The 10×10 rule is a common methodology used in the hotel industry to determine the amount of meeting and event space a hotel needs. It states that for every 10 guest rooms, a hotel should have 1,000 square feet of meeting/event space.
How Does the 10×10 Rule Work?
The 10×10 rule is calculated by multiplying the number of guest rooms by 100. For example, if a hotel has 150 guest rooms, the 10×10 rule states it should have 15,000 square feet of meeting/event space (150 x 100 = 15,000).
This rule provides a general guideline for the amount of meeting and banquet space a hotel needs to accommodate conferences, weddings, and other events based on its room count. Having the right amount of event space is important for hotels that want to attract group business and bookings.
Where Does the 10×10 Rule Come From?
The origins of the 10×10 rule are a bit unclear, but it has been used as a standard space planning guideline in the hotel industry for many years. It likely emerged as a best practice as hoteliers realized the ideal proportion of meeting space to guest rooms.
Some sources attribute the 10×10 rule to prolific hotel designer Mel Schauder or the architectural firm Hornberger Worstell & Associates. But regardless of who originated it, the 10×10 ratio has proven a reliable calculation for hotels to follow.
Does Every Hotel Follow the 10×10 Rule?
While the 10×10 rule is a helpful guideline, it’s not an absolute requirement. Not every hotel adheres strictly to this formula for their meeting and event space.
Some boutique hotels or lifestyle hotels with fewer rooms may opt for less meeting space than the 10×10 rule dictates. Luxury hotels or resorts may exceed the guideline and offer extra generous event facilities.
The amount of meeting space can also be influenced by the hotel’s location, target market, and intended guest experience. An urban business hotel and a resort will likely have very different needs when it comes to event facilities.
When Is the 10×10 Rule Most Relevant?
The 10×10 rule is most applicable for large, full-service hotels that cater to group events and meetings. These hotels specifically need adequate space to host conferences, ceremonies, and other gatherings.
Major chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt will often use the 10×10 rule as a benchmark when initially designing the meeting facilities for a new location. It provides helpful guidance on capacity requirements.
Does the Rule Apply to Other Event Spaces?
The 10×10 rule focuses specifically on dedicated meeting and banquet areas in a hotel. It does not necessarily apply to all event spaces.
For example, hotels may have additional function areas like:
- Ballrooms
- Outdoor event spaces
- Rooftop venues
- Pre-function/lobby areas
These spaces don’t count toward the 10×10 square footage recommendation. However, they provide added venues to host events beyond the core meeting rooms.
Benefits of Following the 10×10 Rule
There are several benefits for hotels that adhere to the 10×10 rule for meeting space:
- Provides sufficient capacity for meetings and events based on room count
- Allows hotel to accommodate multiple concurrent events
- Maximizes revenue opportunities from group bookings
- Gives meeting planners ample, flexible space for their needs
- Enhances hotel’s appeal for conference and wedding groups
By using the 10×10 rule as a guideline, hotels can feel confident their meeting facilities will satisfy group demand.
Drawbacks of the 10×10 Rule
Following the 10×10 rule too rigidly does have some potential drawbacks:
- May result in excess meeting space that goes unused
- Requires larger real estate footprint and construction costs
- Not suitable for hotels that want flexible, multipurpose space
- Limits ability to add more profitable guest rooms
That’s why hotels should view the 10×10 rule as a helpful benchmark but not an absolute mandate. The right meeting space ultimately depends on each hotel’s business strategy and model.
How Meeting Space Is Evolving at Hotels
Recent years have seen some shifts in hotel meeting space and how the 10×10 rule is applied:
- More multifunctional spaces instead of dedicated rooms
- Outdoor and rooftop venues gaining popularity
- Technology upgrades like video conferencing
- Focus on lobby areas as casual meeting zones
- Some hotels opting for less meeting space
The 10×10 rule still provides a useful guideline, but hotels evaluate it against factors like guest demand, construction costs, and target demographics when planning meeting facilities today.
Tips for Applying the 10×10 Rule
Here are some best practices for hotels using the 10×10 rule:
- View it as a flexible guideline, not a hard requirement
- Consider your location, market, and meeting mix
- Analyze current and projected group booking needs
- Weigh the balance of rooms vs. meeting space
- Plan adaptable spaces that can host various events
- Look for offsite venues to supplement when needed
The 10×10 rule should inform meeting space planning, while other factors like budgets and data should drive the final space requirements.
Case Studies of Hotels Using the 10×10 Rule
1. Urban Business Hotel
A 150 room business hotel in Chicago followed the 10×10 rule and built 15,000 square feet of meeting space. This included a 3,000 square foot ballroom, two 1,000 square foot conference rooms, and two 500 square foot breakout rooms. The hotel is consistently booked for corporate events and meetings.
2. Beachfront Resort
A 250 room resort in Hawaii allotted 25,000 square feet for meetings based on the 10×10 rule. However, it offset this with generous outdoor event space and smaller breakout rooms that can host informal meetings. The hotel strikes a balance between group facilities and leisure amenities.
3. Suburban Conference Center
A 300 room hotel next to a major convention center built 30,000 square feet of meeting space per the 10×10 rule. Its ample ballrooms and flexible breakouts cater to massive association conferences. An expansive lobby and pre-function areas provide additional event space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard meeting room sizes?
Common meeting room sizes based on capacity are:
| Room Size | Capacity |
| 500 sq ft | 40 people classroom style |
| 1,000 sq ft | 60-100 people classroom style |
| 2,500 sq ft | 150-200 people classroom style |
| 5,000+ sq ft | 300+ people classroom style |
Should meeting space be all together or distributed?
Most hotels cluster meeting rooms together for ease of access and operations. However, having at least some distributed breakouts on different floors provides more flexibility.
How much does meeting space cost per square foot?
Meeting space construction costs vary, but a general range is:
- Basic meeting rooms – $200 – $300 per square foot
- Elegant ballrooms – $300 – $500 per square foot
High-end finishes, technology, lighting, and audiovisual equipment increase costs.
What are the latest meeting space design trends?
Current trends in hotel meeting space include:
- Industrial chic design with exposed ceilings
- Natural light and outdoor views
- Soft seating/lounge areas
- Bold, vibrant colors and patterns
- Modular furniture for flexible setups
- Ergonomic chairs and tables
- High-tech amenities like touch screens
Should meeting space be expanded if a hotel adds more rooms?
If a hotel expansion significantly increases room count, it is smart to also expand meeting facilities proportionately to maintain the 10×10 balance. Even if the additional space is phased in over time, the long-term plan should account for it.
Conclusion
The 10×10 rule has proven its merit as a useful guideline for hotel meeting space over the years. While not an absolute requirement, it reflects the real demand most full-service hotels face for event facilities based on room count. As hotels evolve, data and business factors drive meeting space needs but most continue to reference the 10×10 rule as they develop flexible, functional spaces to exceed group expectations.