In the competitive world of hospitality, maintaining a relevant and successful brand requires a clear and well-structured strategy. Loly Figueroa, an expert in the hotel industry, shared in Espacios que hablan by U Interior Design her eight magic steps that can help you optimise your hotel brand and solve any problems that may arise. These steps are fundamental to ensure that every aspect of a hotel’s operation is aligned with its strategic objectives, improving both efficiency and customer experience.
1. Detailed analysis of operational challenges
The first essential step is to conduct a thorough analysis of the hotel’s operational challenges. This analysis identifies the key areas that need to be improved, such as staff efficiency, customer experience, and space management. A deep understanding of the day-to-day issues is crucial to developing effective solutions that optimise operations and ultimately improve the end product.
2. Collaboration between interior design and operational management
The second step focuses on close collaboration between the interior design team and the operational management team. It is critical that the two are aligned to ensure that design solutions support and enhance the day-to-day operations of the hotel. This collaboration ensures that the design is not only aesthetically appealing, but also functional and responsive to operational needs.
3. Functional design
Functional design is key to directly address the operational issues identified in the initial analysis. For example, optimising lobby design can significantly improve customer flow during check-in and check-out, which in turn improves the guest experience. A case in point is the intervention at the Ushuaïa Hotel, where the reception was redesigned taking into account specific details such as counter height to suit the particular needs of guests.
4. Technological innovation
Technology plays a crucial role in improving a hotel’s operational efficiency. From advanced management systems to more effective communication channels with guests, the integration of modern technology can take a hotel to another level. This innovation not only optimises operations, but can also improve the guest experience, making the hotel stand out in a competitive market.
5. Flexible spaces
The fifth step involves designing flexible spaces that adapt to different needs and situations. Hotels should have versatile areas that can be used for different purposes, from business meetings to social events. Flexibility in design ensures that the space can be used optimally, maximising its functionality and profitability.
6. Selection of materials and furniture
The choice of materials and furnishings is critical to ensure durability and functionality in a hotel environment. It is not just a matter of selecting visually appealing elements, but ensuring that these materials can withstand the intensive use they are subjected to in a hotel. Durability and ease of maintenance are key aspects to consider in order to reduce long-term costs and maintain the quality of the environment.
7. Continuous feedback
Maintaining constant and fluid communication between all teams involved is essential to identify and solve problems as they arise. A continuous flow of feedback allows for quick adjustments and ensures that all aspects of the hotel’s design and operation are in line with the expectations and needs of both guests and staff.
8. Effective implementation
The final step is the effective implementation of all strategies and designs developed. This involves detailed monitoring to ensure that everything is executed as planned and that the objectives set are achieved. Careful implementation is crucial to the success of any hotel repositioning project, ensuring that planned improvements translate into tangible results.
Optimising your hotel brand is no easy task, but by following Loly Figueroa’s eight magic steps, you can tackle common challenges and turn them into improvement opportunities. Each step is designed to maximise operational efficiency and improve the customer experience, ensuring that your hotel not only stays competitive, but also becomes a market leader.
We invite you to watch Loly Figueroa explain her eight magic steps here.