Before embarking on a hotel renovation, do not overlook common spaces like the pool, business center, and grab-and-go pantry. Updating these spaces can improve the overall guest experience, attract new customers and lead to return visits. In addition, renovating common areas can save the hotel money in the long run by addressing maintenance issues, therefore preventing deterioration and extending the lifespan of the property.
Cicero Construction Group, a premier contractor with more than fifty years renovating commercial properties, offers the following renovation ideas for hotel common spaces:
BUSINESS CENTER
If travelers frequent your hotel for job-related reasons, make it a mission to establish a business center where visitors can comfortably work, take calls, or conduct meetings. It should include plenty of power outlets, charging stations, flexible seating sections for impromptu get-togethers, and high-speed internet. If large enough, it can be rented out for business meetings to bring in additional revenue. On the other hand, if square footage is limited, build a functional work area with computers, office-quality desks, a fax machine, and copier, along with small, quiet breakout spaces to accommodate one-one-one sessions and small group meetings.
SWIMMING POOL
Swimming pools can be a star amenity for hotels catering to families, couples, and friend groups, especially in warmer climates. Start with the basics: repair any structural damage, like cracks or leaks, resurface the pool, and install slip-resistant tiles. But don’t stop there. Consider adding a swim-up bar stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails as an additional revenue stream. Incorporate the natural beauty of the surroundings with an infinity edge and overflow sides as modern visual statements. Underwater lights to change the pool’s mood. Or you may want to accommodate families with young children by building a shallow play area with slides and water fountains.
GRAB-AND-GO PANTRY
A hotel pantry takes only a small fraction of the space of a grocery, so adding top-notch retail elements can be done on a small budget. Reclaimed wood flooring, hand-crafted and quirky signage, local details, and comfortable lighting universally appeal to shoppers. Of course, there is a fine line between cozy and cramped. Keep in mind the artist’s rule: cool colors recede and warm colors advance. If you choose tiles or wood for flooring, opt for wider planks as opposed to strip flooring. Place planks parallel to the longest wall of the room to expand the space visually. Drop-in shelving systems fit into most standard millwork, making them a cost-effective way to display products.
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREAS
Just as a hotel's interior gives guests a place to rest and unwind, outdoor areas can enhance their experiences with added opportunities for entertainment. Outdoor amenities can help a hotel stand out from competition by offering lawn games, fire pits, live music and other events. If the hotel has a restaurant, installing outdoor seating lets guests continue enjoying their food and drinks, along with fresh air. Another alternative is to convert a rooftop into an attraction complete with green spaces, extra lounges, and a bar where guests can enjoy amazing views.
Finally, whatever project you choose to tackle, don't fall into a trend trap by deciding on the latest fad design that could go out of style next year. Choose furniture, flooring, lighting, and colors for common areas that are ageless and aesthetically pleasing so that visitors will want to spend time there again and again.
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