Thinking about renovating a hotel? Renovations are a big deal, so it’s wise to consider the time of year when business is slowest so you don’t hurt your revenue. This is usually between New Year’s and Easter (but it depends on where your hotel is and what the seasonal calendar is like), but padding this timeframe is a wise idea since construction almost always takes longer than you think. 

Renovations will take a lot of time and money, so make sure you have a plan with clear steps, so you know what you’re doing. Renovations can increase profits by letting you charge more per night and attract new guests. We’ll give you some tips on what to consider when renovating your house.

Hotel renovations: what to consider

When it comes to renovating a hotel, here are six top tips to keep in mind. 

01. Choosing the right construction company 

The first thing you need to think about is who’s right for your renovation, based on your goals and budget. You get what you pay for, so be realistic about your goals and your budget. Having highly skilled professionals at the right price is the first step to a successful renovation. It’s helpful to have a technical architect or project manager in charge so that you can funnel all communication through them, which will facilitate a smoother process.

02. It’s all about planning

When it’s time to renovate your hotel, planning is key. Rather than spreading your hotel’s resources thin, put someone in charge of the whole thing. This will keep the construction company on task and establish a point of contact for any problems. 

Make sure you set realistic goals in your project plan, and make sure you have a realistic budget; this will keep the contractor accountable, and you’ll be able to choose materials ahead of time.

03. You’ve got to time it right

You’ll always lose revenue when you renovate, but if you time it right, you’ll lose less. It’s helpful to plan ahead to have the renovation done during a slow period because that’s when business is slow in all industries. You can use your hotel property management software to figure out what was historically your low season and close during that time. 

You could also close nearby sections. Start with your lobby, then work on construction by the wings, so you can keep the sections that aren’t under construction open. Although there’s a risk of noise complaints, the most effective way to avoid negatively affecting your quality of service is to close as soon as possible.

04. It’s all about the first impression

If you’ve already decided to renovate, just be sure it works for you and improves your guests’ experience. Make sure your lobby is one of the first things you design since first impressions are everything in hospitality. You want your lobby to make a positive first impression, be welcoming, and have a clear flow. You need to design the different spaces and designate the necessary areas for socializing, checking in and out, functional work areas, and lounging since a lobby is usually multi-functional. 

When guests walk in, they should get a positive feeling for your hotel, i.e. if your concept is green, make sure there are lots of plants and open space; if your concept is modern luxury, make sure you have some stylish mid-century furniture statement pieces, like bookshelves or a couch, then choose colors that make it feel luxurious. 

05. Decide what you want to do

Before your hotel undergoes a renovation, it’s the right time to redesign your value proposition. Renovations should have a clear purpose, so keep that in mind when you’re choosing your materials and defining your concept. Do you want to attract a different audience with the redesign? Do you want to be more eco-friendly? Do you want to make your rooms more comfortable? 

Consider your target audience and what you want to accomplish before making design decisions. Your hotel might need more office space and more plugs if you want to attract remote workers. 

06. The key to success is communication

It’s all about communication. If you don’t communicate, it’s like you didn’t do anything. It’s important to set expectations from the beginning about what your renovation plans are and the progress. 

You can use this hype to drive bookings after renovation, either with a post-renovation special or an early-bird special. Using the renovation as a reason to contact old guests and target new guests looking for updated accommodations will ensure you get more bang for your buck. 

Final thoughts

We’ve talked about timing, planning, and having a clear target audience in mind when it’s time to renovate a hotel. We’ve talked about the hotel lobby importance and choosing the right construction company. But, without a doubt, one of the most important things to consider is how you plan to communicate.

These six tips will help you minimize the negative impact of a renovation and maximize revenue once the work is done. Your hotel needs a fresh look to attract new guests and create an optimal guest experience that will turn one-time guests into loyal clients, which should be the ultimate goal.