The latest trend for the U.S. hospitality industry is smaller hotel rooms, but that is not a bad thing. The cozier accommodations do not sacrifice luxury or comfort, and they usually come with a price savings.

In the United States, the average size of a hotel room is 330 square feet. Best Western’s Vīb brand has rooms under 200 square feet, while the Moxy Hotels brand from Marriott rooms check in at 183 square feet. While the rooms are smaller, the public spaces in these hotels are growing and offering more amenities and possibilities. In the United States, we have already seen lobbies expanding. Hotels jumped on the chance to keep their patrons in their space for meeting whatever (business or personal) needs.

Obviously, cost-saving methods (or profit-making) are always behind changes, but this trend is at least partially driven by consumers (aka hotel guests). Travelers are spending less time in their rooms and more time among larger groups, social or business, in public spaces. I love this trend. I don’t need a ton of space in my room as long as it is comfortable and has the necessities, including a bed, television and bathroom. I’d rather save a few bucks and sacrifice a few feet.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor