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In the current climate this is more important than ever, and most forecasts predict that the years of simply replacing outdated or worn furnishings are gone.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

As a specialist in the preservation and sustainability of furniture assets, we work with hospitality clients that range from large chains that are household names, to smaller boutique customers. This provides us an invaluable broad, first-hand view of the hospitality market.

We've noticed that across California, renovation projects are underway to drive new business to hotels. Two good examples are the Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs and the Wyndham Palm Springs in sunny Palm Springs, CA. The hotels are renovating their hotel exteriors and guest rooms – between them to the tune of$35 million - with plans to finish by mid-to-late fall. The Wyndham will also be changing its flag to that of a Renaissance.

These hotels' renovations follow in the footsteps of several other Palm Springs hotels, such as the Riviera Resort and Spa, Holiday Inn Palm Springs City Center and Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, all of which have spent millions of dollars in upgrades since 2004.

The reasons behind the growing number of hotel renovations in the area are many, and the drive for greener hotels is certainly one of those, and yet there is one over-riding driver - competition.

As technology advances and new trends develop, hotels need to keep up with each other as well as the desires and needs of demanding consumers.

In Palm Springs projects have focused on technological improvements, such as enhanced internet access and new gadget charging stations, as well as the introduction of more ecologically sound materials. Keeping up-to-date is especially important to the Wyndham in Palm Springs, where the new convention center has brought in a wealth of new customers. These consumers want to stay in quality hotels that deliver a great guest experience, but they also want to support chains that meet their greener values.

Should hotels feel forced to evaluate their offerings and upgrade in these ways? We would argue that with continued fierce competition for hotel guests combined with an ever-increasing public awareness of greener hospitality, many hotels are discovering they simply cannot afford not to.

Labels: Hospitality, renovation, Sustainability

During this tough economic climate, the hotel industry along with others are re-evaluating business practices and devising plans to sustain. It's important to focus on sustaining current hotel properties by looking at existing assets for the short term in order to thrive in the long run.

In a recent article entitled 'Hotels Try to Adapt to Hard Times,' the focus was on the hotel industry's resolve to attract travelers during this slump. Last year, the Sheraton had 54 new hotels financed which are scheduled to open this year, at a rate of one every three weeks. These new hotels are opening during a challenging time when existing hotels are currently struggling to sell existing rooms.

To save, hotels are exploring closing on-site gyms, decreasing room service hours of operation, reducing operating hours of business centers and closing floors. While these are options, they are not the only solutions.

It's time to focus on asset management. It's time to take funds for outfitting new properties and look at ways to enhance existing hotels with the assets they have on site. We, at The Refinishing Touch, believe in the three R's - refurbish, refinish and reupholster, to make existing assets as good as new, as a solution to help. Furniture may look worn or outdated, but this is no reason to opt to buy new - no matter the state of the economic climate. It is cost efficient and more effective to utilize and update existing assets to save on the bottom line.

Labels: Asset Management, Business, hotel, renovation

As we approach the end of the year, 2009 seems like a terrifying time for many businesses. 'Turbulent' is a word that could describe the world's economy all to well. As many companies struggle with the state of the economy and what lies ahead they are also striving to achieve measureable results corresponding with profitability and growth. We believe it is about how you react to these unstable times that will truly measure your organization's success.

What will be the driving force behind many companies' positive change during this chaotic economy?
Leadership. Leadership can and must come at every level. Companies may find themselves looking for a solution to set them apart or revamp themselves as a whole to stand out as a company that is doing things the right way or differently to survive a tough time. Empowering leaders at all levels will help be a driving force in the success of a company.

We, at The Refinishing Touch, believe in innovation and leadership. Looking at new ways to use existing assets or ways to go green while saving green can help businesses sustain the turbulent times ahead. The Refinishing Touch helps many companies save time and money by refinishing and re-upholstery existing furniture assets. Sometimes it's the smallest changes that can make the biggest differences in an organization. We'll continue to look at the current economic climate and how it affects business today while also helping to keep you empowered to survive during these tumultuous times.

Labels: 2009, economy, Green, innovation, leader, leadership, renovation, turbulant

When students visit college campuses, what they notice first is how the campus looks. Campuses where everything looks old and dingy are unattractive for students that are thinking of attending, and serve as a constant reminder for students already there that a transfer is only a few paper shuffles away.

Keeping campuses looking new, and making the spaces within function better, can help attract and retain students. It contributes to the overall collegiate experience for individual students, and can alter fundamental group dynamics. It's not just about transforming: it's about sustainability and renovating spaces and furnishings to ensure that they are the best condition for students and staff.

Duke University's high-profile Perkins Project is moving close to completion. The project, which covers several library and campus buildings, was started in 2001 and has seen the redesign and renovation of library spaces, study rooms, the creation of a 24,000 square foot teaching and learning center and several new seminar rooms.

It strikes me that Duke has really reflected how space, furnishings and planning can create dynamic and inspirational teaching environments. The university has also applied sustainable principles to the project, from the reuse of construction materials, insulation and storm water collected for both irrigation and to contribute make-up water for a steam plant.

The Refinishing Touch team has worked with colleges and universities across the country, and we have seen the difference that well-planned and even simple changes can make to the learning environment. As these projects are based on grants and contributions and under the watchful eyes of trustees, it's essential that they balance being environmentally-friendly and cost-effective at the same time, which is why renovation and refurbishing is key.

The Perkins Project won't be fully completed until August 2011 when the final phase, its 1928 West Campus library building and 1948 addition, is ready for students to browse its shelves. But it's great to see such an innovative project maintain momentum, to show other educational institutions what imagination, planning and renovation can achieve.

Labels: Duke University, Perkins Project, renovation