Think of this: You enter a hotel elevator and instead of awkward stillness or dead silence a sweet song floats gently from above. Not blasting pop, not cringeworthy versions of tunes from yesteryear. A faint buzz in the background—a bit of jazz, some instrumental, an undercurrent of calm running through the cables. That is elevator music, and it is more vital than most people would think.
Some believe elevator sounds are out of date, a throwback to a period of mirrored walls and gold-plated buttons. But for the guest experience, music is that unseen adhesive. Although a boring elevator journey can seem like a lifetime, with the correct melody, It’s a brief break between the luxury suite and lobby suddenly. With a well-selected track, guests fiddling with plastic keycards, families debating dinner plans, single travelers considering tomorrow’s agenda—all these moments become a little lighter.
How then would you choose the ideal music for a hotel elevator? It’s not as simple as grouping some old masterpieces. Lulling and snoozing have a thin line separating each other. Go too lively and you will have guests tapping their feet in limited quarters. Too mild; you could send someone to sleep before their stop. Stir it—a sliver of piano the next, a hint of bossa nova one ride. Play across genres. And you are half toward success if you find yourself humming along.
One aspect of the difficulty is the communal character of hotel elevators. People from all around the world swarm in—sometimes carrying only the weight of a long day, sometimes with bags full of goods. What calms the nerves of one guest could irritate another the wrong way? You are threading a needle, selecting noises that fade into the background yet still have impact. Like wallpaper for the ears, the best elevator music is neither gaudy nor invisible either.
Still, music cannot be general to be successful. Those instrumental pieces you hear? Some are written by artists that specialize in producing soundscapes for public areas. They provide space for contemplation and gently prod visitors into a better state of mind by mixing instrumentals that imply comfort without drawing all the focus. Like a secret handshake, a clue that someone has considered your path right down to the sixty-second interval between floors.
Not to overlook the pragmatic side. Including music in elevators serves as a clever cover for unpleasant noises. Music smooths out everything—including groaning wires, chattering machinery, muffled conversations. Nobody enjoys listening to their rise or decline explained technically. Rather, the familiar notes of some tune provide a cushion, cushioning every trip.
Are visitors interested? You would be startled. That couple that praised the “relaxing vibe” last night might recall the calm ride up. Little victories like the jet-lagged parent comforted by soft harps compound. Every element, including the music hovering just above their heads, reveals to visitors how much you care.
When you find yourself flying between levels the next time, ears open, try to identify the song. It could be the last touch that makes a hotel visit unforgettable rather than average. And relax if you start to hum. You surround yourself with wise people.