If you want to attract guests to your hotel, you need to keep it comfortable, modern and, most of all, safe.
While there’s nothing to say about how often you should update the property, timely renovations and repairs can stop you from experiencing any larger issues or property damages further down the line. Plus it’s important for attracting guests.
But in the current climate and with running costs increasing by the day, you should do all you can to keep your renovations affordable and to make your hotel more sustainable for the future.
Responsible repairs and updates can also give you a strong selling point and a competitive edge, as more eco-conscious visitors, ex-pats and long-term guests are more likely to choose you over others hotels.
So, whether you already own the hotel or you’re thinking of buying one, you might be considering some renovation ideas to modernise the property. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some sustainable ideas to refresh your hotel in a way that’s better for your wallet, the planet and your customers.
Add solar panels
With energy costs rising at an alarming rate, you can do something for yourself and the planet by adding some solar panels to your hotel. As electricity makes up 40% of a hotel’s energy usage, this is the perfect way to cut costs and make a step towards sustainability.
Be sure to shop around so you can find the best solar panel provider and installation company for your hotel. You also need to determine which part of the hotel gets the most sun and make sure to put the panels in the most effective place on the property for maximum results.
Properly insulate the property
Adding insulation to your hotel is a simple but very effective way to conserve energy. It will help to keep heat in the property during the colder months, so the heating systems don’t have to work as hard.
Again, this will save both the planet and your bank balance and can make the property far more sustainable for years to come. This insulation can also help to make the rooms more soundproof.
Update your windows
Depending on how old the hotel is, you might find that you’ve got very old, outdated windows, particularly those that are still single glazing. This can let a lot of cold air in during the winter and reduce the effectiveness of your heating systems.
This means your heating systems have to work harder, and guests might be less comfortable.
If it’s been a while since the last renovation, it’s a good idea to update all the windows in your hotel. But if you can’t afford this or you feel it’s unnecessary, instead, consider resealing any windows that have been neglected for a few years.
Donate or recycle what you can
Whether you’re renovating an entire area or giving all the decor in the rooms an update, you might have certain items that you no longer need or waste materials created as a result of your renovations.
So, if you’re going to get rid of old items, be that furniture, towels, kitchenware, luggage racks, electronic devices, rubble, glass or anything else for that matter, don’t just throw these straight in the skip.
Nowadays, there is a place where you can donate or recycle almost every item or waste material, so they don’t go straight to the landfill. Do some research and find out what recycling facilities or donation points are in your area. This will reduce the waste you produce and can give your old items a new life.
Choose reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood is beautiful. It can make a space feel cosy, modern and stylish. And, of course, it’s a more sustainable option as it is rescued and repurposed from old buildings, factories, retired ships and more.
So when you begin renovating, consider not just adding reclaimed wood furniture like tables and shelves but also incorporating this into the design of your hotel. For example, you could use reclaimed wooden panels for the bar or repurposed scaffold boards for the sideboards or front desk.
Buy preowned or preloved furniture
Vintage and upcycled furniture has become one of the hottest interior trends over the last few years. This is partially down to the fact that people are increasingly aware of their environmental impact and the amount of waste we produce, but it’s also because these pieces are more unique than the furniture you can buy in your average shop.
So, before you go out and buy a load of flatpack or throw-away furniture from a retail giant, consider looking into local sellers that can offer you pre-owned or refurbished furniture. This way, you can secure some beautiful and unique pieces that will give your hotel its own charm and character.
Upgrade to sustainable materials
There are loads of sustainable materials you can choose from for your hotel that are not just better for the planet but also look great and can add real style to your rooms.
For example, bamboo can be used for chairs and tables in communal areas or dining rooms, and marble countertops look great and give a sleek finish to bar tops, tables and flooring.
These materials are far more eco-friendly than some of the other options out there, so it’s a good idea to shop around and find suppliers in your local area.
Install energy-efficient devices
There are lots of ways you can update your hotel to make it more energy efficient, including switching out some pretty important appliances.
Firstly, putting communal lights on sensors, such as having lights in common areas like hallways that only turn on when someone enters the room. Key cards in the room are also a great way to ensure the lights aren’t left on or that they turn themselves off after a certain period of time when the guest is not in the room.
Installing thermostats can also maximise energy conservation by having building-wide heat settings on auto-control. That way, the heating will go on and off automatically, depending on the preset temperature. This can provide a more comforting environment for guests while keeping your energy consumption under control.
Finally, investing in smart appliances like dishwashers, fridges and freezers can save on energy consumption and costs.
