The hotel lobby is more than a place to wait. It is the heartbeat of the property, the first space that greets guests and the last one they see when they check out. Music is a big part of that impression. The right playlist can make a lobby feel polished, relaxed, or full of life depending on the type of stay you want to create.
Hotels that treat music as part of their design choices tend to stand out. Just like lighting or décor, the soundtrack shapes how guests feel the moment they walk in. That is why many properties rely on curated music for hotels to set the right mood across their spaces, starting with the lobby.
SoundMachine offers playlists designed for hotels and resorts, each one matched to different moods and times of day. Here are ten of the most effective options for lobbies and the kinds of impressions they create.
1. Acoustic Pop
Acoustic pop strikes the right balance of upbeat and welcoming without being too loud. Think artists like Ed Sheeran, Colbie Caillat, or stripped-down versions of Taylor Swift songs. The familiar melodies make guests feel comfortable, while the softer arrangements keep the atmosphere polished and relaxed. Acoustic pop works especially well in family resorts, city hotels, or any lobby where you want to create a friendly, inclusive tone right at the front door.
2. Chill Beats
This playlist adds a stylish, modern edge with mellow electronic rhythms. Imagine downtempo beats like Tycho, ODESZA, or instrumental chillhop flowing through a boutique hotel lobby. It is the kind of sound that instantly tells guests your property is contemporary, creative, and in tune with younger travelers.
3. Smooth Jazz Instrumentals
Jazz is timeless. Saxophone-led tracks or piano instrumentals recall artists like Dave Brubeck or Kenny G, and they make lobbies feel calm and elegant. This playlist works beautifully in upscale resorts and luxury hotels where the atmosphere should encourage conversation and set a refined tone.
4. Country
Country music is warm, familiar, and full of storytelling. Songs in the style of Dolly Parton, Luke Bryan, or Kacey Musgraves can help a mountain lodge or countryside hotel feel authentic. Guests arriving for a rustic getaway will instantly sense they are in the right place.
5. Ambient Meditation
For wellness resorts and spa hotels, this playlist provides peaceful soundscapes instead of songs. Think airy tones, soft drones, or instrumental atmospheres designed to ease tension. Guests stepping into the lobby hear this and immediately know they’ve entered a retreat focused on calm and recovery.
6. Workout
High-energy playlists are not usually the first pick for lobbies, but in active lifestyle resorts they work surprisingly well. Upbeat tracks from artists like Calvin Harris or Dua Lipa create excitement for adventure. Whether the property is near ski slopes, beaches, or hiking trails, this music sets the tone for an energetic stay.
7. Pop Rock
Pop rock strikes a balance between the catchy hooks of pop and the energy of rock. Think Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, or even softer U2 tracks. This playlist is ideal for busy lobbies with steady traffic, because it keeps the energy flowing without overwhelming the space.
8. Poolside Pop
Designed with resort pools in mind, this playlist feels sunny and fun. Songs in the style of Kygo, Shawn Mendes, or tropical house mixes bring vacation vibes indoors. For beachfront hotels or resorts that lean into leisure, this music instantly sets guests into holiday mode—even at check-in.
9. 80s Pop
There is no denying the charm of 80s pop. Guests light up when they hear Michael Jackson, Madonna, or Whitney Houston classics. Hotels that want a playful yet stylish atmosphere can use this playlist to create a lobby where nostalgia feels fresh rather than dated.
10. 00s Adult Contemporary
This station pulls from radio hits of the 2000s, with artists like Coldplay, John Mayer, or Alicia Keys. The songs are polished and melodic, which makes them versatile for all kinds of properties. It is especially effective for hotels that want music that feels recognizable and modern without being distracting.
Making Playlists Work for Hotels
The best hotels schedule music the way they schedule service. Softer sounds in the morning, energetic playlists during busy check-in hours, and calmer options at night keep the flow natural. Tools in SoundMachine let you pre-program these changes so the soundtrack adapts as smoothly as your staff does.
Music also extends beyond the lobby. Restaurants, spas, and event spaces each have their own needs, and music for hotels best practices offers useful examples of how playlists can be tailored to different areas of a property.
Final Thoughts
Hotel lobbies are the stage for first impressions. Whether you want the elegance of smooth jazz, the liveliness of pop, or the calm of ambient meditation, music helps guests feel the atmosphere before they see anything else. With curated playlists designed for hospitality, SoundMachine gives you the tools to create that perfect welcome.
FAQs
Do hotels need a license to play music in their lobby?
Yes. Playing commercial music in public areas like lobbies requires a license. You can work directly with performance rights organizations (PROs) or use a service such as SoundMachine that includes licensing in your subscription.
Can hotels use Spotify or Apple Music for lobby playlists?
No. Consumer platforms are licensed only for personal listening. Using them in a lobby is not compliant and could lead to fines. Commercial services are the correct legal option.
What type of music works best in hotel lobbies? It depends on your brand. A luxury property might lean toward smooth jazz or ambient sounds, while a family-friendly resort could play pop or poolside tracks. The key is to pick music that matches the identity of your hotel.Should playlists change throughout the day?
Yes. Many hotels shift music depending on the time and flow of guests. Morning might start with chill beats, check-in hours with pop or pop rock, and evenings with jazz or ambient tracks. Scheduling these shifts ensures the soundtrack feels natural all day long.