Hoteliers are being hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis, witnessing historically low customer demand, reduced rates, and unprecedented cancellations. But some are seeing light at the end of a very long tunnel and are making the best of the slowdown. Recognizing now is the ideal time to get construction projects completed, they are tackling everything from major Property Improvement Plans (PIP) to small but important maintenance jobs.
“With interest rates nearing zero, funding a hotel renovation has never been more affordable. Also, hotel construction typically involves disruption of operations and guest services, so timing a renovation during this low demand period couldn’t work out better,” said Sam Cicero, President of Cicero’s Development Corp., a general contractor specializing in renovating hospitality properties. “Finally, with economic reports suggesting more new hotels will be coming online over the next couple years, renovation is key to remaining competitive.”
Two areas ripe for renovation are ADA compliance measures and the installation of sustainability technology into operations. If a hotel owner decides to make lemonade out of this sour situation by investing in improvements, Cicero suggests these two projects can help maximize your returns when the economy re-opens.
ADA Compliance: Hotels have increasingly been the targets of ADA Title III lawsuits. A handicapped guest who feels that they have been discriminated against by a hotel’s lack of effort to remove barriers can hire an attorney and file suit in Federal Court. If you are not sure about what needs to be done in your hotel for compliance, consider retaining an access specialist to perform an ADA inspection. For example, hotels must set aside a required number of accessible guest rooms depending on their key count. Accessible guest rooms must be dispersed among the various classes of guest rooms, and provide choices of types of guest rooms, number of beds, and other amenities comparable to the choices provided to other guests. To meet ADA compliance requirements a hotel owner should consider:
- Upgrading public and company restrooms
- Widening door frames and installing accessible hardware on doors
- Adjusting water fountains
- Replacing problematic flooring
- Adding railings or grab bars in appropriate locations
- Creating or improving accessible parking
- Installing ramps or creating curb cuts at entrances
- Rearranging furniture and other features to reduce barriers to service.
Sustainability: Plumbing, lighting and HVAC are major expenses for every hotel. Deploying LED lighting, low-flow showers, dual-flush toilets, EnergyStar® systems, and faucet aerators will reduce utility costs compared to traditional products by 15-30 percent or more. In addition, there are often utility rebates, tax breaks and government grants that reward owners for being good stewards of the environment. Taking these steps can also increase the overall customer experience by promoting staying in a green building. Many states and federal agencies have government issued mandates requiring employees traveling on business to stay in green hotels.
For more information visit https://www.cicerosdev.com.
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Founded in 1970, Cicero’s Development Corporation is an established General Contractor specializing in commercial renovation.
www.cicerosdev.com.
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Cicero’s Development Corporation is an established General Contractor specializing in commercial renovation for 50 years. Headquartered in Plainfield, Ill., the Cicero’s team brings decades of commercial renovation experience, and is comprised of in-house architect and design teams, experienced project superintendents and foremen, and highly skilled craftsmen. Cicero’s superior workmanship, attention to detail and project management leadership fuels the company’s complete on-time and on budget project track record.
