The Refinishing Touch Blog

We’re committed to delivering value for money to all our customers, and always have been. In the current climate this is more important than ever, and most forecasts predict that the years of simply replacing outdated or worn furnishings are gone. The new watchword for the hotel industry is renew.

From Marriott to Starwood, all the major chains are rolling out significant reburbishment plans alongside their global construction plans – and in the case of Choice Hotels, they’re refurbishing almost to rooms for every new room they bring online.

Good news for us at TRT, certainly, but also recognition of the fact that, whilst the worst of the financial crisis of the past couple of years may have passed, the effects of 2008 – 2009 will linger for some time to come. Refurbishing and refinishing rooms shouldn’t be seen as a lesser option, however. With the techniques we use, it’s a quick, cost-effective way to keep your rooms looking their best, and clean, well appointed rooms can be the difference between a recommendation and a lukewarm review. Even the Las Vegas resort hotels, famous for being in a constant state of change, are opting for renewal – with the high-end Wynn Las Vegas about to renovate every single one of its 2,700 rooms. The only question for hotel mangers is this: if everyone else is doing it, why aren’t you?

Labels: Choice Hotels, Hotel Industry, Marriott, renovation, Starwood, Wynn

It isn't often we hear about changes at the C-level within major hotel brands. However when announcements at this level of change and restructuring are made, we are often left wondering what the new structure of the organization will look like and what impacts, if any, the changes will have on the brand itself. Change can breathe new life into an organization. We saw this last week when Starwood Hotels and Resorts took its solid existing reputation for innovation internally and made itself an example of positive change.

Starwood announced a restructuring of its senior leadership with the appointment of Matthew E. Avril as the new president of Starwood's Hotel Group last week. And as stated by the company 'to better position for long term growth,' the new appointment came along with naming Avril's former co- president, Sergio Rivera as sole head of Starwood's Vacation Ownership unit bearing a new title as the CEO of SVO. Each will continue to work under Frits van Paasschen, president and CEO of Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

In statements made last week by Starwood, the changes are a response to 'current economic conditions.' From our perspective it is also a gesture towards an organizational change in a positive, proactive direction. In an industry where economic instability has begun to make its presence known, Starwood's efforts are being put forth to "continue to grow its global footprint" working toward efficiency initiatives across all of its brands. Paasschen was quoted saying that they are "working to streamline the organization, reduce costs, improve efficiency and ensure properly structuring for long term growth."

The restructuring isn't the only recent news about Starwood. As green initiatives continue to make their presence known, Starwood remains a leader in the industry's movement toward efficiency change and improvements. They have recently become America's first LEED-certified hotel brand with the development of their newest brand, Element by Starwood.

We here at The Refinishing Touch are proud to hear of the positive change that is rapidly spreading throughout our industry and are anxious to see what the efforts of Starwood's newest leaders will bring. We wish them every success in their new positions and their new strategy.

Labels: Green, Hospitality, Starwood