Introducción

In the hospitality industry, acoustics play a critical role in shaping guest experiences, especially in meeting rooms and corridors. While luxurious finishes and stunning lighting attract the eye, sound quality influences comfort and satisfaction on a deeper level. Poor acoustics can lead to echo, speech distortion, and unpleasant noise—issues that degrade the perceived quality of a high-end hotel.

Paneles acústicos have become an essential solution to these problems. But how do you choose the right acoustic panels for hotel meeting rooms and corridors? This article will guide you through technical criteria, design considerations, material options, and acoustic performance metrics to help you make informed choices for your project.

Why Acoustic Treatment Is Critical in Hotels

1.1 Impact on Guest Experience

In hotel corridors, excessive noise can disturb guests in nearby rooms. Meeting rooms, on the other hand, demand speech clarity and reduced reverberation for presentations and discussions. In both spaces, acoustic control reflects a hotel’s commitment to quality.

1.2 Privacy and Professionalism

Meeting rooms often host business clients, confidential meetings, and events. Acoustic panels improve speech intelligibility and privacy by absorbing sound and preventing it from leaking through walls or ceilings.

Acoustic Performance Metrics You Should Know

Before choosing panels, you should understand the most important acoustic parameters:

2.1 NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient)

NRC measures the amount of sound a material can absorb, ranging from 0 (no absorption) to 1.0 (full absorption).

• Corridors: NRC 0.6–0.8 is usually sufficient.
• Meeting Rooms: NRC 0.8–1.0 is ideal for speech-focused areas.

2.2 STC (Sound Transmission Class)

STC rates how well a building element (like a panel or wall) reduces airborne sound transmission.

• For meeting rooms, aim for panels that contribute to an overall STC rating of 50+.

2.3 Reverberation Time (RT60)

RT60 is the time it takes for sound to decay by 60 dB.

• Ideal RT60 for a meeting room: 0.5–0.7 seconds.
• For corridors: shorter is better to avoid echoing footsteps and luggage noise.

Key Criteria for Selecting Acoustic Panels

3.1 Functional Requirements

a. Sound Absorption vs. Sound Blocking

• Use sound-absorbing panels (like fabric-covered or slat wood) for reducing echo and reverberation inside rooms.
• Use sound-blocking panels (denser materials like MLV or acoustic gypsum) to prevent sound from entering/exiting the room.

b. Durability and Maintenance

Hotel corridors and meeting rooms see high traffic, so choose panels with:

• Scratch-resistant surfaces
• Moisture resistance (for cleaning and sanitation)
• Fire resistance (meeting local fire code standards)

3.2 Aesthetic Integration

Acoustic panels should blend into or enhance the interior design.

• Corridors: Use continuous designs that match lighting and color schemes.
• Meeting Rooms: Consider statement panels that double as decorative features.

Common finishes:

• Wood slat acoustic panels: Popular for upscale interiors
• Fabric-wrapped panels: Available in many colors
• Printed acoustic panels: Custom graphics/logos for branding

3.3 Installation Flexibility

Consider whether the project requires:

• Wall-mounted panels
• Ceiling baffles or clouds
• Modular or movable acoustic dividers

Ease of installation and future maintenance should be considered, especially for ongoing hotel operations.

Best Panel Types for Hotel Meeting Rooms

4.1 Wood Slat Acoustic Panels

Features:

• High NRC (0.75–0.95 with PET backing)
• Elegant, modern appearance
• Flame retardant options available

Aplicaciones:

• Behind the speaker/presentation wall
• Back wall to reduce echo
• Ceiling for both design and performance

Pros:

• Luxurious look
• Easy to clean and install
• Sustainable options (bamboo charcoal veneer, recycled PET)

4.2 Fabric-Wrapped Panels

Features:

• Highly customizable in color and thickness
• NRC up to 1.00 depending on core material (glass wool, foam, etc.)

Aplicaciones:

• Sidewalls and rear walls of the meeting room
• Inside cabinetry or wall niches

Pros:

• Asequible
• Easy to replace
• Good for branding or visual continuity

4.3 PET Polyester Panels

Features:

• NRC of 0.75–0.90
• Made from recycled plastic bottles
• Lightweight and easy to cut

Aplicaciones:

• Wall lining
• Ceiling clouds
• Behind art installations

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Rentable
• Available in multiple textures and colors

Best Panel Types for Hotel Corridors

5.1 Decorative 3D Panels with Acoustic Backing

Features:

• Sculptural look with built-in sound absorption
• NRC ~0.6–0.8

Aplicaciones:

• Corridor walls to reduce foot traffic noise

Pros:

• Decorative and functional
• Creates a luxury feel

5.2 Vinyl/PU-Coated Acoustic Panels

Features:

• Easy to wipe clean
• NRC up to 0.85 with proper core
• Fire-rated options

Aplicaciones:

• Lower portions of corridor walls (impact zone)
• Near elevators and high-noise zones

Pros:

• Durable
• Moisture and stain resistant
• Ideal for high-traffic areas

Material Comparison Table

Common Mistakes to Avoid

7.1 Ignoring Acoustic Design Early

Many hotel projects treat acoustics as an afterthought. This leads to costly retrofits or ineffective treatment. Always consult acoustic professionals during the planning stage.

7.2 Choosing Only Based on Appearance

While aesthetics matter, ineffective panels with poor NRC or STC can ruin functionality.

7.3 Over-Treatment

Excessive absorption can make a room feel unnaturally quiet and “dead.” A balanced mix of absorption, diffusion, and reflection is key.

Acoustic Design Recommendations by Room Size

Fire, Sustainability, and Safety Considerations

For hotel public areas, always confirm that acoustic panels comply with:

• NFPA 701/ASTM E84 fire safety codes
• Formaldehyde-free materials for health
• Recyclable or eco-certified panels (like PET, bamboo, or low-emission foam)

This ensures compliance with local regulations and global green building standards such as LEED or BREEAM.

Conclusion: The Right Panel Brings Both Comfort and Class

Choosing the right acoustic panels for hotel meeting rooms and corridors is not just about functionality—it’s about crafting an elevated, comfortable guest experience. From improving speech clarity in business meetings to minimizing hallway noise for resting guests, acoustics is a key ingredient in modern hospitality design.

By evaluating performance metrics like NRC and STC, choosing appropriate materials, and ensuring aesthetic integration, you can significantly boost the acoustic comfort and visual appeal of your hotel interiors.