Designing Hotels with Operational Efficiency in Mind: A Guide to Avoiding Costly Mistakes

In the dynamic and competitive landscape of the hotel industry, the importance of thoughtful and practical design cannot be overstated. Over my extensive years of experience in the hotel business, I’ve encountered various design oversights that, while seemingly insignificant during the planning phase, have had substantial repercussions during daily operations. In this article, we’ll explore some common pitfalls and offer insights to hotel developers to help them create spaces that look appealing and function seamlessly.

Examples:

1. Shower Design
   • Mistake: Exclusively installing rain shower heads without flexible options hinders housekeeping’s ability to thoroughly clean showers.
   • Solution: Include flexible shower heads to facilitate easy cleaning and maintenance, ensuring a hygienic environment for guests.
2. Drainage Issues
   • Mistake: Poorly designed shower drains lead to clogging, preventing water from draining properly.
   • Solution: Invest in effective drainage systems to avoid maintenance issues, unpleasant odors, and potential water damage.
3. Pigeon-Prone Window Edges
   • Mistake: Overlooking the design of window ledges, allowing pigeons to perch, and creating cleanliness challenges.
   • Solution: Incorporate architectural features or deterrents to discourage pigeons, making cleaning and maintenance more manageable.
4. Inadequate Lobby Space
   • Mistake: Designing a too small lobby for the hotel’s size leads to discomfort during peak times.
   • Solution: Prioritize spacious and comfortable lobby areas, ensuring a pleasant experience for guests, especially during busy periods.
5. Insufficient Back of House Facilities
   • Mistake: Neglecting staff needs on a count of a GYM in the basement by providing inadequate space for lockers, showers, and a staff dining facility.
   • Solution: Allocate sufficient space for employee amenities to enhance their well-being, job satisfaction, and efficiency.
6. Lack of Privacy in Private Pools
   • Mistake: Designing private pools that compromise guests’ privacy in neighboring rooms.
   • Solution: Implement thoughtful landscaping or architectural elements to create privacy barriers and enhance the guest experience.

Additional Examples:

7. Inadequate Noise Insulation
   • Mistake: Overlooking soundproofing measures, resulting in disrupted sleep for guests due to external noises.
   • Solution: Prioritize effective insulation materials to create a tranquil environment and ensure a restful stay.
8. Poorly Lit Corridors
   • Mistake: Insufficient lighting in corridors creates safety concerns and a gloomy atmosphere.
   • Solution: Incorporate well-designed lighting to enhance safety, aesthetics, and overall guest experience.

In designing hotels, one recognizes the significance of creating spaces that captivate guests visually and contribute to seamless operations. By prioritizing practical considerations such as versatile shower options, adequate drainage, sufficient public spaces, staff-friendly back-of-house facilities, and guest privacy, developers can save considerable costs in the long run.

Thoughtful design not only enhances guest satisfaction but also contributes to the efficient functioning of the hotel, ultimately leading to sustained success in the competitive hospitality industry.

In conclusion, it makes a lot of sense when designing hotels to consult with those who operate and open hotels already and who have first-hand experience. In the long run, it will save the hotel owner a lot, which all goes to the bottom line, i.e., profit.

Ron Yariv

With more than 30 years of experience in the hotel industry, open three luxury hotels as GM

http://www.yariv-consulting.expert                      email: ron@yariv-consulting.exprt