Once you’ve decided to refurbish your hotel, you’ll need to consider whether to close the hotel while the work takes place or keep it open. Many simply cannot weather the significant revenue loss of closing for weeks or even months at a time, so keeping the hotel open during renovations is often the preferred option.
With careful planning and effective management, your hotel refurbishment can run smoothly with minimal disturbance to guests. This article explores the steps you can take to help ensure your hotel refurb goes without a hitch while keeping guests happy throughout their stay.
Work with a team of expert refurbishment contractors
Working with an experienced hotel refurbishment specialist can make the entire process far more manageable. A professional refurbishment company will help you plan the project carefully, coordinate contractors, and schedule work to minimise disruption to both guests and staff.
Their experience can also help identify potential challenges early on, ensuring the refurbishment stays on time, on budget, and aligned with the hotel’s day-to-day operations.
Plan every detail
Think about every aspect of the project and how it all works together. Consider how guests might be affected and work with hotel management to ensure clear communication with guests. You should also develop strategies to house guests away from areas where work is underway.
A successful hotel renovation relies heavily on the planning stage. Taking the time to anticipate potential issues early on can save valuable time in the long run and improve guest satisfaction.
Break the schedule into phases
Rather than tackling everything at once, break your hotel refurb into manageable phases. For example, refurbish one floor or section at a time. This approach allows you to close off areas for safety and reduce disruption, helping the hotel avoid a building-site feel.
This is one of the most important considerations, as your hotel can continue operating as normal in areas that are not undergoing refurbishment.
Schedule work around your guests
Schedule noisy work during the day when guests are likely to be out or when the hotel has lower occupancy, helping to minimise disruption. You should also avoid carrying out noisy work early in the morning or late in the evening.
Coordinating refurbishment tasks with your guests’ schedules will help keep your project on track while maintaining guest satisfaction. It’s also worth considering the time of year and planning renovations during quieter months where possible.
Communicate planned works when guests book
If you know renovations are planned, be upfront with guests when they book so they know what to expect. Reassure them that their stay will be largely unaffected, and let them know if any hotel areas will be closed, such as leisure facilities.
Place signs around the hotel to highlight areas closed for refurbishment, and consider offering complimentary refreshments in the reception area to make guests feel well looked after.
Consider the finer details
Another important factor is contractor access. Plan designated access routes so main entrances, exits, stairwells and lifts are not shared with guests wherever possible. This will help prevent the hotel from feeling like a building site.
Ensure contractors are aware of the hotel’s rules and procedures, and keep guests informed with clear, carefully placed signage.
Looking to carry out a hotel refurbishment?
Whether you’re planning a full hotel refurbishment or simply refreshing your guest rooms and communal areas, IH Group is here to help. With more than 20 years of experience specialising in refurbishments and interior fit-outs, our friendly experts are on hand to ensure your hotel refurb is carried out with minimal disruption.
Contact our friendly team at IH Group to discuss your requirements.
