[Excerpt] If you are planning a hotel you must balance functional, layout, and aesthetic issues to develop a property that simultaneously meets the needs of the guests, the staff, and the owner. In general, five-star properties have public areas that are heavily design oriented, with the functional aspects carefully integrated to enhance, yet not dominate the space. However, budget properties tend to favor function and layout over design, for maximum utility. Regardless of how the spaces are configured, the developer must consider and balance many conflicting needs before a design is ready for the contractor's hand. The best examples provide properties that inspire; are safe, efficient, and cost effective; and that maintain their utility and charm through time.