Your bedrooms can be a big part of making or breaking the success of your hotel, self-catering accommodation or B&B – after all, your guests will spend most of their time there.
I’ve created a handy guide to help you get started when you refurbish or re-design your bedrooms. It’s crucial your bedroom is welcoming and comfortable but also that it functions well and allows your guests to do everything they need to easily Having a well designed bedroom will enhance the stay of your guests and ensure they come back again and also ensures a good review. If you’d like specific help designing your own bedrooms give me a shout. Let’s explore some of the things you should consider when designing your accommodation bedrooms.
1. Budget
Whilst a refurbishment can have often have an effect on your bottom line by being able to charge a higher room price, be careful not to overspend. How long is the lifespan of the products, décor or furniture? Don’t get carried away and run out of money. Make sure the basics are there before the fun stuff. It’s more important to buy a quality mattress for instance, than to have to buy a budget one as you spent hundreds of pounds on a flashy mirror. A nicer mirror and further accessories can always come later when you’ve made some money. If the basics are not right, your guests won’t become repeat ones.
2. Customer expectation
Customer expectations are rising constantly. Small dark rooms with tiny en-suites are no longer acceptable. Make sure you think of the market you’re trying to attract and also future proof the room. Guests will want at least what they have at home as a minimum.
3. Planning
Think about supplying good lighting for all tasks, plug sockets in the right locations and the layout of the room. Make these decisions before thinking about things like plastering or decorating.
4. Bed
The thing your guests will do most in the room is sleep, so make sure you invest in a good bed, mattress, pillows and bedding. A poor night’s sleep will ruin a stay, no matter how good every other aspect of the stay is.
5. Ensuite
If you’re going for a high-end market then ensure the bathroom feels as luxurious as the bedroom. No matter what you do to the bedroom, if the bathroom is pokey with old fashioned tiles your guests will feel let down. If the suite is white, it may mean you can get away with just tiling over the old tiles if the room size is ok.
6. Design
Just like your breakfast needs to look visually appealing to enjoy it, the environment you create in your bedrooms also need to be. You’ll need a cohesive colour scheme and theme. Consider your target demographic and match your style accordingly. If you’re going for luxury, you’ll want rich colours and fabrics rather than minimalism and white walls. If you’re marketing to contractors, they won’t want lots of flowery bedspreads and four poster beds. A well-thought-out design will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
7. Lighting
There’s nothing worse than a bedroom with insufficient lighting. There was a time when it was considered acceptable to have a one bulb pendant in the middle of the ceiling. Even worse, it now appears to be fashionable for many hotel chains to just have spot lights around the room or even just lamps. Every room should have an overhead light for general high level lighting. There should be lamps for mood lighting, and reading lights for in bed and the chairs. Lights next to mirrors help with the putting on of make up. Adding dimmer switches to lights makes for the ultimate flexibility.
8. Technology
Everyone is used to tech in their homes. From Smart TVs to iPads, fast wi-fi to movie streaming, your guests will have it at home. Unless you are creating a “no technology” retreat in the middle of no-where, then you need to ensure your guests have the ability to access the internet easily in all bedrooms at the very least. Remember that technology changes quickly so make sure it can be replaced, updated, or removed easily. Also think about usability. A flashy lighting system or shower might sound good but if it needs an 80 page manual and a degree to operate it then it has no place in a hotel room. Guests will probably bring plenty of their own tech with them too so ensure you’ve got enough easily accessible plug or USB sockets for them to use.
9. Usability
Think about how the room will be used – don’t just make everything look great but an annoyance to use. The first thing l want is a cup of tea when I arrive (if I’m not offered a complimentary welcome drink which would be the best option). I don’t want to have to play hunt the kettle and find it hidden in the wardrobe, then uncurl the wire, clear a space on the dressing table for the tray then try and find a plug socket. When I’ve made the tea, I expect the bin to be next to me, not to drip tea whilst I walk across the room. Sleep in the room yourself before letting guests in there to check if tweaks are needed.
10. Space
Guests will bring along a varying amount of luggage with them. There should be space for their bags or cases then ample surfaces to place books, car keys and wallet, toiletries, hand bag, mugs, glasses and all manner of other belongings. The more surface space and shelving the better.
11. Window coverings
As we’ve established, sleep is important and most guests will want to sleep in a dark, quiet room at the right temperature. Ensure you have black out curtains or blinds, well fitting windows to shut out any noise, no ticking clocks in the room, and the ability to heat or cool a room to the desired temperature.
12. Durability
Use materials that are long-lasting and repel dirt and stains. Some paints are made to be wiped down. Do you need glass tops on wooden furniture? Do you have big enough splash back areas? Can the carpet be scrubbed and bleached? Is the bed base upholstered in a dark colour so you don’t see the kick marks? Will your runner and cushion covers wash easily and dry quickly?
Conclusion
Don’t rush into a bedroom refurbishment or creation. Designing a B&B or hotel bedroom requires detailed planning and a thoughtful approach to your guests and how they will use the room. By considering the factors above, you can create a welcoming and memorable space that not only meets the needs of your guests but also enhances their overall experience, setting the stage for positive reviews and repeat business.
I hope you found this blog on the refurbishment of your B&B and hotel bedrooms useful.
If you’d like help designing your rooms, or would like me to road test your new or existing bedrooms, please contact me.
You can email me at info@NeonDuck.co.uk
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