There are many hotels in this world that pride themselves on their beautiful architecture. The Dolder Grand in Switzerland, The Langham Chicago, Hotel ME London and Hongta Hotel in Shanghai, China are examples of stellar design that simply takes your breath away. But there is yet another reason that makes all of these establishments unique: they have managed to do something previously thought to be impossible: balance form with function and combined operational efficiency with eye-catching design, without compromising class or style of no way. .

But what exactly is operational efficiency?

Operational efficiency comes in many forms and is not limited to smart design that streamlines the movement of staff and services. It also has a lot to do with internal energy efficiency, waste management, the use of smart equipment and efficient layouts, a layout that avoids conflict between guest movements and services, and the use of the right materials that provide returns. massive amounts of your hard-earned investment.

Let’s take a look at some aspects of designing an operationally efficient hotel.

The future is now

If you simply prioritize short-term gains in terms of cheap, more expendable materials, you’re in for a tough time. You may have a significantly smaller investment, but this will eventually be a maintenance nightmare. This approach neglects the long-term health of the building and will cost much more than it would have initially.

Hard surface items are very favorable. For example, consider using wood-grain vinyl flooring instead of carpet. Not only is it more efficient, durable and easier to maintain, it also has a sleeker feel. Carpets tend to get dirty faster, require more cleaning, cost more equipment, and require more labor.

Another great way to save space is to prefer showers over bathtubs in your bathroom space; this results in no vacuuming and a smaller space to clean.

On top of that, hard-surfaced items can always be refreshed with the help of textiles, adding color and vibrancy depending on your design choices. This type of renewal is also easier on the pocketbook.

It is also prudent to minimize box goods (furniture made of hard materials). When you decide to change soft items, this option makes it more economical and reduces downtime.

Lighting and HVAC Upgrades

Traditional light fixtures can give you an ornate look, but they require more maintenance as they typically have glass covers that are prone to collecting debris, dirt, and insects. Also, power consumption is higher and waste disposal is a nightmare due to the hazardous materials found in these lights.

LEDs today have incredibly versatile designs and save costs when it comes to construction and operations. They also average just 20 percent of the electricity costs associated with traditional lighting. While we understand that incandescent lighting effects are difficult to achieve with LEDs, some areas such as signage, guest rooms, lobbies, and conference spaces can be optimized using energy efficient lighting solutions.

Occupancy sensors are also great as they save you a lot of money by turning off the ventilation and lights when no one is around. Since 24/7 lighting is required due to security and other measures, it is necessary to minimize costs when necessary. Night light alternatives are great, especially for backup.

HVAC needs constant monitoring and you must remove rigid points to deliver air and water at desired temperatures. Switching to a centrally managed, IoT-based system that is responsive and dynamic can be expensive to get started, but it will result in tremendous savings. IoT also allows you to monitor units for upkeep and upkeep, which if neglected can lead to a host of other costs.

Other recommendations in this area include:

• Equip vending machine lights with sensors

• Backroom Lighting Retrofit with Energy Efficient Alternatives

• Dim the canopy lighting

Versatile Spaces

Use hotel spaces dynamically so you don’t have to build additional structures or dismantle existing ones.

For example, communal tables can function as bars at night and serve breakfast during the day. Hilton’s ‘Tru’ in Virginia has used all its spaces for multifunctionality. They have a huge lobby called ‘The Hive’, which they divide into four zones:

1. The work area with desk space and cubes to concentrate.

2. The lounge area, for community activity

3. A playground, for indoor games.

4. An eating area that is circular, so it also works as a reception with space for light meals and snacks.

Keeping such considerations in mind, the aesthetic, yet functional design can be easily implemented.

The technological advantage

Taking guest preferences into account can be difficult. What’s even harder is keeping up with all the changes in preferences and thinking about technology upgrades.

While the rooms themselves have a lifespan of years, the technology can become outdated in a short amount of time, sometimes months, if not years. This is a problem that many are trying to solve, and the only tangible solution is to enjoy an agile architecture that can easily adapt to these changes.

Also, using analytics and big data will help you better understand your consumer base, which, in turn, won’t surprise you when it comes to implementing a design or new accessories.

Individualism

The new travelers are mostly millennials. Companies like AirBnB are seeing a stellar increase in their business due to how personalized their listings are and the type of hyper-local experiences they have been hosting.

Branded hotels are challenged in this regard, and modernizing the design to reflect this is highly recommended. When using materials, for example, choose locally sourced materials that foster local links with artisans and other vendors. Having a strong network helps amplify your atmosphere to reflect that local element.

Don’t limit your hotel experience to the space you own. However, other links to experiences that are regional will help you further customize. From each branded property you have, a different experience should emerge to remove the monolithic feeling.

The ‘geographical’ design element is also essential. Your design should exhibit variation. In cold climates, better insulating walls can result in huge savings in the form of energy consumption required to heat the property. The same goes for disaster-prone areas that need adaptable structures.

This also comes into play when differentiation is staged. Design elements should act as differentiators, echoing a versatile brand identity. Design for different segments of your guests, and act accordingly, otherwise it may seem absurd. For businessmen and companies, the room environment should be more streamlined and focused on minimal occupancy. For families, accommodations should be more suitable for children. For travelers looking for a truly unique experience, check out the latest functional quirks in design.

Keep in mind that the segments are mixed into each other as well, so staying on top of your gameplay will be essential.

When it comes down to it, operational efficiency isn’t hard to achieve. You need to act with foresight and take the big picture into account. It’s not enough to just stick to your short-term goals and take actions that aren’t profitable in the long-term. Sustainable existence must become a priority for hotels and they must include it in their game plan from day one. Once operational efficiencies are driving all your decisions, you’re unlikely to get off track.