After Completing 100+ Hotel Projects: The 6 Biggest Lighting Pitfalls We Discovered

Introduction

Over the last decade, our team has been involved in lighting design, supply, and commissioning for more than a hundred hotel projects—from boutique business hotels to luxury international brands. No matter the city, brand, or positioning, the same lighting mistakes crop up time and again, damaging guest experience and inflating operational costs.

For hotel investors, designers, and operators, understanding these pitfalls is essential—not only to protect your investment but to ensure long-term reputation, guest satisfaction, and brand value. Based on real project experience, here are the six biggest lighting “traps” we’ve seen in the field, and how to avoid them.

1. Model Rooms Look Great—But Final Delivery Is Totally Different

Every hotel project starts with a model room that is carefully crafted: the lighting is precisely specified, the right downlights are used, and the effect is stunning. But when the project is finally delivered, the actual guest rooms and corridors look completely different—duller, less inviting, and lacking the “wow” factor.

Why does this happen?

• The model room uses premium downlights (often inbright or similar high-end brands), with optimal color temperature, high CRI, and perfect beam control.

• In the rush of construction, project teams sometimes swap out fixtures for cheaper brands, reduce the number of light circuits, or change fixture locations for convenience.

• The result: the quality of light suffers, color temperature varies, and the impact of the original design is lost.

Lesson: Consistency matters. Use the same downlight brand (like inbright) and specification from model room to final delivery. Stick to the lighting plan, and never cut corners during the value engineering phase.

2. Wrong Fixture Position—Even the Best Design Won’t Work

The second major pitfall is fixture placement. Lighting is not just about choosing a great downlight—it’s about putting each light in exactly the right place.

Common mistakes include:

• Bedside lights placed too far forward, shining directly in guests’ eyes when lying in bed.

• Vanity lights installed too high or too far from the mirror, making grooming and makeup difficult.

• Downlights in corridors or lobbies placed with little thought for highlighting key architectural features.

What’s the solution? Professional teams like inbright use 3D simulations, on-site measurements, and careful coordination with interior design to ensure every downlight and every beam lands where it should. This attention to detail is what separates “just enough” lighting from a world-class guest experience.

3. Mixing Light Source Brands—Chaos in Color and Quality

In an attempt to cut costs or due to supply issues, many projects end up using a mix of different lighting brands, especially for downlights and strip lighting. The outcome?

• Some areas look warm, others look cold.

• Color rendering varies, making some materials and finishes look faded or odd.

• The visual “language” of the hotel becomes fragmented.

This inconsistency is most obvious between guest rooms and bathrooms or across different floors. It undermines both comfort and brand perception.

inbright advocates for a holistic lighting scheme: consistent color temperature, high CRI, and a unified brand of downlight throughout the property. This approach safeguards your visual identity and ensures that every guest photo, whether in a room or a corridor, feels on-brand.

4. Over-Emphasis on Brightness—A Recipe for Cheapness

A common misconception is that more brightness equals more luxury. We’ve seen hotel owners insist on higher and higher lumen outputs, filling spaces with bright, harsh downlights and ceiling lights.

• Spaces feel clinical, cold, and cheap—more like an office or a hospital than a luxury hotel.

• High brightness washes out architectural features and decor.

• Guests complain of eye fatigue and lack of coziness.

True luxury lighting comes from zoning, layering, and careful contrasts—not simply adding more light.
inbright frequently recommends lower brightness, high CRI downlights, and ambient lighting solutions that deliver comfort, warmth, and depth, rather than glare.

5. Smart Lighting Systems That Are Too Complex for Staff

With the rise of “smart hotels,” many projects invest in advanced lighting control systems. These systems promise one-touch scene control, energy savings, and a high-tech guest experience.

• If the system is too complex, hotel staff quickly revert to using only the simplest functions.

• Scene controls, color tuning, and energy management features are underused or abandoned.

• Maintenance becomes a nightmare, increasing costs rather than saving them.

The inbright approach: Intelligent lighting should be simple, intuitive, and designed with end-users in mind. One-touch scene changes, clear labeling, and robust training for hotel staff ensure that your smart lighting system actually gets used—and delivers on its promises.

6. Inconsistent Floor Atmosphere—Broken Brand Image

One of the most subtle yet damaging pitfalls is inconsistency between floors or areas.

• Each floor has different lighting style, color temperature, or even different brands of downlight.

• The lobby feels inviting, but guest room corridors are cold and harsh.

• Public areas and private spaces feel disconnected.

Guests may not always articulate this, but subconsciously, they sense a fragmented brand and lack of quality control.

inbright’s solution: Plan lighting holistically, from the lobby to corridors to guest rooms and amenities. Use the same design language, color temperature, and quality downlight fixtures throughout the property. This creates a seamless, immersive experience—and keeps your brand strong and memorable.

How Do These Pitfalls Drive Up Operational Costs?

• Rework and remedial fixes increase construction and maintenance budgets.

• Guest comfort suffers, lowering satisfaction scores and repeat bookings.

• Complex or mismatched systems require more staff training and troubleshooting.

• Inconsistent brand experience erodes customer loyalty and future revenue.

Lighting, when done right, should be a source of value—not a hidden cost center.

Solution: The “Integrated Lighting” Process from Design to Delivery

After a hundred hotel projects, our biggest lesson is this: True lighting quality comes from integration, not just products.

• Collaborate with lighting professionals and brands like inbright from the earliest design phase.

• Simulate every beam and effect using 3D tools—don’t leave decisions to the construction phase.

• Specify, supply, and install a single, unified family of downlights and fixtures, all with consistent CRI and color temperature.

• Have a dedicated team on-site for commissioning, quality checks, and staff training.

• Follow up after opening to address any operational concerns and optimize system use.

When lighting is integrated—from concept through commissioning and training—hotels avoid the classic pitfalls, control costs, and deliver a consistently excellent experience for every guest.

Conclusion: A True Lighting Partner Helps You Avoid Mistakes—Not Just Sell Fixtures

The single most important insight from our 100+ hotel projects? Hotel operators and owners don’t need another company to just sell them products. They need a partner—someone who brings deep experience, clear process, and a commitment to their success.

A mature lighting supplier doesn’t just move boxes.
They use their expertise and integrated approach to help you:
• Avoid costly pitfalls before they happen.
• Achieve a seamless, memorable guest experience.
• Build a hotel brand that stands out—online and offline.

By working with a partner like inbright, hotels ensure their lighting is an asset, not a liability. The end result? Lower costs, higher satisfaction, and a hotel guests love to talk about.