If you’re in the hospitality industry, you know how important a first impression is to potential guests. And if you want to keep or increase your piece of the market share, it’s important to keep your motel both relevant and appealing.
A renovation can vary from upgrading your décor style by using reputable hotel furniture suppliers or adding some technological advancements. If you’re looking for a few tips and fresh ideas, we urge you to keep reading.
Necessary Motel Renovations to Improve Popularity
In the Australian hospitality industry, there isn’t a hard and fast rule that determines how often a renovation should be done. However, to remain current and keep your premises appealing to potential guests, it’s necessary to budget for renovations and upgrades at least every few years. Some of the best ways to keep your motel trendy are highlighted below.
1. Update Your First Impression
The first impression guests get from your motel stems from the exterior. It’s important to create an inviting facade that’s both clean and stylish. Some tips to improve your motel’s exterior include:
- Repair any signs of ageing on the motel’s exterior. This includes cracks, holes or any other exposed damage.
- Plant an eco-friendly garden by planting native plants that are both appealing and attract pollinators.
- Update the signage to be energy efficient but functional.
- Replace exterior lighting with eco-friendly LED bulbs. Upgrade the lights in your parking area to make sure there are no dark spots where guests could feel unsafe.
2. Create an Inviting Entrance
The purpose of your entrance is to greet guests as they walk into your motel. It will set the tone of their visit and you want them to feel as welcome as possible. Many motels opt for a cosy lobby atmosphere. This is how you can create a more inviting space here:
- Provide ample and comfortable seating.
- Lighting in the lobby should be both soft and warm.
- Keep in mind that guests have travelled to reach you, so a good touch is to provide a refreshment station with fresh coffee, tea and juice.
- Although many people prefer to read their news digitally these days, a small newspaper rack is still a nice touch. A few local newspapers and magazines will let guests know what’s happening in the area.
- A digital concierge system in the lobby will allow guests to access relevant information such as local attractions, current weather reports, available services and reviews.
3. Upgrade Public Areas
Guests appreciate the comforts of modern amenities. Upgrading your public areas is an ideal way to show guests that your space is modern and user-friendly:
- Create some semi-private spaces where guests can make private calls or work on their laptops if necessary. Ensure that these areas have easy access to complimentary WI-FI.
- Use digital signage to display important weather updates, reminders of big sporting games or schedules of events happening at or around your motel.
- There should also be spaces where guests can interact with each other such as a community dining area, an open game room or even an outdoor barbeque area that’s picnic friendly.
- Create a space where children can play and stay entertained, while staying safe.
4. Improve the Amenities In Every Room
As part of your interior upgrade, consider some modern furniture. A reputable hotel refurbishment supplier will be able to assist you with the perfect furnishings to match your décor style. Other ways to improve your motel room experience include:
- Ensure that each room has a table for guests who need to work
- Upgrade to smart technology features such as temperature and light control
- Provide easy-to-use charging stations compatible with standard devices
- Renovate the bathrooms to create a spa experience by opting for luxury linens, towels and robes
- Upgrade shower heads to innovative low-usage massing heads
- Install jets in the luxury room baths
- Streamline furniture to create more space for guests’ luggage
- Add a guest chair
5. Digital Renovations
To compete with other motels, hotels and B&Bs, it’s necessary to invest in digital renovation. The purpose of this upgrade would be to simplify processes and reduce waiting times. The more efficient your motel is, the better your guest experience will be. Consider integrated hotel software, mobile check-in software and various hotel automation tools to streamline and improve your motel’s profits and processes.
Final Thought
Cash in on the booming tourist business by giving your motel a modern and relevant upgrade. For motels working on a limited budget, consider planning your renovation in stages. This approach will also prevent too much disruption.
Be sure to schedule your revamp during off seasons and use contractors with adequate experience in the industry. They will understand the importance of getting the job done before your busy season starts. You’d be surprised how a renovation and modernisation can boost your motel’s bottom line!
