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04/26/2024

Remodeling projects help hotels stay up to date with current trends, consumer preferences and general maintenance. In this guide, you’ll discover when you should consider a renovation, a few ideas to inspire your next upgrade and some tips to make it a success.

Signs Your Hotel Needs a Renovation

Every hotel owner knows the guest experience is a priority. Guests who feel comfortable and welcome are more likely to return or recommend your property to their friends. Despite your best intentions, your ability to provide a stellar guest experience may diminish as the years pass and general wear and tear takes its toll.

It may be time to consider a renovation if you notice any of the following in your hotel.

• Bad guest feedback: Guests leave negative reviews on your social media and at checkout, but most of the comments are about the hotel’s appearance instead of the staff or service.
• Inefficient lighting: Your hotel’s lights flicker or buzz and electricity bills are higher than they used to be.
• Increased maintenance and repairs: HVAC systems, bathroom fixtures, walls and floors are old and worn-out. You may need to call for frequent maintenance and repairs.
• Outdated furniture and decorations: The hotel’s overall style looks run-down or dated compared to nearby competitors.
• Lack of amenities: Your hotel only offers a place to sleep and has limited areas for guests to mingle or relax.

Ideas to Revitalize Your Hotel

If your hotel needs a makeover and you’re unsure where to start, consider the ideas below for inspiration.

1. Upgrade the Lobby

A hotel lobby’s look and feel significantly influence visitors’ perception of your business. If you’re working on a tighter budget, renovating your lobby is the best place to start to give people a positive first impression.

Here are a few ideas to make a hotel lobby even better for guests:

• Include more natural elements like potted plants and water features, or embrace biophilic design with a green wall or canopy.
• Upgrade lighting fixtures and add more lights to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• Reduce noise levels with sound-dampening materials like carpets and soft furnishings.
• Install a digital kiosk for guests to look up information and order services.
• Add a refreshment station where guests can make coffee or grab some water.

2. Refresh the Hotel Exterior

The building’s exterior is the first thing people see, so it give it extra attention during a makeover. Simple improvements can make a dramatic difference, such as power-washing the facade, refreshing the paint or repairing any cracks and damage.

For more impact, replace old signage, redesign garden spaces, add more parking spaces and improve lighting in outside areas. A sheltered entrance area is also a welcome addition for guests on rainy or snowy days.

3. Modernize Furniture and Decor

Your hotel’s design might look outdated if you haven’t redecorated in more than five years. Focus your attention on the interior design of common areas and guest rooms. Decide on a goal and theme, then update the colors and furniture accordingly.

Invest in high-quality, timeless pieces that age well to ensure your renovation lasts longer. Choose simple colors and designs for elements such as furniture, bedding, walls and floors. Then, add personality through fixtures and accessories you can easily and inexpensively update to reflect new trends in the future.

4. Improve Hotel Sustainability

Sustainability is an enduring interior design trend. To reduce your hotel’s environmental impact, use recycled or natural materials in your renovation and choose upcycled furniture pieces. Replace traditional lights with energy-efficient LED bulbs and invest in smart heating and lighting systems that adjust to the time of year and day. When it’s time to buy new appliances, select ones with Energy Star certification.

5. Add Shared Spaces

Comfortable seating in the lobby makes guests feel at home when they arrive, but adding dedicated shared spaces encourages guests to spend time outside their rooms and can even attract new demographics. For example, quiet areas with tables and outlets are essential for digital nomads, and families need kid-friendly play areas.

If your hotel lacks common areas, it is worth renovating the space to include a few. Cozy lounges for relaxation, a rooftop area for fresh air and a game room for entertainment are some options to consider.

Hotel Renovation Tips

Hotel renovation projects can quickly become expensive and complicated. Ensure your project’s success with these tips.

• Outline your goals: Your vision should guide every design choice, so determine your goals from the start. These may include attracting a new audience, becoming more eco-friendly or improving the guest experience.
• Develop a realistic budget: Don’t spend more than you can afford. Plan your budget from the start and share it with people working on the project.
• Decide on a schedule: Poorly planned renovations can adversely affect your guests. Complete larger alterations during a slow period or work in sections to minimize disruptions.
• Choose the right company: The people you hire to complete your hotel refurbishment will determine its success. Find a well-reviewed company within your budget for quality work, and consider a business that offers full-service design-build expertise for a smoother process.

Partner With JRM to Complete Your Hotel Makeover

JRM Construction Management is a full-service construction management company that can assist you in all aspects of hotel remodeling, from planning and design to implementation. We pride ourselves on our ability to create and comply with realistic budgets and time estimates that meet your project requirements.

We’re industry leaders in hotel construction and have delivered exceptional hotel renovation projects for clients in New York, New Jersey, California and beyond. Here are two examples of our outstanding work.

• One Hudson Square: JRM renovated the lobby for One Hudson Square in New York to improve lighting, flooring and security. Part of the renovation also included a new roof buildout with banquet seating, planters and restrooms.
• The Langham: Our team repaired the historical bridge at The Langham in Pasadena. We worked with a local historical department to meet the client’s requirements and phased construction to accommodate guests on the bridge.

View more examples of our completed hospitality projects and contact us today to start your renovation project.