Why Hotel Guest Room Renovations In The Middle Of A Pandemic Are A Good Idea
Renovations are always daunting, and they may feel especially intimidating during a pandemic when the travel market is slow and there’s not a lot of excess revenue coming in. However, it may be a vital time to spruce up your hotel.
Renovations are always daunting, and they may feel especially intimidating during a pandemic when the travel market is slow and there’s not a lot of excess revenue coming in. However, it may be a vital time to spruce up your hotel.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness has become the most important feature in a hotel. Of course, guests have always expected and appreciated clean accommodation, but the COVID-19 pandemic has added a level of sanitation anxiety and concern that wasn’t present for most guests before.
This is not fresh news to a hotelier, and every property that has managed to stay open through the pandemic has implemented cleaning protocols, distancing protocols, PPE and sanitation requirements, and increased regular cleaning. But it’s not enough to just be clean, a hotel needs to look clean. Newer hotels feel cleaner to the guest, not only because they are clean but because of the design and the general freshness of FF&E (furniture fixtures & equipment).
Cleanliness has become the most important feature in a hotel. Of course, guests have always expected and appreciated clean accommodation, but the COVID-19 pandemic has added a level of sanitation anxiety and concern that wasn’t present for most guests before.
This is not fresh news to a hotelier, and every property that has managed to stay open through the pandemic has implemented cleaning protocols, distancing protocols, PPE and sanitation requirements, and increased regular cleaning. But it’s not enough to just be clean, a hotel needs to look clean. Newer hotels feel cleaner to the guest, not only because they are clean but because of the design and the general freshness of FF&E (furniture fixtures & equipment).
Clean Design
Clean Design is about appearance and function. Smooth surfaces are easier to clean, and furniture that attaches to the wall rather than touching the floor is easier to clean underneath. Glass shower doors are easier to sanitize than fabric or plastic shower curtains. But it goes beyond that. White bed sheets feel cleaner to guests than floral bed sheets because of the simple design. Wood flooring feels cleaner than carpet to guests, even if the hotel assures that the carpets are deep-cleaned between every guest, and bathrooms finished without visible grout feel cleaner because the corners and creases are sharp and sleek.
This phenomenon is why we will see an increase in materials that are commonly used in healthcare facilities and commercial kitchens being used in hotel guest room design. Stainless steel, porcelain, glass, and other solid surfaces are easy to clean and give a feeling of sanitation to the guests. These materials will be strategically integrated with hospitality design to create a comfortable and homey space that looks and feels clean. Being able to make guests feel safe is going to be the goal of every hotelier going forward. Construction companies in the hospitality industry have even started to offer COVID-19 Renovation Packages that convert carpet to wood, replace countertops, and improve air ventilation and other systems.
Clean Design is about appearance and function. Smooth surfaces are easier to clean, and furniture that attaches to the wall rather than touching the floor is easier to clean underneath. Glass shower doors are easier to sanitize than fabric or plastic shower curtains. But it goes beyond that. White bed sheets feel cleaner to guests than floral bed sheets because of the simple design. Wood flooring feels cleaner than carpet to guests, even if the hotel assures that the carpets are deep-cleaned between every guest, and bathrooms finished without visible grout feel cleaner because the corners and creases are sharp and sleek.
This phenomenon is why we will see an increase in materials that are commonly used in healthcare facilities and commercial kitchens being used in hotel guest room design. Stainless steel, porcelain, glass, and other solid surfaces are easy to clean and give a feeling of sanitation to the guests. These materials will be strategically integrated with hospitality design to create a comfortable and homey space that looks and feels clean. Being able to make guests feel safe is going to be the goal of every hotelier going forward. Construction companies in the hospitality industry have even started to offer COVID-19 Renovation Packages that convert carpet to wood, replace countertops, and improve air ventilation and other systems.
Competition
Competition has increased in the industry, with fewer people traveling than ever before and customer standards so high. COVID-19 conscious renovations could very likely be the factor that makes your hotel the top choice in your area. Advertising features such as touchless door handles, digital key cards, and UV lights will ensure customers that you have gone the extra mile to keep them safe. Guests have been unsatisfied with sanitation efforts in many hotels, COVID-19 specific renovations will show how seriously you are taking the situation and help guests to feel comfortable in your hotel. For those owners who have acquired properties that became available during the pandemic, these kinds of renovations should be considered when planning the conversion process.
Cost-Conscious
Cost-conscious owners will want to take advantage of significantly reduced project costs at this time before the market goes back to ‘pre-COVID’ prices. Designers, contractors, and FF&E providers are offering lower prices, with project totals ending up 15 to 20 percent lower. Not only will the fees be lower, but the regular loss of revenue from reduced occupancy during renovations will also be less than ever before. Occupancy rates are low right now in every hotel. This is a difficult reality to face, but why not take advantage of this time to complete renovations that would normally have caused massive disruption to your business. Because construction companies are facing less demand than usual, timelines can also be shortened as a result. Get your next renovation done cheaper, faster, and easier by doing them now, even if it’s only minor renovations like shower doors and furniture.
Competition has increased in the industry, with fewer people traveling than ever before and customer standards so high. COVID-19 conscious renovations could very likely be the factor that makes your hotel the top choice in your area. Advertising features such as touchless door handles, digital key cards, and UV lights will ensure customers that you have gone the extra mile to keep them safe. Guests have been unsatisfied with sanitation efforts in many hotels, COVID-19 specific renovations will show how seriously you are taking the situation and help guests to feel comfortable in your hotel. For those owners who have acquired properties that became available during the pandemic, these kinds of renovations should be considered when planning the conversion process.
Cost-Conscious
Cost-conscious owners will want to take advantage of significantly reduced project costs at this time before the market goes back to ‘pre-COVID’ prices. Designers, contractors, and FF&E providers are offering lower prices, with project totals ending up 15 to 20 percent lower. Not only will the fees be lower, but the regular loss of revenue from reduced occupancy during renovations will also be less than ever before. Occupancy rates are low right now in every hotel. This is a difficult reality to face, but why not take advantage of this time to complete renovations that would normally have caused massive disruption to your business. Because construction companies are facing less demand than usual, timelines can also be shortened as a result. Get your next renovation done cheaper, faster, and easier by doing them now, even if it’s only minor renovations like shower doors and furniture.