While some hotels work to redesign their lobby space for more socially-inspired guests, some hotels are taking it a step further and bringing in local entertainment to attract local guests.

Marriott's Renaissance hotel brand kicked off the new "lifestyle" add-in at hotels with its RLife series, which takes place at Renaissance hotels around the world.

The concept: invite local artists into the hotel's lobby and bar areas to entertain crowds - both local and hotel guests. Now, another boutique brand is taking on the entertainment wave.

Hyatt's Andaz just introduced the Andaz Salon, a regular series of events that will take place at every Andaz hotel with a collection of local influencers. Andaz will feature everything from art exhibits, to wine and cheese immersions, and local music and dance performances, each that bring a special local flare to the hotel.

"We know our guests are craving experiences, inspiration and connectivity while they are on the road. The Andaz Salon was designed to inspire creativity as well as give our guests, and neighbors, an opportunity to mingle with local residents, cultural influencers and each other," said an Andaz spokesperson. 

"Each Andaz has been designed and decorated with details reflective of the city and culture in which it operates. Through Andaz Salon we are able to give attendees another opportunity to delve into the neighborhoods in which our hotels reside and allow them to walk away with a fresh perspective on their own city or one they are just visiting."

For example, in recognition of London Restaurant week, Andaz Liverpool Street hosted a sustainable seafood cooking workshop at the hotel. In New York, the Andaz 5th Avenue will host artists at the hotel, who will paint murals representing their "View of New York Today" during their stay at the hotel.  Andaz San Diego led a wine and cheese program at the hotel's Ivy Wine Bar, in an effort to introduce guests and residents the hotel's bar as a local hot spot.

"We know our guests seek out environments, both on and offline, that allow them to stay connected.  We designed Andaz with this in mind. Our lounges are big, open spaces where guests have the option of checking in however they would like, either by iPad, computer, or in advance by PDA – soon they'll even be able to check in by a host en route to their room!," according to Andaz.

"Our rooms are also equipped with the latest technology and our open kitchen dining concept allows guests to feel like they are in a friends' home versus a traditional hotel dining room. Additionally, while our Salon events take place at our hotels, we have created a dedicated section of the Andaz Facebook page to share photos, stories and insights from our Salon hosts as a way to bring the Salon experience to guests around the world."

Hyatt Hotels recently announced the opening of Andaz Shanghai, the first Andaz brand in Asia. The 28-story hotel is located in Xintiandi, known as the entertainment area in downtown Shanghai and a short walk to the Metro and Huai Hai Zong Road, one of the city's main shopping areas.

The options for Salon events in Shanghai seem endless, but no formal plans have been set.

Melanie Nayer is a hotel reviewer and expert on luxury travel around the world. She has covered all aspects of hotels including corporate restructures, re-branding initiatives, historical aspects and the best of the best in luxury hotels around the world.

Melanie writes a weekly exclusive column for 4Hoteliers.com