Constructing a hotel or any other type of hospitality facility is a unique and complex undertaking. From navigating strict regulations and standards to balancing design and functionality, the challenges of hospitality construction have increased significantly over the past decade. Furthermore, the fast-paced nature of the industry means that deadlines are tight and budgets are constrained. Balancing those factors with the need for innovation due to increased competition is no easy task.
However, with the right strategies and best practices in place, developers can successfully navigate these challenges and deliver high-quality, profitable projects that meet the needs of guests and stakeholders alike. In this blog post, we will provide practical advice for developers in the hospitality construction industry.
8 Best Practices in Hospitality Construction
Here are a few best practices we’ve learned after decades of experience building and renovating hotels:
1. Identify foundational issues or site challenges for large-scale projects.
Building a new hotel can come with a range of site challenges and foundational issues that developers must address to ensure a successful project. Depending on the location, a developer should be prepared to deal with site challenges for urban development, subsurface conditions, and seasonal factors that could impact a project. Foundational issues could include poor subsurface conditions, inadequate drainage, and the need for complex engineering solutions to overcome obstacles like underground utilities or water sources. Identifying and addressing these challenges during the preconstruction phase is crucial to avoiding costly delays and ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the hotel structure.
2. Prepare for potential supply chain delays.
Compared to other types of commercial projects, the number of suppliers or locations a hotel might use for building materials or finishes can be significantly higher depending on the size and complexity of the project. In general, a large hotel may require dozens or even hundreds of suppliers and vendors to provide everything from furnishings and fixtures to building materials and equipment. For example, a luxury hotel might require custom-made furniture, high-end lighting fixtures, and bespoke artwork, each sourced from different suppliers or manufacturers.
In today’s environment, adequate planning and creative problem-solving are often necessary to prevent delays from derailing your construction project.
3. Design a cost-effective project that meets the expectations of today’s consumers.
Hotel construction today is not just about designing a building—it’s about creating an experience that flows seamlessly from check-in to check-out. Guests are looking for the total package—from the amenities to the experiences offered on-site. Many new hotels also require a substantial investment in technology. As a hotel developer or owner, you’re planning an infrastructure to support guests’ physical needs, aesthetic preferences, and technology requirements. Incorporating each of these aspects into a profitable end product can bring its own set of challenges.
4. Gain an understanding of the unique nuances of local codes, permits, and regulations.
Hospitality projects can be particularly challenging due to the unique requirements and specialized nature of the industry. Developers and contractors need to be aware of the specific industry regulations, such as fire safety and accessibility requirements.
Navigating the complex world of regulations and approvals can also be challenging. From zoning and planning requirements to building codes and permits, regulations often vary from one city to the next. It’s important to understand the regulatory hurdles that could impact each project.
5. Balance industry trends with a long-term perspective to maximize the value of your project.
The trends shaping the hospitality industry have changed drastically in the past decade. While these might attract guests in the short term, we’ve found that taking a long view is the best way to maximize the long-term value of a project or property. By balancing emerging trends with a long-term view, hotel developers can make informed decisions that maximize the hotel’s value over the long term, ensuring that the hotel remains competitive, profitable, and sustainable for years to come.
6. Invest in sustainability and efficient products.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the hospitality industry. Developers need to ensure that their projects meet high environmental standards while also delivering value to investors and guests. This may involve incorporating venerable energy sources, using sustainable materials and construction methods, and optimizing energy and water usage.
7. Communicate regularly with stakeholders to keep your project on schedule.
The fast-paced nature of the hospitality industry means that developers need to work efficiently and effectively to meet tight deadlines and keep costs under control. This requires careful planning during pre-construction and effective communication between all stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and hotel operators.
8. Partner with a local contractor who has experience navigating potential issues.
One of the best ways to navigate the unique challenges of hospitality construction is to partner with a local contractor who has experience building or renovating hotels. Hiring a local general contractor offers several benefits —from their knowledge of local codes and regulations to their network of trade partners and suppliers.
Crain Construction: A Top Contractor for Hospitality Projects in Nashville
At Crain, we’ve had the privilege of building and renovating dozens of hotels and hospitality projects in and around Nashville over the years. Here are just a few highlights from our portfolio:
- Element Hotel in Nashville — A LEED-certified hotel in a mixed-use development.
- Fairlane Hotel — Adaptive reuse and renovation project in downtown Nashville.
- Hilton Franklin — Award-winning prototype for Hilton properties in the southeast.
- Hampton Inn Downtown Nashville — Our first hotel project in Downtown Nashville.
If you’re interested in learning more about our unique approach or discussing your next hospitality project, we’d love to talk. Contact our team today to learn how Crain can help you build a project you’ll be proud of for decades to come.
