First impressions are everything when it comes to your hotel and creating a charming, comfortable and classy environment can go a long way to generating a great first impression.
Here’s what you need to consider when buying hotel furniture.
Welcome to another edition of Hospitality Property School.
I am your instructor, Gerry MacPherson.
.
.
Here are 12 things to consider when buying hotel furniture
1. Does the furniture echo your hotel’s identity
The identity of your hotel is what sets it apart from your competitors. It helps your business to grow and the furniture you choose will echo this. Your choice of furniture should depend on the style and aesthetics you are aiming for.
.
Determining a theme and sticking to it helps you keep your choices simple but keep in mind, you don’t want to clash with the existing décor and colour scheme so make sure they all complement each other. You’ll be surprised what mixing and matching can do.
.
Be creative and try to use unusual designs. Make sure to prioritize comfort over style.
2. Hotel layout, furniture sizes & quantities
It is a good idea to seek the advice of a professional to help plan the layout and maximize your property’s potential before buying hotel furniture. Having an accurate vision of your hotel, with all the sizes, can give you a better idea of what furniture to purchase.
.
Planning the floor layout of your furniture pieces can be challenging. It requires an extensive analysis of your foot traffic and the areas where individuals or groups will be spending more time. This will make it easier to strategically position furniture.
.
Most guests like to lounge where there is an excellent view of the outside scenery or where they can adequately appreciate the hotel’s interior. Layout the furniture pieces to look inviting and encourage socialization.
.
Another consideration is the quantity of furniture you put into an allotted space. Make sure there is no overcrowding and sufficient spaces between pieces.
.
.
3. Ensure it is stylish
Often now, when people are choosing where to book they usually look at the photos on hotel websites.
.
You could provide 5-star service but if your hotel furniture doesn’t mirror this quality then potential customers will go to the competition.
.
.
4. Make sure it’s comfortable
When it comes to selecting furniture the comfort of your guests should be at the forefront
.
Consider furniture pieces that are upholstered with fabric covers that are soft and non-abrasive. If you opt for the plain and non-upholstered ones, pick the smoothly finished and polished pieces to avoid discomfort upon use.
.
Comfort must always come before anything else and should be the primary purpose of your hotel furniture. You want to provide your guests with a relaxing and stress-free environment.
.
.
5. It has to be durable
Hotel furniture must be able to withstand constant use and the test of time while maintaining its appeal. Buying furniture only to be used only for short-term use is a waste of money. You have to make sure that you buy only the quality ones that will last.
.
The life of your furniture also depends on maintenance. Make sure you do regular checks and proper cleaning to maximize your furniture use.
.
.
6. Consider your budget
Create a reasonable budget and stay with it. With proper planning and shopping around, it’s possible when buying hotel furniture not to spend an arm and a leg on beds, sofas and chairs.
.
.
7. Buying hotel furniture needs to be based on location
Outdoor furniture has different materials and finishes compared to indoor ones. An outdoor lounge may require you to use wood material for durability, while the indoor sofa needs to be more comfortable. Don’t be spontaneous, plan the furniture you need for each area of your hotel before you go shopping.
.
.
8. Delivery
Delivery is also an essential part of buying hotel furniture. Having it delivered while your property is still under construction or renovation can be a problem since you might not have safe storage for them.
.
And you won’t want to have to push back on your opening because of delayed delivery. Always set a realistic time frame and confirm this with your furniture wholesaler or maker.
9. Furniture warranty
If possible, make sure to secure a manufacturer’s warranty. This could help you save up on future maintenance costs.
.
.
10. In your hotel reception area
Your hotel reception is the first thing your guests see upon checking in and for this reason, should make a big impact and show them what to expect in terms of services and experience.
Here are some things to consider:
- The reception area should be clean and dignified
.
- Choose neutral fabrics and those that don’t easily stain
.
- If you have cushions, pick ones with memory foam since they naturally retain their original shape
.
- Arrange your furniture in such a way that they look pleasing from any angle
.
- Protect your upholstery by installing wood strips at the back of the chairs so when guests move them, they can grab the wood strips without damaging the upholstery
.
- Make sure to check chairs and sofas with screw-on legs regularly to avoid accidents
.
.
11. In your hotel restaurant
Choosing revolving bar stools with return springs can help maintain their aesthetic look so your staff don’t have to arrange them every time a guest finishes their drink.
.
The hotel restaurant and dining area should utilize solid and quality furniture since this might be the busiest area on your property. Make sure to choose practical pieces while maintaining the same overall style of the hotel.
.
.
12. In your hotel bedrooms
Most hotel standard rooms have limited space, so choose compact, comfortable and simple furniture without going overboard. Make your beds a priority.
.
The key is to make the room as homey and comfortable as possible.
.
.
If you are a member of the Hospitality Property School Group, as a bonus, I’m going to share what room amenities most hotel guests really want.
.
.
.
In conclusion
Opening a hotel can be a huge investment. You have to carefully plan out all aspects to maximize the potential and avoid unnecessary expenses. That is why a good understanding of what to consider when buying hotel furniture can help you improve your property’s look without going above your allocated budget.
.
What was your biggest surprise when buying furniture for your hotel?
Let me know in the comments.
.
.
We cover more on organizational structure in “The Guide to Owning & Operating a Hospitality Property – Successfully” book & course. You find more information at KeystoneHPD.com
You will have access to this episode for as long as you would like but if you would like to see all the bonuses you would have access to as a member of the Hospitality Property School Group, check out the short video in this episode post-show notes.
.
.
In our next episode, I will be talking about Finding the Right Hotel Furniture.
.
That’s it for today’s episode,
Until next time, have a fun day.
.
If you haven’t done so yet, make sure up sign up for the INNsider Tips, say hi on social and join one of our groups. And make sure you get your free copy of the “How to Improve Your Hospitality Properties Success” eBook.
.
You can find all the links in the show notes.
.
⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:
https://keystonehpd.com/12-things-to-consider-when-buying-hotel-furniture-314
.
“The Guide to Owning & Operating a Hospitality Property – Successfully” course.
https://KeystoneHPD.com/Course
.
..
.
Did you get your copy of the “How to Improve Your Hospitality Properties Success” ebook?
KeystoneHPD.com/How-to-Improve-Your-Hospitality-Properties-Success
.
.
.
Get Your INNsider Tips
.
.
Join one of your private groups
https://keystonehpd.com/private-groups
.
.
Say hi on social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KeystoneHPD
.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeystoneHPD
.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/keystone-hospitality-development
.
.
Listen to The Hospitality Property School PODCAST here
keystonehpd.com/hospitality-property-school-podcasts
.
.
YouTube
.
.
A Division of Keystone Hospitality Property Development
