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THE RIGHTS AND WRONGS OF HOTEL REFURBS While a costly, time-consuming and logistically challenging renovation is feared by many hotel owners, Daniel During, principal and managing director of Thomas Klein International, a Dubai-based hospitality and F&B consultancy firm, highlights the correct way to approach a property refurb and explains how international events are motivating hotels to undergo a facelift.
Sooner or later, hoteliers need to take a hard look at refurbishments to avoid the more costly risk of a devaluated property or loss of overall appeal. The challenge also lies in knowing when it’s time to renovate, as not all properties will have obvious signs of fading paint, wornout carpets or outdated furnishings to support the decision-making process. Lately, however, global events seem to have impacted hotel refurbishments. This poses the question: How far in advance is it best to renovate ahead of an international event?
FIFA 2022 – Doha The 2022 FIFA World Cup is increasingly solidifying Qatar’s reputation and image on the hospitality scene. The Gulf state plans to grow its hotel offering with two
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of Accor’s most exemplary hotel brands: Fairmont and Raffles at the iconic Katara Towers. While hotel development is considered a milestone for the hospitality sector and Qatar as a whole, existing hotel groups are also upgrading their services to remain competitive. Having opened in 2005, the Four Seasons hotel in Doha completed a property-wide transformation in March 2020, introducing new suites, dining outlets and lobby to match the expectations of today’s seasoned traveler. When it comes to hotel refurbishments, the challenge lies in determining the extent to which properties needs to be upgraded and deciding between a full closure versus a partial one.
The Marriott hotel will undergo a full property revamp for the first time since its opening in 1973. Enhancements will impact the food and beverage offerings, public areas and guest rooms. In this case, disruption in hotel operations may result in a loss of market share and repeat clientele. However, in the meantime, extensive planning of promotional strategies to relaunch the newly refurbished hotel can take place. If executed successfully, the outcome may be positive: increased occupancy, new guests and retention of loyal customers.
Covid-19 pandemic The pandemic threw a spanner in the works, disrupting the hotel industry and putting development plans on hold. Hotel owners and travelers had to adapt to new
