Introduction:
Hotel renovations can include upgrading soft goods such as “floors/carpets”, “furniture”, “curtains”, “murals” and so on.
In addition to upgrading hotel facilities, renovation also includes expansion of rooms/areas (especially most visited/most successful), such as “restaurant”, “adding leisure facilities” (e.g. fitness centers) or repurposing unused rooms to meet the changing needs of the market.
Renovation can be either a complete reconstruction of older hotel models or the conversion of another type of building into a usable hotel business.
Why are hotel renovations important?
A good first impression is very important for hotel facilities. First impressions of hotel guests are largely influenced by what they see and how they feel when they enter a hotel.
This means that one way to positively influence hotel guests’ experiences (and ensure they are not outdated) is through constant renovation work.
In this section, we look at some of the reasons why hotel renovations are worth considering.
1. maintaining the competitiveness of hotels
Renovating hotels is important to keep up with trends in the hospitality industry. It is also a good opportunity for hotels to compete with newly established or renovated hotels.
2. revitalization of urban areas
Undoubtedly, hotel renovations are crucial to improve operational efficiency and aesthetics of hotels. However, the scope of hotel renovation goes beyond operational and aesthetic improvements.
Hotel renovations make an important contribution to the economic and cultural landscape of each municipality. When hotels are renovated, for example, they become more attractive and often become attractive destinations for tourists.
Workers are also needed for renovation work in hotels. This creates employment opportunities for “architects”, “designers” and construction workers inside and outside the community.
3. preservation of the cultural heritage
Renovations can be a good way of preserving the cultural/historical heritage of buildings. Many hotels are located in culturally/historically significant buildings.
Renovating such buildings preserves their historical heritage and ensures that their cultural stories are passed down through the generations.
4. promotes/initiates developments
Improved hotel facilities/architecture can attract interest from investors or entrepreneurs interested in capitalizing on the attraction that the hotel exerts on the community. This can lead to the establishment of new companies, public spaces or other infrastructure projects.
Common factors that hinder hotel renovations
While hotel renovations are necessary to meet ever-changing market demands, certain factors pose a challenge to successful renovations/conversions.
1.interruption of daily operations
Guests are in and out of hotels all day long. It can therefore be difficult to carry out renovation work without causing inconvenience to guests. This in turn can lead to negative guest experiences and loss of sales.
However, it is important to start renovations as soon as possible, delaying renovation projects can lead to additional costs in the future. But how can you proceed with redesigning hotel structures without hindering daily hotel operations or negatively impacting guest experiences?
This is how it works:
- Proper planning and communication of daily renovation work to all parties involved.
- Plan renovation work outside peak times/season.
- Divide project into small sections of daily tasks to reduce impact on guests.
- Provide for alternative/shift arrangements during construction work.
2. budgetary constraints
Renovations usually require considerable investment. These financial investments cover expenses such as permits, labor, building materials and other unforeseen costs. If adequate funding is not provided, renovations are delayed, which ultimately impacts guest experience.
3. inadequate communication
Without effective collaboration between hotel owners, contractors and staff, renovation projects can be delayed.
Clear communication is therefore important for the smooth running of projects and the satisfaction of those involved.
4. structural/technical issues
During renovation work, unforeseen structural/technical issues such as plumbing defects, hidden structural problems or outdated infrastructure can lead to costly repairs or alterations. This would of course affect the allocation of funds for the entire project and also delay its completion.
5. compliance issues
Non-compliance with building regulations and safety standards can affect the success of renovation work. This can result in unnecessary fines and legal liabilities and even lead to an abrupt demolition of the renovation.
It is therefore important that you do your due diligence and comply with all applicable structural/building regulations (better safe than sorry).
Aspects to consider for a successful hotel renovation project
Redesigning/renovating a hotel is a comprehensive process. This process involves various aspects, each of which requires careful consideration and attention.
In this section we will list a list of “elements” that will serve as an essential guide for each stage of renovation or extension. Let’s dive in!
- Planning
What are your goals for renovation? Outline these clearly and list them. When formulating your goals, consider factors such as ensuring a seamless guest experience, modernizing facilities and improving operational efficiency.
Before you start any renovation work, you should carry out a thorough assessment of the current condition of the hotel. This will help you take stock of areas in need of renovation and potential challenges that may arise.
The planning aspect of renovation also requires the creation of time and process plans for renovation. It is important to take into account fluctuations in occupancy or income.
- Allocation of budget funds
Allocation of adequate financial resources to various areas Renovation is important for successful project implementation.
In addition to funds you provide for direct hotel renovation costs (e.g. labor, permits, building materials, etc.)
- Guest experience management
Even if you are planning your renovation work, there may inevitably be interruptions. In this case, it is best to communicate renovation plans in advance and promise that guests will still have a pleasant stay.
- Quality assurance
Pay attention to quality workmanship and the use of quality materials in all aspects of the renovation. Your quality check should also include structural improvements and interior design elements.
One way to prioritize quality work is to invest in contractors and architects who have a proven track record of delivering quality results. This way you can be sure of a long service life and satisfaction.
- Sustainability
One of the main reasons for renovation is to adapt to changing market requirements. One of these requirements is ecological sustainability.
Ecological sustainability is an important topic in the hospitality industry. That is why it is important to introduce sustainable principles to reduce your hotel’s carbon footprint.
Some examples of such principles that you can implement are:
- Installation of energy-efficient household appliances such as LED lighting,
- Installation of solar panels to generate electricity
- Water-saving fittings such as low-flow taps, dual-flush toilets and others.
- Reduce waste
- Recycle materials
- Invest in environmentally friendly building materials such as bamboo, cork (for flooring), straw bales, etc.
- Compliance with regulations
To ensure compliance with building codes, you should familiarize yourself with building codes and zoning regulations. Before construction/renovation work begins, hotel owners should obtain the necessary permits from the relevant authorities.
Even if these permits are associated with a slight financial burden, it is very important to take them into account from the outset. This saves you additional costs in the future, the loss of investments and even prevents unnecessary delays in hotel renovation projects.
Conclusion
The hospitality industry is evolving from day to day. In order for hotels to keep up with the trend, the topic of “hotel renovation” must not be swept under the carpet. If you don’t bring your hotel facilities up to date, your hotel can quickly become outdated. Especially in view of the new hotels being built in your neighborhood.
Hotel renovations not only help keep you competitive in the marketplace, but are also an important catalyst for economic development, job creation and even attracting investors to a community.
Additionally, hotel renovation costs can vary depending on the number of areas to be remodeled. In any case, remodeling/renovating your hotel is a worthwhile investment that will pay off handsomely.
