When looking at a hotel construction project, developers and CM’s should gain an understanding of both the reasons a given hotel wants (or needs) to renovate and the trends that are important to them. Many hotels are renovating for one or more of the following reasons:
- To rebrand after being acquired by another chain
- To capture the business of a new or more diverse range of guests
- To convert from an independent chain to a franchise
- To refresh an older hotel and make it image-savvy for modern travelers
- To improve the guest experience
In some cases, the reasons for renovation will dictate the trends to follow in design and build. In other cases, the trends may be the reason for renovation. Below are some of the most talked about trends in hotel re-construction.
Room Arrangements
Hotels are looking at unique ways to serve more guests in greater style and comfort, while balancing that with the need to provide some guests with more breathing room. Overall, rooms sizes are becoming more focused on efficient use of space. In cases where a hotel serves guests for extended stays, suites are a focus. The room arrangements will vary by project, with some hotel owners wanting to reduce room counts to add suites, conference and event spaces or expanding amenities. Other owners want to divide up oversized guest rooms in order to serve more guests while some are combining smaller rooms into one large suite. In general, the trend is toward smaller room square footage.
Getting Eco-Savvy
The millennial-age guest is looking for accommodations that are, for the most part, green, health- and socially-conscious--from the décor in the lobby to the fluff in the pillows. While owners look at green construction and sustainability from a bottom-line/ ROI perspective, not paying attention to what these guests expect in their vacation or conference accommodations could send more business to competitors. More hotels are marketing how their amenities offer premium comfort, wellness, and environmental responsibility. While this has usually been the trend at big resorts, smaller chains and independents can capitalize on offering “well stay rooms” that include features such as “dawn-simulating alarm clocks, HEPA-filtered air purifiers, light machines that complement clients’ circadian rhythms, vitamin C-enriched shower water, and aromatherapy diffusers.”
Staying Tech Relevant
According to an article in Building Design + Construction, “last year was a record-breaker for hotel renovations in the U.S., with one out of five existing properties getting an upgrade.” The types of changes being made are an attempt to avoid being irrelevant to guests who are among the most technologically proficient in years. Upgrades include changes to room features and furnishings, bathroom design and features, the inclusion of technology, and onsite leisure that is technologically up-to-date.” (In other words, the hotel has more than a backyard sized pool and a Stairmaster in the gym.)
Select-Service Replaces Budget Hotels
Many tourists and most business travelers are looking for value-added hotels that won’t break the piggy-bank. They want the tech, better quality fitness center, a well maintained pool, and comfortable rooms without ballrooms and banquet space (the cost of which is, ultimately reflected in the price of any room in a hotel that offers those services). Select-service gives these travelers all that they need, a little of what they desire, and nothing that they don’t need.
Resources
To learn more about these trends, and others in great detail, check out the items below.