Our Brief
At one of the world’s busiest travel gateways, the Sheraton Heathrow provides a moment of pause between journeys. Bell&Swiftwere appointed to transform the key public areas, reimagining the arrival experience and creating a fresh, inviting interior that welcomes guests from the moment they step inside. FF&E Procurement was also part of our services, ensuring the design met the budget from the offset.
The project focused on the reception, lobby lounge and bar, alongside upgrades to the existing WC facilities and the introduction of a new ambulant WC and a studio meeting room - within previously underused areas of the building. As an airport hotel serving international travellers, airline crews and business guests, the design needed to balance efficiency with comfort, supporting bothquick visits and longer dwell times.
Our brief was to rethink the spatial arrangement, introduce a new bar and create a welcoming environment that enhances the hotel’s identity while improving functionality and maximum impact upon arrival.
Our Approach
Our design approach centred on the lobby as a welcoming and multi-functional space that reflects the brand’s balance of comfort, style and practicality. The layout was carefully reconsidered to improve the flow of movement through the space, creating a clearer and more intuitive journey from arrival at reception through to the lobby lounge and bar.
A key move within the design was the repositioning and redesign of the bar, establishing it as a focal point within the lobby-loungeand bringing new energy to the heart of the hotel. This intervention helps activate the space throughout the day, encouraging guests to gather, socialise or work within a relaxed and comfortable setting.
The existing reception desks were retained and overclad with new finishes, transforming their appearance while maintaining theefficiency of the existing layout. This allowed the reception to feel more integrated within the overall design scheme, introducing a contemporary aesthetic and creating a stronger visual presence on arrival.
The scheme was developed in close alignment with our client and Marriott. We successfully achieved Marriott CDR approval before progressing to the technical stage to allow for tender.
The Results
The interior scheme introduces a refreshing palette of materials. Tactile fabrics and finishes bring warmth and depth to the space, balanced with polished stone & metal finishes to create an elevated sophisticated place to gather. Textural upholstery, layered rugs and contemporary furniture selections paired with bespoke joinery, shelving and planting subtly define seating zones within the open-plan space.
Artwork and decorative accessories introduce additional layers of interest whilst capturing the design narrative, helping to create a space that feels both distinctive to its locality and welcoming to returning and new hotel guests.
Alongside the redesign of the public areas, underutilised spaces within the building were repurposed to enhance functionality, including the creation of an additional WC facility and a compact bookable studio meeting room. Transforming compact redundant spaces into areas of ROI & guest practicality were designed smartly to ensure viability.
The refurbishment transforms Sheraton Heathrow’s public areas into a fresh and contemporary environment that better reflects the brand while responding to the needs of modern travellers. The redesigned lobby lounge now functions as a vibrant social hub at the heart of the hotel. A considered spatial layout, combined with a diverse mix of solo seating and gathering points with thoughtfully selected FF&E. We’ve created a space that comfortably supports working, socialising and relaxing throughout the day.
The refurbished hotel delivers a stylish and comfortable retreat for both business and leisure guests at one of the world’s busiest travel hubs.
