A well-maintained hotel speaks volumes about its management and dedication to guest satisfaction. While small updates here and there can keep your property running smoothly without you needing to close the hotel or plan for a big renovation project, it can’t be avoided forever – and you shouldn’t ignore the signs that it might be time for a full hotel refurbishment. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common indicators and why addressing them promptly is critical to maintaining your hotel’s reputation.
1. Dirty or damaged flooring
First impressions matter, and few things scream neglect louder than worn or stained carpets and broken floorboards. Floors are one of the most-used elements in any hotel, and as such, they’re prone to wear and tear. Loose or squeaky floorboards, chipped tiles or large cracks not only look unattractive but can also pose safety hazards for guests and staff. It’s also natural for carpets to lose their original quality due to high foot traffic and spills. Issues like this not only detract from the guest experience but also convey an image of poor maintenance.
Whilst professional carpet cleaning should be considered in the first instance for carpets with stains or that otherwise look dusty or faded, a full replacement is sometimes needed – especially if the carpets are damaged or becoming threadbare. For dining areas and lobbies, which often experience heavy footfall and spills, easy-to-clean hard floors might be a more practical alternative. Hallways near bedrooms, and the bedrooms themselves, however, should ideally stay carpeted to reduce noise levels and ensure a comfortable stay for guests.
2. Signs of mould
Mould is a common sign your hotel might need renovating – not just because of the sight of it or the health hazards it may pose, but because it can be a sign of underlying issues such as leaks or poor ventilation. Commonly found in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms or windows, or in areas which are difficult to clean regularly such as behind pieces of large furniture, mould can significantly harm your hotel’s reputation if left untreated.
If you notice visible mould or if your hotel has started to smell musty, it’s time to act. Start by improving ventilation, such as installing or upgrading extractor fans in bathrooms. Replacing worn sealants around fixtures can also help. In more severe cases, you may need to address internal leaks or replace damaged fixtures in a full renovation. Not only will this eliminate the mould, but it will also prevent its recurrence, ensuring guest health and comfort – and stopping you from needing to continually treat it, saving you money in the long run.
On a similar note, dingy smells – including that from mould and mildew, but also from old, dirty carpets or curtains – can ruin a good hotel guest experience. Such smells give off an impression of neglect and can deter guests from returning.
Addressing this issue might involve replacing or cleaning stained or damaged carpets as we detailed above, deep cleaning fabrics, or upgrading your ventilation systems to ensure cleaner, fresher air. Regular inspections can help identify the root cause of musty smells, such as dampness or peeling paint, and allow you to nip the problem in the bud.
3. Damaged or outdated furniture
Outdated or damaged furniture can detract from your hotel’s appeal and make guests feel like they’ve stepped back in time – and not in a good way. Scratches, frayed fabrics, wobbly chairs, and lumpy mattresses are clear signs that it’s time for an upgrade, but similarly, outdated styles can also give the impression that the hotel is not well-maintained.
Guests tend to expect more than functionality – they also look for comfort and style. Undergoing a hotel clearance and replacing furniture in bedrooms, lobbies, and dining areas can significantly improve the look of your hotel, providing a positive guest experience. An improved look can also go a long way to bringing in more business in the first place, as most guests will look at photographs of your hotel before they book.
Consider replacing furniture and décor every five to seven years to keep your interiors fresh and inviting. Investing in quality pieces ensures durability and minimises replacement costs in the long run – think solid wood over MDF or wood veneer, or high-quality metal items like bed frames. Timeless, neutral styles are also a good option to ensure your hotel doesn’t go out of fashion after just a year or two – avoid those microtrends!
With The Hotel Clearance Company, you can also make a financial return on those pieces of furniture which are still in good shape but that no longer fit your hotel’s desired look or style through hotel clearance auctions. This will help you to maximise your hotel renovation budget.
4. Faulty lighting and appliances
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Dimly lit rooms or outdated fixtures can make spaces feel uninviting and uncomfortable. Similarly, malfunctioning appliances, such as plumbing systems or air conditioners, can lead to guest dissatisfaction – guests will not like not having the use of certain appliances or having to move rooms due to faults. Issues like this can also put certain rooms out of action entirely, decreasing the capacity of your hotel and costing you money.
If you’re finding maintenance issues are happening more often than expected, it might be time to renovate, whether it’s an issue with your overall plumbing or electrical systems, or if your actual appliances are nearing the end of their lives. A renovation could be a good chance to upgrade your systems as well, such as switching to LED lighting, which will reduce your energy costs. Upgrading your plumbing and electrical systems will ensure efficiency and reliability, preventing frequent maintenance calls. These updates not only improve the guest experience but also contribute to long-term cost savings.
5. Your competitors have recently renovated
In a competitive industry like hospitality, staying ahead of the curve is essential. If your competitors have recently renovated, it’s a sign that you should consider doing the same. Updated lobbies, guest rooms, and dining rooms can make your property more appealing to potential guests, and will help you to compete with the improved looks of nearby hotels. Like we mentioned above, guests tend to choose hotels based on the online photos as well as things like price, location, availability and amenities. When you do renovate, make sure you update your online presence as well to make sure you reap the benefits.
Get your hotel renovation started with The Hotel Clearance Company
If you’re looking to discuss your hotel clearance requirements in more detail, get in touch with The Hotel Clearance Company.
Whether your business is due to go through a renovation, a change in property use, or you are liquidating assets, we are here to help. We specialise in maximising financial returns for our clients through the use of pub furniture auctions, hotel liquidation auctions, and restaurant furniture auctions, as well as private treaty sales.
Our expert team can be contacted by calling 020 8123 8241 or visit The Hotel Clearance Company and fill out our online contact form.