All posts by Caz

Hotels strive to deliver comfort, luxury, and peace to guests. One key to doing this is carefully choosing furniture for hotel rooms. Not only does the right furniture make rooms more attractive, but it also helps guarantee guests a comfortable and memorable lodging experience.

This comprehensive guide includes a complete list of standard hotel room furnishings and everything you must consider to select the right pieces for your properties.

Beds: The Centerpiece of Every Hotel Experience

The most essential component of every hotel room is the bed. It’s where guests relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring or attending business meetings or conferences.

Some hotels and chains are known for their beds. Premium mattresses, plush pillows, and beautiful bed linens attract discerning guests and earn higher room rates.

What’s critical is to select beds that align with guests’ expectations. Value travelers might be okay with less-than-superior mattresses, but luxury chains must provide king-sized beds that deliver ultimate comfort. High-thread-count sheets and soft pillows also help create a sleep haven that meets — or beats — the comforts of home.

You must also consider how the bed fits within the hotel room. Even the most comfortable one won’t be appreciated by guests if it dominates the space.

Hotel Bedside Tables: Deliver Convenience and Style to Guests

Of course, bedside tables must serve many functions, including charging electronic devices, providing bedside storage, supplying lighting, holding television and other room controls, storing eyeglasses, jewelry, and other personal items, and more. They help improve the room’s cleanliness and organization.

Beyond utility, bedside tables can significantly contribute to room decor. In today’s small lodging spaces, they’re one of the few room features that can make a big design statement. Simple shelves convey a sense of cleanliness and modernity, while cabinets can deliver a feeling of luxury.

The lighting associated with bedside tables contributes significantly to the room’s ambiance. It can suggest anything from romance to efficiency to mystery. Selecting the proper bedside lighting can make or break the guest experience.

Hotel Wardrobes: Organization and Accessibility are Key

Storage is a central issue in hotel rooms, especially in smaller boutique hotels. Wardrobes are the primary place guests store their belongings. They should provide plenty of space for guests to hang their clothes and store their luggage. Consider components like hangers, shelves, and drawers that can help guests stay organized. Compartments for different clothing items and accessories can help ensure everything has its place.

Similar to bedside tables, wardrobes can make a significant design statement. Designers should ensure that whatever they select aligns with the hotel’s theme and ambiance.

The right wardrobes can help create a clutter-free environment, making the guest’s stay calm, restful, and efficient.

Luggage Racks: Solutions to a Critical Storage Issue

Hotel luggage racks stylishly manage the challenge of storing suitcases. They help keep luggage off the floor or taking up space in a closet or wardrobe. They enhance the room’s cleanliness while delivering ready access to belongings.

Select luggage racks that are useful, durable, and stylish. They should be foldable, allowing them to be stored when not in use. Look into ones that come with securing features, which can help guests feel confident their possessions are safe and protected.

Hotel Accent Chairs that Provide Comfort, Ergonomics, and Style

Accent chairs must serve many purposes for guests, including helping them relax, do work, meet with others, consume media, and more. In addition, stylish chairs can add interest to a room’s design. Hotel accent chairs vary in style from traditional to modern and can be upholstered in fabrics or leather. When placed correctly in the guest room, they encourage visitors to use and enjoy them in countless ways.

Entertainment Units that Deliver Digital Enjoyment

Today’s hotel entertainment units typically feature flat-screen televisions, usually wall-mounted. They offer a wide array of cable channels and streaming services. Hotel TVs offer high-definition visual capabilities and can pair with guest devices, turning the hotel room into a complete entertainment hub.

Coffee Tables that Blend Practicality and Style

Hotel coffee tables are adaptable surfaces that hold drinks, snacks, and meals or even serve as workspaces. Besides serving practical purposes, they also contribute to the look and feel of the guest room. Coffee tables can come in many design styles, from modern to traditional, and can be made in a range of durable materials, from sleek tempered glass to classic wood. What’s critical is to ensure that you select tables that are highly functional while also complementing the room’s theme. Also, look into tables that supply extra storage. They can provide additional functionality in smaller hotel spaces.

Hotel Dressing Tables that Combine Elegance and Practicality

Dressing tables provide guests with a space dedicated to grooming and getting dressed. The best options come with mirrors, storage, and comfortable seating. These furnishings combine both practicality and glamour. Look out for dressing table mirrors with well-designed lighting to make getting dressed easier and more enjoyable. Storage drawers can hold cosmetics and hair supplies, enhancing guest comfort. These tables can turn even the simplest hotel room into a spa-like space.

Benches that are Space Saving and Practical

Benches improve room functionality while also looking attractive. When placed at the foot of the bed or near the room’s entrance, they provide a great place to leave items or store luggage — or serve as extra seating. Not only are they practical, but they can also complement the room’s style. Some benches come with built-in storage, delivering an extra layer of practicality.

Sofas for All Size Rooms

In larger hotel rooms or suites, the seating area usually includes some form of a sofa. They offer guests a comfortable place to unwind and relax — or get work done. Hotel sofas often come with plush cushions and elegant upholstery, but you should always select fabrics and leathers that are durable and long-lasting.

Office Chairs that are Functional and Comfortable

Many hotels cater to business travelers, which is why selecting the correct hotel office chairs is critical. They must incorporate functionality with ergonomic design and comfort so guests can get work done effectively without leaving their rooms. Designed for extended comfort, these chairs should be adjustable to provide personalized support. They must be perfectly fitted to room desks or tables and styled to match other room furniture.

Procuring Hotel Furniture: The Final Word

Procuring the right furniture for your hotel rooms is central to creating a comfortable and outstanding guest experience. The experts at The Stroud Group can help you select top-quality, customizable, sustainable, and cost-effective items. Contact us to help you choose the perfect furniture for all your hotel guest rooms.

Budgeting is one of the most critical aspects of any hotel development or remodeling project. One of the essential expenses you’ll encounter is FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) procurement, delivery, and installation.

This comprehensive guide explains how to determine the proper budget for your hotel FF&E while ensuring your project runs smoothly and is successful.

FF&E Budgeting: What it Encompasses

Before discussing the specifics of budgeting for hotel furniture, fixtures, and equipment, let’s establish a foundational understanding of what it includes.

FF&E encompasses a wide range of items, including furniture, lighting, artwork, mattresses, and more. The procurement process doesn’t just involve securing the correct items; it also includes delivering and setting them up to be positioned correctly, ensuring everything functions as intended.

The Importance of Sound Hotel FF&E Budgeting

A well-planned budget is central to a successful hotel development or renovation project. It helps you keep the project on track, prevent overspending, and ensure that all aspects of it are adequately funded so you can deliver a great guest experience in all parts of your property, including the guestrooms, common areas, restaurants, fitness center, and event rooms.

Bottom line: A carefully crafted FF&E budget is as vital to a successful hospitality development or renovation project as the architect’s building plan.

Factors Impacting FF&E Procurement, Delivery, and Installation Costs

Figuring out how much to budget for overall hotel FF&E procurement is based on many factors. Here are some of the most critical ones.

1. Hotel size and number of rooms

The size of your hotel and the number of rooms directly impact FF&E procurement, delivery, and installation costs. Naturally, larger hotels with more rooms require a bigger FF&E budget than smaller ones.

2. Hotel property class and style

Your lodging property’s class (star level) and style (ambiance) play a significant role in the FF&E you select. Luxury hotels typically require high-end furnishings and custom installations, which are more expensive than standard budget-level or mid-range hotels.

3. Furniture quality and amount of customization

The quality of the FF&E you select and the amount of customization required greatly impact budgets and overall project costs. You will pay a premium for high-quality, custom items, while standard, off-the-shelf options are more budget-friendly.

4. Number and size of common areas

To create an accurate budget, you must include all FF&E in common areas like the lobby, restaurant, fitness center, and conference rooms. Don’t forget things like electronics, which can significantly increase budgets.

5. Design and installation complexity

Intricate and complex furnishing designs naturally result in higher costs. If your hotel design plan features unique architectural elements or complicated layouts, completing the FF&E development, delivery, and installation may require more labor and time.

6. Brand standards and specifications

If your hotel operates as part of a brand or franchise, you will likely be required to follow brand standards and specifications. Meeting them will likely increase hotel FF&E costs because customizing items or purchasing branded ones typically raises costs.

Budgeting Steps for Hotel FF&E

Now that we’ve taken a look at the factors that can influence FF&E installation costs let’s review the steps it takes to create a budget tailored to your hotel development or renovation project.

1. Define the scope of the project

Start by documenting the complete scope of your FF&E installation. Determine which areas of the hotel require FF&E and the types of items needed for each space. Don’t leave off anything, as it will cause budget issues later in the procurement process.

2. Itemize FF&E

Create a complete list of all the FF&E items your hospitality property needs, including furniture, lighting, fixtures, electronics, and equipment. Specify the quantity of each item type.

3. Get quotes and estimates for each item

Contact suppliers, manufacturers, delivery companies, and installation professionals to get quotes and estimates for the FF&E items and related delivery and installation services on your list. Ensure the quotes accurately reflect the exact FF&E specified. A reputable procurement company like The Stroud Group can help you get estimates from a range of suppliers to help ensure you secure your hotel FF&E at the best possible prices so you can stay on budget.

4. Factor in contingencies

Your budget should include contingencies for changes in project scope or other unexpected expenses. It’s a best practice to reserve a percentage of your project budget for contingencies.

5. Review and finalize the budget

Carefully review all aspects of your budget, including quotes, estimates, and contingency amounts. Once you’ve checked your FF&E budget thoroughly, ensure that it fits within your overall hotel development or renovation project budget.

Monitoring and Managing FF&E Costs

Developing a budget is just the beginning. Follow these steps to ensure your hotel FF&E procurement, delivery, and installation effort stays on budget.

1. Track costs regularly

Set up a system to track your FF&E costs consistently. Make sure it will allow you to quickly identify any differences from the budget so you can take corrective action to get things back on track.

2. Communicate constantly

Maintain open and ongoing communication with suppliers, manufacturers, delivery services, and installation support. Effective communication and coordination can help avoid cost overruns, delays, and other issues that could cause you to go over budget.

3. Practice quality control

When FF&E is delivered and installed, ensure everything is to spec and meets quality standards. Address any issues promptly when they’re still under guarantee to avoid additional rework expenses.

Hotel FF&E Budgeting: The Bottom Line

Budgeting for FF&E is a critical aspect of any hotel development or remodeling project. By understanding the factors impacting costs, taking a disciplined approach to budgeting, and actively tracking and managing expenses, you can take control and ensure that your FF&E procurement, delivery, and set-up efforts stay within budget while meeting the quality and design standards needed for your hotel to deliver a superior guest experience.

Need help with budgeting or any other aspect of hotel FF&E? The experts at The Stroud Group are always available to help out. Contact them today to get the support you need.

A unique hotel interior will distinguish your property from competitors and attract discerning hotel guests willing to pay more for a novel place to stay. Having thoughtfully-designed spaces can also improve a hospitality property’s functionality, enhancing the visitor experience and lowering operating costs.

This guide explains how to achieve a custom hotel look and experience — including procuring custom-made hotel furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) — while working with a limited hotel development or renovation budget.

Preventing Common Hotel Budget Issues: Practical Considerations

Here are some sensible, everyday things you can do to afford a custom hotel design while sticking to a tight budget.

Develop solid project schedules

Hotel projects requiring custom-designed and built furnishings will take longer than those requiring standard FF&E. Even when using a modified prototype, which is when a designer starts with a pre-existing scheme, takes additional time and effort.

When developing a timeline, consider all aspects of the custom design process, including selecting materials and finishes, designing custom furnishings, seeking approvals, manufacturing, and delivering and setting up items.

A well-thought-out project schedule provides the information you need to optimize your time, stay within budget, and prevent surprises along the way.

Strive to stay on schedule

Once you develop your timeline, make it a top priority to stay on track. The larger the general contractor’s (GC) scope of work, including demolition, construction, and installation, the greater the risk that you can stay on schedule. What’s critical is that you integrate the project plan for custom FF&E design, development, and manufacturing into the broader project plans so you can clearly understand how hiccups in other aspects of the development effort could impact your work. This will allow you to address issues in real-time to deliver assets on time and within budget.

Facilitate team communications

It’s typical for a hotel development or renovation project team, including the architects, designers, FF&E procurement experts, GCs, and others, to fall into silos and not work together.

Facilitating sound communications among all parties involved is critical to delivering a custom hotel project on time and within budget. This will help keep everything on schedule and encourage group problem-solving when issues arise.

Design Tips for Developing Custom Hotel FF&E on a Budget

Here are proven ways to deliver a custom lodging experience at a reasonable price.

Take inspiration from the local area

Hotel guests today seeking a unique experience often like to feel like they’re part of the local community. Regional touches like décor or art pieces help bring that experience to life. Pieces created by local craftspeople can be relatively cost-effective. An experienced hospitality procurement company like Stroud Group can help you find artisans who can bring a local touch to your property at an affordable price.

Unexpectedly mix fabrics and finishes

Incorporating a range of textures, including wood, metal, stone, textiles, and patterns, can help create design depth and a layered luxurious appearance. Applying this concept, hotel spaces can deliver a massive visual impact without requiring a significant investment.

Carve out intimate spaces

Plan cozy seating and meeting areas in your public spaces so guests have options to relax or work comfortably. Custom FF&E choices here don’t have to be expensive, but a small investment in them will go a long way toward making your guests feel welcome and special.

Add in Natural Elements

A biophilic design approach using plenty of light and natural elements creates a calming and relaxing atmosphere, typically at an affordable cost. Skilled hospitality FF&E procurement professionals, like those at Stroud Group, can help you inject natural elements effectively without spending too much.

Procuring Custom Hotel FF&E On Time and Budget: The Final Word

In today’s highly competitive hospitality industry, creative, customized guest experiences are critical to standing out. However, custom doesn’t necessarily need to be costly. Contact the experts at Stroud Group to find out how they can help you develop the custom FF&E you need at a price well within your budget.

Smaller boutique hotels commonly face a challenge bigger properties don’t: Maximizing limited space while still delivering a unique and comfortable guest experience.

This is where partnering with an experienced FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) procurement provider like Stroud Group is critical.

In this post, our experts reveal innovative FF&E solutions for turning compact hotel spaces into inviting, stylish, and functional areas.

Select Space-Saving Furniture that Does not Diminish the Guest Experience

When it comes to boutique hotel properties, every square inch counts. Selecting the right furniture can help maximize limited space. Purchase multipurpose furnishings that serves more than one function, such as sofa beds to sleep children, ottomans that come with storage, and tables that can be used in multiple spaces. This type of FF&E not only saves space, it also increases functionality and usability.

Consider Customized Fixtures to Use Space More Effectively

Custom furnishings may seem like a costly proposition. However, investing in them often pays off because they can be tailored to fit specific spaces, positively impacting the overall room layout. For example, built-in shelving or custom closet solutions can make awkward corners and niches functional, turning them into practical and visually appealing parts of guest rooms.

Take a Strategic Approach to Placing Equipment

Carefully placed equipment can make a room feel larger and more comfortable. For instance, mounting televisions on walls in convenient locations (across from beds) or integrating compact mini-bar refrigerators within furniture can save floor space, making the room feel more open and less cluttered. It can also enhance the visitor experience.

Declutter to Make Rooms Feel Spacious

Taking a minimalist approach to design is smart for small boutique hotels. Minimalism doesn’t have to mean bare and sterile. It’s more about selecting FF&E that’s functional and stylish without overcrowding the space. Think less is more by eliminating anything that won’t deliver value to guests.

Choose the Right Color Palette

Light, neutral tones can make rooms seem more spacious. Incorporating these types of colors in FF&E selections, from wall paint to upholstery to art items, can brighten a space, delivering a more open feel to hotel guests.

Seek Out Transformable Furniture

Look out for furnishings that can be transformed to serve different purposes. Examples include beds, extendable dining tables, and modular seating. These can be excellent choices for space-saving and versatility.

Procure Smart Storage Solutions

Efficient storage options are critical to making the most of small spaces. Seek out beds, seating, and bathroom vanities that offer extra storage. Hidden storage compartments can help keep small rooms neat and tidy, a big plus for most travelers.

Choose Lighting to Enhance Space

Well-thought-out lighting can significantly impact the perception of space. Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and dimension in compact spaces. Interesting wall sconces and ceiling fixtures save floor and tabletop space while enhancing a room’s ambiance.

Boutique Hotel FF&E: The Bottom Line

Maximizing every square foot is crucial in today’s competitive boutique hotel marketplace. By leveraging carefully considered FF&E options, hotel designers can create spaces that are functional and stylish but also feel spacious. The experts at Stroud Group can help you select the ideal furniture, fixtures, and equipment for your boutique hotel.

The hotel furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) and operating supplies and equipment (OS&E) procurement and purchasing industry is complex. This guide explains some standard terms and concepts to make things clearer.

What is Hotel FF&E?

FF&E is the acronym for furniture, fixtures, and equipment, which are everyday items necessary to operate hotels. Some people in the hospitality industry use FF&A instead, which stands for furniture, fixtures, and accessories.

FF&E is the common contractual term most people in the hotel sector use to refer to the movable, non-fixed furnishing and technology products specified for a design project. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) also employs FF&E to define items that qualify for favorable tax treatment.

Looking at FF&E in another way, it is NOT built-in structural features such as walls, ceilings, doors, windows, etc. So, in summary, an FF&E budget covers items that go into a project that are not part of the building’s structure.

Architecture is the foundation of a hotel development or renovation project. FF&E are the items that bring the project to life and make it functional. It includes things like bed frames and mattresses, sofas, chairs, tables, gym equipment, headboards, lamps, curtains, spa furniture and equipment, office desks, artwork, televisions, and accessories. The category can be expanded to include specialist joinery, bedroom case goods, public area shop fit, and appliances.

What is Hotel OS&E?

Another common acronym in the hospitality sector is OS&E, which stands for operating supplies and equipment.

What’s the difference between FF&E and OS&E? Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are items guests or staff members interact with. Operating supplies and equipment are the pieces that they need to function within the space. Typically, OS&E are things that don’t need to be installed.

For hotels, OS&E includes things like towels, bed linens, dishes and glassware, irons, and hairdryers. It also includes items used by the staff, such as uniforms, office equipment, and cleaning supplies.

Purchasing and Procurement: The Difference

People often use the terms purchasing and procurement interchangeably. However, they are two distinct practices.

Purchasing is the final stage of ordering hotel FF&E and OS&E.

Procurement is much broader. It includes all the steps before and after purchasing, including:

• Product and supplier research
• Sourcing
• Negotiating prices and terms
• Managing supply chains
• Handling transport, delivery, and logistics
• Budgeting and billing
• Project management and installation.

hink of purchasing as a single-step process, much like clicking ‘Buy Now’ online. In comparison, procurement surrounds purchasing and is the process that identifies products and everything it takes to get them placed on site.

Purchasing and Sourcing: The Difference

Sourcing is central to hotel FF&E and OS&E procurement.

The act of purchasing is the final step in the first phase of the hospitality FF&E and OS&E procurement process. Sourcing must happen prior to it.

Here are the five steps of the sourcing experience.

1. Research: Sourcing begins with product and supplier research based on specifications. Identifying attractive items that fit the aesthetic of a property and function effectively is critical. However, the hotel procurement experts at The Stroud Group take into account many other factors, including:
   • Cost
   • Sustainability and environmental friendliness
   • Whether they meet industry standards and government requirements
   • Durability
   • Safety
   • Ergonomics
   • Functionality
   • Lead times
   • And more.
2. Product development: Interior designers often specify unique products and designs that aren’t currently available. That’s where the team at Stroud Group undertakes a product development process with manufacturers, creating prototypes that will eventually get built.
3. Testing: Before selecting items for purchase, it’s often necessary to coordinate third-party product testing for things such as sustainability, durability, flame retardancy, and other factors to ensure items meet project requirements and applicable standards and regulations.
4. Budgeting: Every piece of FF&E and OS&E is evaluated to ensure it fits in the budget framework for the project. The team at The Stroud Group always negotiates to obtain the best pricing and value for clients.
5. Scheduling: The sourcing process must also consider the lead time for manufacturing. It’s critical to plan around lead times to procure products that fit within the project schedule.

Hospitality Furnishing Terms: The Final Word

The hotel design industry is a complicated space, with a significant amount of terminology that can seem complex and confusing. Leverage the information in this guide to bring clarity to the hotel FF&E and OS&E procurement process, and contact the experts at The Stroud Group to get the support you deserve to navigate it.

Hotel furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) are more than just décor. They’re valuable assets that can meaningfully impact a guest’s visit and a hospitality company’s bottom line.

Whether building a new hotel or refurbishing or renovating an existing space, understanding the complexities of FF&E procurement, warehousing, and installation ensures that you will purchase the items you need to delight guests while keeping your project on time and within budget. If handled correctly, you may even earn a tax write off!

Here’s everything you need to know about procuring hotel furnishings, fixtures, and equipment.

What is Hotel FF&E?

FF&E in the hospitality industry refers to additional assets that are not permanently attached to a building that add value to the space. Unlike structural features, FF&E’s flexibility makes it relatively easy to switch them out as design trends change.

In a hotel, everything from couches, beds, and throw pillows to artwork, lamps, and televisions are considered FF&E. In a restaurant, FF&E includes tables, chairs, bar stools, and storage items.

FF&E as a Business Tax Write Off

Not only does FF&E contribute to the perception of a lodging property, but purchasing it may also result in tax breaks and deductions. The three things that determine the tax value of an FF&E item are:

1. Durability

From a tax perspective, to qualify as FF&E, an item must have a useful life of at least one year, and can reach up to seven years, depending on the quality and purpose of the piece. For example, office products like sticky notes, pens, and paper are commonly used in hotels. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) doesn’t classify these as furniture, fixtures, and equipment for tax purposes because of how quickly they’re used and replaced. By contrast, items like chairs, tables, and video screens are classified as FF&E by the IRS because they are typically used for a year and often much longer.

2. Useful Life

In addition to being in use for at least a year, each FF&E item must have a defined useful life. The useful like determines how long a hospitality company can claim it on its taxes. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment depreciate during their useful lives.

3. Functionality

FF&E must serve a clear and necessary purpose in your business’s day-to-day operations. A hotel can’t host guests without beds. This functionality allows businesses to claim them on company taxes. The standards related to functionality are relatively flexible when it comes to business taxes. Items like artwork may not be a necessary component of a guest stay, but they are typically considered FF&E because they are such a vital component of it.

The FF&E Procurement Process

Typically, lodging companies work with FF&E purchasing firms and (sometimes) logistics companies to purchase, warehouse, deliver, and install items.

A good hospitality FF&E firm starts by taking the time to understand all aspects of the hotel development or rehabilitation project, including style, scale, budget, and timing. Then, they’ll work to source the right items for the lodging company, negotiating for the best possible prices and terms. Either the purchasing firm alone or working with a logistics partner receives, organizes, and warehouses all the items until it’s time to install them.

Because purchasing FF&E items can take months, it’s critical to partner with an FF&E procurement company that isn’t just good at purchasing. They should also be solid at storage, delivery, and installation — or plan to hire a logistics company to ensure your project is completed correctly and efficiently.

As items are delivered, the procurement or logistics provider should check their condition and sort them by stock-keeping units (SKUs). Damaged items should be returned for replacement. One of the parties should develop an FF&E installation schedule that maximizes efficiency and prevents delivery and installation issues and on-site accidents.

How FF&E Impacts the Bottom Line of a Hospitality Business

Every step of the hotel FF&E procurement process presents an opportunity to save money and time while keeping an eye on delivering a delightful guest experience.

In the planning stages, intensive research and careful bookkeeping ensure that the FF&E items you choose will add value to a lodging business while also providing addition perks like long-term tax benefits. Working with an experienced FF&E procurement company like The Stroud Group is critical. Our professionals can help you evaluate all aspects of the hotel furnishings, fixtures, and equipment you’re considering, including cost, style, durability, size, tax implications, and more, to ensure you get the pieces your guests will love that will deliver the best value to the bottom line of your business. Contact us today.

Creating a welcoming, comfortable, and unique environment for hotel visitors is essential. The key to that is selecting the right hotel furniture. Of course, it has to look good. However, several other critical factors must be considered when procuring hotel furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E). They will empower you to choose furnishings for your lodging that will enhance the guest experience, improve your hotel’s functionality, and save you money over the long term.

Continue reading to discover everything you must consider when evaluating and purchasing hotel furniture.

Define Your Hotel’s Brand and Style

Defining your hospitality property’s brand and style is crucial before you purchase furniture. Consider the ambiance and experience you want to deliver to visitors so you can select furniture that supports your concept. Defining your brand and style will help you choose appropriate furniture and ensure consistency throughout the hotel property.

Make Durability and Quality a Top Priority

Hotel furnishings experience extraordinary wear and tear. Investing in durable, high-quality furniture must be a top priority. Quality pieces last longer, require less maintenance, and need to be replaced less frequently. Seek out materials and finishes that are sturdy, stain- and scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Purchasing commercial-grade furnishings is always a wise decision.

Consider Comfort and Functionality

Choose furnishings that guests will find ergonomic and comfortable. That includes plush lobby sofas, ergonomic desk chairs, appropriate height desks, and supportive guest room mattresses. Also, evaluate the functionality of the furniture. For instance, check that wardrobes, dressers, nightstands, and desks will accommodate guests’ needs during their stay.

Define Spaces and Plan Layouts

Completely define the size and layout of rooms and public spaces before purchasing furniture. Shopping without a finalized space plan usually results in pieces that are too big, small, or awkward.

Optimize space utilization by choosing appropriately sized furnishings that allow guests to move and function effortlessly. Always consider modular furnishings that can be reconfigured and repurposed for use in different rooms and situations.

Meet and Exceed Safety and Other Standards

Guest safety and accessibility are of the utmost importance in every lodging property. When purchasing FF&E, check that it meets safety standards and regulations, especially regarding fire safety. Seek out properly certified furnishings, including fire-resistant upholstery and flame-retardant materials. This protects hotel guests and ensures compliance with safety codes and regulations.

While at it, ensure the FF&E you select is accessible for all guests, including those in wheelchairs. If you feel unsure about meeting safety and accessibility regulations, the experts at The Stroud Group are available to help. We’ve worked on all types of hospitality development projects globally and have a solid understanding of safety and accessibility requirements.

Check Supplier Reputation and Customer Support

When choosing a hotel furniture supplier, consider their reputation. Do your due diligence and only do business with reputable suppliers known for quality products and superior customer service. Check customer ratings and reviews. Request customer testimonials from people at similar hospitality properties. Always ask about after-sales support, warranties, and maintenance services. You want to ensure a hassle-free experience for as long as the furnishings are in use.

Many hospitality companies lack extensive experience selecting hotel furniture providers. Rest assured, you can depend on The Stroud Group’s pros and our extensive database of vetted hotel furniture suppliers.

Final Thoughts: Selecting the Right Furniture for Your Hotel

Clearly, when buying hotel furniture, it’s critical to consider more than aesthetics. Make informed decisions based on the considerations in this guide. It will help you create inviting, functional, safe, accessible, delightful, and durable spaces that deliver great guest experiences and set your hotel apart from the competition.

The friendly experts at The Stroud Group are always available to help you find the perfect furniture for your lodging property. Contact us today to get started.

Every hotel’s furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) will eventually need replacement, whether due to normal wear and tear, unexpected damage, an interior design project, or property renovation.

The costs associated with FF&E procurement, especially for large orders of duplicate guest room furniture, are significant.  The average FF&E room budget for basic two-star hotels can run between $4,000 and $7,000. The budget for each room at a luxury five-star resort can easily top $35,000. Custom furnishings, which can differentiate a property and improve its perception, can increase furnishing costs significantly.

To prepare for these costs, whether expected or unexpected, it’s critical to include a separate line item in your annual budget for FF&E expenses.

What is Hotel FF&E?

Hotel furniture, fixtures, and equipment include any components of a hospitality space that aren’t permanently attached to the structure. Put simply, it’s moveable furniture and other items like lamps and artwork. Examples include:

• Guest rooms: Headboards, beds, desks, chairs, window treatments, shelving, and decorative items
• Conference rooms: Tables, podiums, chairs, desks, partitions
• Business centers: Desks, chairs, tables
• Restaurants and lobbies: Tables, chairs, sofas, bar stools.

Tech items are also a critical component of hotel FF&E, including:

• Computers
• Printers
• Projectors
• Audio-visual components
• Televisions
• Virtual concierges.

Developing a hotel FF&E budget plan is the key to creating a solid FF&E budget. It’s the only way to prevent unexpected — and costly — surprises.

To meet your future FF&E costs, including those associated with procurement, manufacturing, delivery, and set-up, include a dollar reserve amount that incrementally increases annually until it plateaus at a time when you expect to invest in new FF&E.

For example, the year after your hospitality company buys new furniture, fixtures, and equipment, budget a reserve of about two percent. Then, increase it to three, four, and five percent over the next three years. Continue to set aside five percent to the reserve budget in the following years so there are adequate funds when it comes time to invest in FF&E. These percentages are merely benchmarks. The ones you use will depend on your property type and FF&E needs.

Invest for the Long-Term

Another component of hospitality FF&E budgeting is controlling costs by procuring durable and long-lasting furnishings.

For hospitality companies, purchasing FF&E that’s built to last is critical to protecting the integrity of your investment and ensuring a positive ROI. It also gives you more time to save up for your next FF&E purchase, lowering the percentage of your budget you need to set aside each year.

We don’t need to tell you that guest rooms and common areas experience significant use and wear and tear. High-quality FF&E costs more upfront and initially requires a bigger bite of your budget than shoddy furnishings. However, they typically last much longer because they are built using superior materials and workmanship. This means you’ll need to replace fewer pieces damaged because of inferior quality.

Replacing poorly built FF&E in hotel spaces adds up over time and usually surpasses the cost of purchasing quality products.

The experts at The Stroud Group can help you select quality FF&E within your budget that will stand the test of time. Contact us today.

According to the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) approximately 5.5 million people in the U.S. use wheelchairs. The Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, in part, to ensure traveling and other common aspects of life are available to more Americans, including those in wheelchairs.

The best hospitality companies go far beyond accommodating guests who require wheelchair access. They create spaces that are attractive, comfortable, intuitive, and delightful.

A website that focuses on wheelchair travelers recently listed out some common problems they face when staying in hotels:

• Only one bed in accessible rooms
• Poor-quality shower seats
• Inaccessible beds
• Too much furniture to move around easily.

Most of these issues can be solved by partnering with a hospitality furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) company that has an in-depth knowledge of ADA guidelines and local codes, along with a complete understanding of what all types of guests expect today.

The ADA and State and Local Codes and Selecting Appropriate Furniture

Hoteliers need to have a complete understanding of the ADA regulations for accommodating people in wheelchairs and with other disabilities. The guidelines were initially developed in 2010 and became effective on March 15, 2012. The regulations cover all aspects of the hospitality property experience, from parking lots and entrances to signage and electronics and, perhaps most importantly, room features and furnishings.

In addition, hotels must meet local and state codes and coordinate them with the ADA regulations. These codes can vary significantly, so it can be challenging to stay on top of them, especially for multi-unit chains doing business in different parts of the country.

Accessible Furnishings Must be a Top Priority

All hotel guests, including those in wheelchairs, must be able to use different types  of furnishings, including beds, vanities, wardrobes, seating, and desks in hotel rooms, along with tables, chairs, and other items in shared spaces.

Making these items accessible to everyone requires designing or selecting pieces that suit people in wheelchairs. This means making accessible hotel furniture a high priority in the facility design process, not an afterthought.

While state and local codes vary when it comes to accessibility, here are some aspects of guest rooms that commonly require special consideration:

• Beds: The ADA does not have specific bed design guidelines. However, they must be fully accessible and usable by people with disabilities and meet general non-discrimination rules. The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund offers some guidance:
  • The distance between the floor and the top of the mattress should be 20 to 23 inches
  • Frames must be easily removable so the bed can be lowered
  • Adjustable bed legs or risers should be available
  • A ceiling transfer lift should be included in at least one accessible room.
• Vanities: Use the following guidance to ensure vanities and sinks are accessible to all hotel guests:
  • Eliminate under-sink cabinets unless they include seated knee space.
  • Sinks should be no more than 34 inches high (at the rim) and allow for 27 inches of knee clearance when accessed from the front.
  • Vanities should be sturdy enough to handle the weight of anyone who leans on them.
  • Fully accessible storage space must be available for linens and personal items.
  • All drawers should be low and be able to pull out fully.
  • Ideally, vanities should be height-adjustable so they can accommodate anyone. While a relatively costly feature, adjustability delivers the ideal guest experience for people in wheelchairs and could be worth the investment.
• Desks: Here are some minimum desk dimensions that will allow people of all sizes in wheelchairs to use them comfortably.
  • 30-inch-wide leg space
  • 19-inch-deep leg space
  • 27-inch-high clearance.
• Wardrobes: Wardrobes can be challenging for people in wheelchairs to access and use. Here are some things to consider to ensure they’re fully functional.
  • Shallow wardrobes (those that are less than 48 inches wide by 30 inches deep) won’t allow wheelchairs to enter. They must be approached from its side. Because of this, any obstruction that keeps the chair away from the wardrobe can be no more than 10 inches. Clothing rods or shelves can’t be higher than 48 inches.
  • Deep wardrobes (larger than 48 inches wide by 30 inches deep) allow full wheelchair entry. However, they must provide a five-foot turning space to prevent wheelchair users from getting trapped.

This general guidance can help ensure guest rooms are accessible and comfortable for people depending on wheelchairs. Contact The Stroud Group’s experts for additional insights on making their experiences even more comfortable and delightful.

Your hotel development or rehabilitation project is almost complete. Only three steps are left: receiving your furniture, fixture, and equipment (FF&E) deliveries, assembling items, and installing them.

This guide explains how to make the FF&E delivery and installation processes fast, efficient, and effective.

What Does Hospitality FF&E Mean?

FF&E is a common design industry acronym, incorporating the first letters and ampersand for furniture, fixtures, & equipment. This typically includes anything not permanently attached to the hotel structure.

Many components of a hotel’s interior design and operation are considered FF&E, including:

• Case goods furniture
• Tables and chairs
• Lamps and other freestanding lighting fixtures
• Desks
• Televisions and other tech accessories
• Shelving and detached storage units
• Beds and bedding
• Window treatments
• Artwork
• And more.

FF&E plays a significant part in any hospitality development or rehabilitation project and in delivering a comfortable and satisfying guest experience.

How to Make FF&E Delivery, Assembly, and Installation Fast and Easy

Hotel furniture, fixtures, equipment delivery, assembly, and installation must be carefully planned. Most hotel FF&E projects are large undertakings involving many rooms, types of spaces, and configurations. Each project has its unique challenges.

Here are the steps you must take to ensure your FF&E installation is successful.

Hotel FF&E Delivery and Assembly

The FF&E delivery and assembly processes for hospitality properties can be a logistical nightmare, especially for larger hotels, urban lodgings, and resorts. Not only do you want your items delivered to the right places on time and assembled correctly, but you also want to make sure items are free from nicks, scratches, and other blemishes and that hotel property isn’t damaged.

Use this checklist to ensure your hospitality furniture, fixture, and equipment delivery and assembly team is up to the job. Make sure they can:

• Safely store items and shift delivery dates if construction is delayed
• Provide a complete delivery, assembly, and placement plan
• Effectively communicate through modern systems
• Access the equipment needed to handle the scope of your project
• Meet your project timelines
• Efficiently unpack, assemble, and clean up
• Properly document, track, and report your complete order
• Assemble all types of furnishings, fixtures, and equipment
• Prove they successfully executed projects similar to yours.

Ensure you check the safety record of the firms you’re considering doing business with. Transferring items from delivery trucks to guest rooms and other lodging spaces is dangerous. Every stairwell, elevator, narrow hallway, and door frame is an obstacle that can cause injuries and damage. An experienced installation team will know how to move heavy and awkward FF&E through tight spaces safely.

Doing your due diligence will help ensure your hotel furniture, fixtures, and equipment are delivered on time without damage and assembled correctly.

Hotel FF&E Set Up

The typical hotel room is under 350 square feet. Almost one-quarter of that can be taken up by two queen-sized beds. That space gets eaten up quickly when you factor in all the living, comfort, and luxury amenities today’s hotel guests demand. Add other FF&E and a hotel room can quickly go from feeling spacious to cramped.

While you and your design team may have a vision of a perfect guest room or common area in your hospitality property, the reality is that the actual case goods installation could diminish your vision of perfection.

Your hotel FF&E provider can help prevent unexpected surprises when placing items in spaces. An experienced one like The Stroud Group can work closely with you to select items that will fit properly in your hospitality spaces and create the esthetic and feeling you imagine. Plus, we’ll go above and beyond to ensure items can be delivered efficiently and moved through even the most challenging spaces. In addition, we will ensure your FF&E placement meets hotel safety and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.

Hotel FF&E Delivery, Assembly, and Set Up: The Final Word

One of the critical issues hospitality companies face when it comes to furniture, fixture, and equipment delivery and setup is coordinating between manufacturers and suppliers, and delivery companies. Many issues can be avoided through good conversations that address the following:

• Location
• Travel routes
• Staffing and equipment required for the job
• Any special considerations for the installation
• The nuances of the design of each piece of FF&E
• Possible navigational challenges
• Potential installation issues
• Training requirements.

Another proven way to eliminate FF&E delivery, assembly, and setup issues is to work with a one-stop hospitality furnishings, fixtures, and equipment company like The Stroud Group. We will provide end-to-end service that will ensure a seamless experience from ordering items all the way through to final set up.