Wyndham Worldwide (nee Cendant Hotels) recently took a giant step in the overhaul of its flagship Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand with the introduction of a stylish new prototype design that should compete with the new class of lifestyle brands (i.e., aloft, Hyatt Place, Indigo and others).

Created by ubiquitous pop designer Michael Graves, the 126- to 131-room prototype employs a “kit of parts” approach that allows owners and developers to mix and match key guestroom components to meet local market needs in the most economical way. The kit includes various furniture configurations and options for guestrooms and public areas.

The prototype's bright and colorful guestroom package, dubbed The Room That Performs, has several unique touches. A welcome center at the room entrance houses the coffeemaker, hydration station (aka ice bucket and glasses), TV remote and minifridge. Décor items include flexible floor and nightstand lighting and bold wallcovering that features regional photographic scenes or original Michael Graves artwork. The bathroom features a shower stall, Speakman showerhead, Delta faucets and a custom-designed hairdryer in a stand.

The prototype's signature is the Smart Chair, a comfortable and functional piece that's covered in a specially engineered fabric that resists stains and bacteria. The chair has power and Internet outlets and pivoting table arms guests can use as a workspace or dining surface.

Public areas also mirror other lifestyle products: A communal lobby lounge accommodates dining, meeting or lounging, while special Power Booths have wall-mounted TVs and Internet connections for one-on-one meetings.