Perhaps at one time the U.S. hospitality industry was hidebound to tradition and slow to innovate. Those days, if they ever existed, are long gone, and most of the top brand companies — and many independents — are in a never-ending mission to research and develop new products and enhancements to existing brands.

Each year Lodging Hospitality honors the highest achievements in chain leadership. Here are the eight hospitality brands that have done the most to move the product and service needle in a positive direction.

Design: Hyatt Summerfield Suites

After buying Summerfield Suites in 2006, Hyatt's first big decision was what to do with the name. The chain of approximately 20 extended-stay hotels was a solid performer, so Hyatt simply added its own name to the title. With a moderately new name, Hyatt turned its attention to developing a completely new and unique look for the hotels.

The goal was to become a true home away from home and Hyatt found inspiration, not surprisingly, from residential designers. The prototype is centered on the concept of the kitchen as the heart of the American home, where not only cooking takes place, but also socializing and entertaining.

The traditional suite design was flipped, moving the kitchen next to the window, allowing for more light, space and a banquette functioning as a dining table, workspace or gathering area. The kitchen, which flows right into the living area, also features full-size appliances and contemporary finishes. Other design highlights include multi-function communal space in the lobby; spa-inspired bathrooms with walk-in showers, ceramic tiles and granite countertops; 32-inch flat-panel TVs in the living area and bedroom; a color palette of green, blue, orange and other earth tones; and an exterior marked by the brand's new logo tower. The new design concept debuted last November with the 137-suite Hyatt Summerfield Suites Salt Lake City/Sandy (UT).

“It's really a way to leverage what we learned: Home is not what's done in four walls, but what extends to your neighbors and community,” says Alison Kal, vice president of marketing for Hyatt Place and Hyatt Summerfield Suites. “The suite may be very much like home, the public areas and interaction with staff should be what it's like in your neighborhood.”

The 28 existing Hyatt Summerfield Suites locations have gone through renovations so the interiors closely resemble the new design and there are currently more than 30 hotels in the development pipeline. The team from Hyatt that brought the new look to life was made up of Al Williams, vice president, design and construction; William Gullion, vice president, product design and technical services; Brian Helder, director of design and products; Katie Gregory, designer; Richard Cybulski, director, architectural design support; Jim Chu, senior vice president of franchising and owner relations; and Jim Abrahamson, former head of development for The Americas. Hyatt also used branding agency Lippincott Mercer for help.

Innovation: Starwood

The above two words are nearly synonymous. The company already known for Westin's Heavenly Bed, Barry Sternlicht, the creation of W and the branding of St. Regis has added two more items to the list: Aloft and Element.

Last year saw the debut of the two select-service brands, one built around a bold and theatrical look, the other around an eco-chic design. Aloft got its start last June and now has 20 hotels open with another 20 on the way this year. The extended-stay brand Element debuted last July and now has three open with five to follow this year.

Aloft's numbers are well ahead of Element for no other reason than it got nearly a year head start, says Brian McGuinness, senior vice president of Aloft and Element. “As time marches on, we'll close that gap,” he adds.

Aloft was inspired by W, designed to give guests a boutique-style experience at an affordable price. The loft-like, urban-inspired look with accessible technology and open, multifunctional spaces comes from the Rockwell Group. “We wanted it to be a bit theatrical, bold design, edgy,” says McGuinness, adding that David Rockwell recently designed the Oscars stage set. “It's quite funny because we believe our lobby/public spaces are the stage, and our associates are the talent and trained as if they are in a play.”

Element, on the other hand, took inspiration from Westin and was designed by Costas Kondylis, an architecture and design firm specializing in residential style. All Elements will be built to LEED certification, the first major chain mandating that, and the location in Massachusetts earned Gold status. The brand will become Starwood's incubator for future green initiatives and design.

“Launching these two brands, both in the select-service segment, with a footprint well over 40 hotels in two years, that's pretty amazing,” says McGuinness, who's been with Starwood for a dozen years and was a part of Starwood's think tank that came up with the new brands.

“They were monumental tasks. A very passionate group of people has helped us get these brands out the door and to stabilization very quickly.”www