In this world there are many hotels that are proud of their beautiful architecture. Dolder Grand in Switzerland, The Langham Chicago, Hotel ME London and Hongta Hotel in Shanghai, China, are examples of stellar designs that are breathtaking. But there is another reason that makes all these institutions unique - they managed to do something that was considered impossible before - a balanced form with the function and efficiency of working with an attractive design, without sacrificing class or style.
But what is operational efficiency?
Operational efficiency is carried out in several forms and is not limited to intelligent design, which simplifies the work of staff and maintenance. It also has much in common with internal energy efficiency, waste management, the use of smart equipment and efficient layouts, a design that avoids the collision of guest movements and services and the use of suitable materials that provide a huge return on your hard-earned investments.
Let me take a look at several aspects of designing an efficiently operational hotel.
The future is today
If you simply give priority to small, immediate benefits in terms of cheaper, more consumable materials, you are at a difficult time. You may have significantly less investment, but in the end it will be a nightmare for maintenance. This approach neglects the long-term health of the building, and you will spend more than before.
Elements of a hard surface are very favorable. For example, consider the use of wood vinyl flooring over carpet. It is not only more efficient, durable and easy to maintain, but also has a classier feel. Carpets tend to get dirty faster, require more cleaning, generate high equipment costs and take up more labor.
Another great way to save space is the preferred showers compared to the bathtubs in the bathroom - this results in no vacuuming and less space for cleaning.
Thanks to this, hard surface elements can always be repaired with textiles, which add color and vibration depending on your design. This type of repair is also easier in your pocket.
Minimization of goods (furniture made of solid materials) is also reasonable. When you decide to change soft products, this option makes it cheaper and leads to less downtime.
Lighting and air conditioning
Traditional lamps can give you a sophisticated look, but they require more maintenance, as they tend to have glass coatings that are prone to debris, dirt and insects. In addition, energy consumption is higher, and waste disposal is a nightmare due to hazardous materials found in these lights.
Currently, LEDs are incredibly versatile designs and saves money during construction and operation. They also average only 20 percent of the cost of electricity associated with traditional lighting. Although we understand that the effect of incandescent bulbs is difficult to achieve with LEDs, some areas, such as signage, guest rooms, lobbies, and conference rooms, can be optimized to use energy-efficient lighting solutions.
The presence sensors are also great because they save you a lot of money by turning off ventilation and lighting when no one is nearby. Since coverage is required around the clock due to security and other measures, it is necessary to minimize costs if necessary. Night light alternatives are great, especially for backups.
HVAC needs constant monitoring, and you need to remove hard points for air and water at the desired temperatures. Switching to an IoT-based, centrally managed system that is responsive and dynamic can be expensive, but it will lead to huge savings. IoT also allows you to track devices for maintenance and service, which, if ignored, can lead to many other costs.
Other recommendations in this area include:
- Equipping vending machine lights with sensors
- Retrofit backlighting with low watt alternatives
- Reduced tent lighting
Use hotel spaces dynamically so that you don’t have to create additional structures or decommission existing ones.
For example, common tables can work as bars during the night and can serve as breakfast during the day. Hilton Tru & in Virginia used all its spaces for multi-functionality. They have a huge lobby called “The Hive”, which they divide into four zones:
- Working area with working space and cubes for focusing
- Living room, for communal activities
- Indoor play area
- The food area is round, so it also doubles as a reception desk with space for snacks and light meals.
Technical Edge
Taking into account guest preferences can be difficult. It is even harder to keep track of all changes in preferences and to wrap your head with technological updates.
While the rooms themselves have a lifespan, a technician can get information for a short period of time — sometimes months, if not years. This is a problem that many are trying to get around, and the only material solution is to allow a flexible architecture that can easily accommodate these changes.
In addition, the use of analytics and big data will help you better understand your consumer base, which, in turn, will not give you gross shocks when it comes to the introduction of design or new fixtures.
Individualism
New travelers are mostly thousands of years old. Companies like AirBnB have witnessed the stellar growth of their business because of how personalized their listings are, and the kind of hyper-local experience they smoke.
Branded hotels are facing a problem in this regard, and it is recommended to retool the design to reflect this. When using materials, for example, choose materials from local sources that promote local connections with artisans and other suppliers. Having a strong network helps strengthen your atmosphere to reflect this local element.
Do not limit the possibilities of your hotel in the space that you have. However, other links with experience that are regional will help you personalize further. You have a different experience from each company property, which should eliminate monolithic feelings.
The element "geographical" design is also needed. Your design must have a deviation. In cold weather, walls that are better insulated can lead to huge energy savings in the form of energy consumption required to heat the property. The same applies to the areas of freedom of natural disasters that need adaptive structures.
It also comes to life when differentiation is placed in the picture. Design elements should act as differentiators, repeating the brand’s universal identity. Design for different segments of your guests and act on their words, otherwise it may seem absurd. For businessmen and corporations, the atmosphere in the room should be more orderly and focused on minimal placement. For families, accommodation should be more convenient for children. For travelers looking for a truly unique experience, explore the latest functional quirks in design.
Note that the segments also bleed into each other, so being on top of your game will be necessary.
When it comes to it, work efficiency is not difficult. You need to act with forethought and keep a big picture in your head. It is not enough to fulfill only your short-term goals and take measures that are not cost-effective in the long run. Sustainable existence should be a priority for hotels, and from the first day they should take into account his game plan. When operational efficiency governs all your decisions, you are wrongfully mistaken.
