functional, yet elevated, experience to today’s influx of group travellers.
“Super 8 is known for being travellers’ companion on the road and the introduction of ROOM8 brings that promise to life in a whole new way,” says Mike Mueller, Super 8 brand president. “We’re seeing groups of guests who want space to stretch out and relax, but without the sacrifice of giving up their own private sleeping space. The unique design developed by Candice and Alison is the ideal solution. Whether it’s a group of millennials, a young family or an on-the-road construction crew, ROOM8 delivers the perfect balance of privacy and community.”
Key amenities featured in the new ROOM8 concept include a group-focused blend of digital and analog entertainment; abundant seating and an open dining layout with apartment-sized refrigerator and microwave; individual sleeping spaces and beds for up to four guests; and USB ports, AC outlets and wireless-charging stations throughout the space.
“From the second I learned about the design challenge, I knew I had to submit a concept,” says Buttars. “As a college student and aspiring designer, you dream of getting to work with a household name like Super 8 by Wyndham, let alone someone as accomplished as Alison Victoria. To take what I know, not only as a designer, but also as the target customer for this project, and be able to meld it into my vision, creating something entirely new, has been incredibly rewarding.”
