You might have stayed in some of the world’s finest hotels, but have you ever stopped to think about the planning that goes into making one? We often take for granted the luxuries that hotels offer, only realizing exactly how much effort the staff and hotel go through to make your stay comfortable when these comforts become unavailable. Although the best hotels try to keep disruption to a minimum, there are times when your holiday may be interrupted by building work.
Naturally, once you step away from the situation, you can appreciate that any short-term disruption is worth it in the long run, especially if you’re a regular. Even if you’re not, many of the world’s top hotels embark on renovation projects in order to remain relevant and cater to the ever-changing tastes of the world’s elite.
For example, if you compare Singapore’s iconic Raffles Hotel (pictured) of today to what it was over 100 years ago, it’s very different. Following a two-year renovation that started in 2017, designers Champalimaud have added modern yet subtle touches throughout, the star of the show being a new restaurant concept from Alain Ducasse and Anne-Sophie Pic.
To complete this makeover and those like it takes planning and money. Although costs will vary, every luxury hotel has to consider the same things when they’re planning a revamp.
To ensure the comfort and happiness of your guests, any renovation project needs to be handled as swiftly as possible and, importantly, with as little disruption as possible. According to Paul Van Meerendonk, the timing of the work is often more important than how long it takes. In his view, the work should be carried out during traditionally slower business periods. What’s more, a hotelier needs to consider external factors such as new hotels opening in the surrounding area to limit the financial impact of renovations.
Multiple quotes from multiple construction companies are crucial, but something that's often overlooked is contractor insurance. By employing a team of construction workers that are properly covered, a hotel can protect itself and its guests from any potential risks. Although it varies from region-to-region, construction insurance is often a legal requirement. Public safety is always a concern, so hotels need to ensure that they employ capable, insured construction workers.
Having a solid plan of action, the right team in place and enough money to cover the work is vital. However, it's worth a hotel covering all bases by also keeping current and prospective guests adequately informed. From notices around the hotel to notes on travel websites and information on booking receipts, hotels should take every opportunity to let their guests know what’s happening.
The travel industry, especially at the top end, is highly competitive. With competition from the likes of Airbnb, the cost of flying constantly increasing and a general demand for more from the public, hoteliers have a lot to consider.
To build a dream destination, it takes careful planning and the management of multiple moving pieces to ensure you get to enjoy your holiday without any disruptions. The top hoteliers are masters of that, which is why they continue to impress even when they’re not operating at 100%.
Image credit: Raffles Singapore
