Space Planning and Service Efficiency in 4-Star Hotels: Correlating Spatial Layouts with Operational Performance in Abuja

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between space planning and service efficiency in selected 4-star hotels within Abuja, Nigeria’s urban hospitality landscape. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 180 respondents comprising hotel guests and staff across three hotels. The analysis revealed that 68% of respondents agreed that zoning between public and private spaces was effective, while 46% of staff reported deficiencies in service corridors. Furthermore, 74% of participants from hotels with clearly defined circulation routes reported high service efficiency, compared to just 33% in hotels with confusing layouts. Cross-tabulation analysis confirmed a strong correlation between spatial clarity and service outcomes, with poorly integrated public areas disrupting workflows and delaying service delivery. These findings align with global literature highlighting the operational significance of spatial configurations in hospitality environments. The study concludes with practical recommendations for architects and hoteliers to prioritise operational efficiency through strategic zoning, circulation planning, and flexible design solutions. It also advocates for policy interventions to mandate operationally conscious space planning in Nigeria’s hospitality industry.