In Nashville’s competitive hospitality industry, guest experience is everything. Amenities play a crucial role in shaping a guest’s decision and overall satisfaction. It’s not just about a room; it’s about the experience.
At Crain Construction, we’ve had the privilege of building numerous hotels across Nashville. We recognize the importance of embracing hospitality trends that resonate with today’s travelers, while also implementing cost-saving strategies for hotel construction. In this article, we’re highlighting sought-after amenities shaping hotel construction and offering insights for developers looking to maximize their investment.
Top Hotel Amenities Shaping Hospitality Construction
The right amenities depend on a hotel’s target audience and location. Whether catering to families, business travelers, or luxury-seeking tourists, selecting the right features is key to long-term success. Here are some of the most sought-after hotel amenities today:
1. Standout Swimming Pools
For hotels targeting families or leisure travelers, a swimming pool is a must. But in today’s market, a simple pool isn’t enough. Unique and visually striking pools, such as infinity pools, rooftop pools, or those with built-in lounge areas, offer a “wow” factor that attracts guests and enhances their overall experience.
2. Luxurious Social Spaces
Upscale hotels in urban areas are prioritizing high-end restaurants, rooftop bars, and inviting communal spaces. These features not only enhance guest satisfaction but also attract locals, generating additional revenue streams. Thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces with fire pits, cozy seating, and city views are increasingly important for transforming hotels into lively social hubs.
3. Smart Meeting Spaces
Hotels catering to business travelers benefit from flexible meeting spaces. Companies and event planners seek venues that can easily accommodate group meetings, conferences, and networking events. Modular layouts, smart technology integration, and seamless connectivity are essential features in these spaces.
From Design to Completion: Construction Insights for Hotel Amenities
Building these amenities isn’t always easy. Completing a project on schedule and within budget requires careful planning and execution. Here’s what developers should keep in mind:
1. Preventing Water Intrusion: The Hidden Risk of Rooftop Terraces & Pools
Water intrusion can lead to significant long-term damage and costly repairs. Any amenity that involves water, like rooftop terraces or above-grade pools, needs extra attention to waterproofing. Proper planning and quality control are critical to prevent future issues.
Portfolio Example: Fairlane Hotel
When converting a former bank headquarters into The Fairlane Hotel, we helped transform the rooftop mechanical space into a 13th-floor penthouse with a wraparound terrace. This demanded meticulous waterproofing and quality control to ensure durability while maintaining the building’s character. Today, it’s a go-to spot for pop-up events in Nashville.
2. Early Planning for Pool Design: Navigating Local Regulations
Swimming pools come with strict health department guidelines, especially in Nashville. The Metro Public Health Department enforces stringent guidelines, which can be challenging for developers unfamiliar with Nashville building code requirements. If the swimming pool design is within our scope of work, we collaborate with designers who have established relationships with the Metro Public Health Department. If the design is handled by the owner’s team, we proactively coordinate early in the process to ensure seamless integration and compliance.
Portfolio Example: BNA Hilton Hotel
Our work on the BNA Hilton Hotel with Chartwell Hospitality required close collaboration with multiple regulatory agencies. The rooftop lounge and pool needed to meet both Metro Health Department codes and TSA security standards due to the hotel’s location next to the airport. Proper planning and detailed coordination were key for this award-winning project.
3. Smart Procurement Strategies: Managing Long Lead Times for High-End Features
Luxury amenities often require specialized materials or imported equipment. It’s essential to plan ahead to avoid delays and budget overruns. At Crain, we utilize smart procurement strategies during pre-construction, allowing us to anticipate these lead times and secure materials efficiently.
Portfolio Example: Element Hotel
While building the LEED-certified Element Nashville Vanderbilt West End hotel, we recognized a series of issues that could create long lead times. Our team proactively purchased wood early to mitigate rising costs. This saved our client thousands of dollars and kept the project on schedule.
Building Nashville’s Next Hospitality Landmark
Building a successful hotel in Nashville requires a deep understanding of the local market and a commitment to implementing best practices in hospitality construction.
At Crain Construction, we offer nearly a century of local expertise and a client-focused approach. We’d love to discuss how we can help you create a hotel that thrives in Nashville’s competitive hospitality industry. Contact us to begin the conversation.
