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COVID furnishes an opportunity for change
By Grantlee Kieza, Industry Reporter
It might be a quiet time for Australian hotels during the COVID-19 crisis, but many are busier than ever with refurbishments. Low occupancy rates mean it is a perfect time for new fitouts as there is very little disturbance to guests. But Michael Johnson, the CEO of Tourism Accommodation Australia, warns hotel operators considering buying new furniture from overseas to visit the factories in person to see it being produced. He says while every hotel is different when it comes to furnishings, boutique luxury
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AccomNews - Spring 2020
Low occupancy rates mean it is a perfect time for new fitouts
hotels often employ a more “eclectic style” and source their products from within Australia. “In many luxury hotels selected furniture pieces will be sourced and often chosen because they are as pleasing to the eye as they are comfortable,” he said. “Often property managers at luxury hotels will be working along with furniture designers in Australia and the pieces will
be of very high quality with a time-frame of many years. Luxury furniture is not usually updated as often as cheaper items because it lasts longer and looks good for longer.” He said “in the mid-range properties” furniture was usually more minimalistic, more userfriendly and chosen for durability. “A lot of budget furniture can look good initially, but
REFURBISHMENT
its longevity is often shortlived and will often have to be replaced in two or three years.” He said that in the four to fourand-a-half-star market most hotel furniture was being produced in China and he recommended those tasked with procuring fittings for hotels to visit the factories where it was made. “People buying furniture for hotels have to be mindful that it comes from different factories and that the quality will be different in each of those places,” Mr Johnson said. “It’s quite critical when buying furniture that you actually go and see how that furniture is being produced and how it is coming off the line. You have to do the due diligence and speak to other hoteliers who have used the product. www.accomnews.com.au
