5 Ways to Make Your Hotel FF&E More Sustainable
More and more hotel guests today are concerned about the environment and the future of planet Earth. That’s why hospitality companies must signal to their guests that they are focused on sustainability. A key — and very visible way — to do this is through the furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) they purchase and use in their properties.
This guide explains everything you need to know to furnish your properties in the most sustainable way possible.
1. Begin with a Life-Cycle Assessment
Designers — and their FF&E procurement companies — should use life cycle assessments to evaluate the environmental impacts of the furniture, fixtures, and equipment they select through its entire life cycle from the raw materials used through to processing, production, transport, use, and disposal.
If you’re not confident about conducting a life-cycle assessment, the experts at The Stroud Group can help guide you. A relatively small investment in an audit will give you the proof your guests expect to know for certain that you’ve done your due diligence to make your properties as environmentally friendly as possible.
2. Select Eco-Friendly Materials
Toxic chemicals are often used in furnishings to treat fabrics and finish woodwork.
The issue: The chemicals are released into the environment, making the atmosphere toxic, which can cause harm to the planet and negatively impact people’s health. Another complication is hotel rooms are typically small and poorly ventilated, especially in older properties. This can concentrate the effects of the chemicals.
Requiring the use of eco-friendly materials creates a safe atmosphere for guests AND employees and helps protect the planet.
Some standard eco-friendly furnishing options to look out for include:
- Organic fabrics
- Bamboo
- Unfinished and untreated wood
- Wood from fast-growing trees that are easier to replace
- Reclaimed materials
- Recycled wood, metal, and plastic
- FSC-certified wood and adhesives.
Also, choosing domestic products will reduce — or eliminate — harmful chemicals. That’s because of the stricter manufacturing regulations in the United States.
Choosing U.S.-based production resources also reduces carbon footprint because it limits the amount of transit required — and related emissions — that can significantly harm the environment.
3. Require Sustainable Processes
How FF&E is manufactured significantly impacts whether your hotel is sustainable or not.
Many processes require vast amounts of energy, along with producing pollutants that can completely negate your company’s other efforts toward sustainability. The good news is that there are better alternatives available.
Look for manufacturers that:
- Fully recycle scraps, sawdust, and cardboard
- use stains and other finishes free of formaldehyde
- Depend on hydroelectricity or other low-impact energy sources.
If you don’t feel confident evaluating FF&E manufacturers, the experts at The Stroud Group are always available to help guide you to the most environmentally conscious ones.
4. Paints and Finishes
Similar to fabrics, paints and finishes are often toxic. Sustainable paints and finishes exist that are made with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are harmful and are known to damage the eyes, lungs, brain, and even developmental and reproductive systems, especially at high concentrations.
Choose items with paints and finishes with minimal VOCs to protect air quality in guest and other rooms, making the lodging experience more comfortable, and to protect the health of hotel guests and workers.
5. Place Your Hotel FF&E in an Eco-Friendly Environment
Even if you purchase the most sustainable hotel furnishings, you won’t convince guests of your hospitality company’s commitment to eco-friendliness if every part of your property doesn’t contribute to it.
Windows, walls, flooring, doors, and other building components impact energy use in lodging properties, as well as the processes used in creating them and in construction.
Heat waste results from inefficient surroundings. Energy-efficient windows provide insulation and can help improve air quality.
Bamboo, recycled wood, and sustainable wood are all eco-friendly flooring options, as are carpets made from recycled and natural materials.
Sustainable Hotel FF&E: The Bottom Line
Choosing sustainable furnishings and designing eco-friendly lodgings is good for the environment and can earn you more business from people who care about the planet. It also creates a healthier environment for hotel guests and staff and potentially lower operating costs because sustainable materials are typically easier to maintain and last longer.
An investment in sustainable FF&E, leveraging the five tips in this guide, could pay off in a big way in guest and employee satisfaction, as well as in new customers and repeat visits.
Hospitality Design Trends You Need to Know About Now
Hotel design trends are evolving faster than ever. One key reason is that many companies are looking for the next hospitality trend that will attract a new consumer base. Here are some hot ones our experts see as emerging concepts worth considering.
Feminine Retro
This trend brings together feminine elegance with old-school details. The mix results in spaces that are stylish, comfortable, and appealing to women. The furnishings typically feature wavy silhouettes, creating a fluid and dynamic aesthetic. This trend brings a sense of movement and softness to an ordinarily static hospitality environment.
In addition, we have seen some of the nostalgic charms of the 1960s, mainly Italian granny-style details, leveraged in this motif. Patterns are retro, fun, and whimsical but applied in chic and modern ways.
Combining all these elements results in playful, elegant, and sophisticated interiors, appealing to women of all ages and others. It’s a perfect look for lodgings that want to attract bachelorette parties and other female getaways and spas that don’t want to come across as same old, same old.
Designs Featuring Glass
We’re beginning to see a lot of textured and patterned glass used in hospitality design. Designers are embracing glass featuring intricate textures and complex patterns. Frosted textures increase privacy while maintaining lightness. Elaborate patterns add flair and character to otherwise dull spaces.
This trend is a relatively cost-effective way to completely change the character of hotel spaces, adding elegance and depth. Leveraging art glass in a space adds an interplay of light and shadow, creating layers that make rooms more immersive and experiential. Integrating glass into walls, partitions, furnishings, or sliding doors creates a sense of openness while ensuring privacy.
Glass can be designed and configured in countless ways, ensuring your spaces will be unique. This trend introduces a new era of personalization in design. Plus, since glass does not wear out like other common furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), it can be a wise investment for the long term.
Art glass in hotels is an ideal trend to employ if you want to attract creative, artistic, and upscale lodgers who expect dazzling visual experiences.
Pet-Friendly Décor
There is a rapidly rising demand for pet-friendly lodging. Our furry friends are members of the family! That is why pet-friendly hotel décor is becoming a hot trend.
Historically, most lodgings have put size and species requirements on the animals allowed to stay in them, making many visitors unhappy. As a result, designers are focusing on creating spaces that welcome pets of all types and sizes. They go beyond merely providing beds, bowls, and walking areas. They also do everything possible to ensure pets’ comfort and safety, including using durable, easy-to-clean materials, innovative furniture that accommodates pets, and dedicated areas on site that cater to the needs of different pet species. The ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between attractive design and practicality. It is critical to ensure that spaces are enjoyable for humans and animals.
This trend is just one more example of inclusive design in the hospitality industry and an excellent investment if you want more pet owners to visit your properties.
Monochromatic Color Schemes
After playing it safe with color selection (a whole lot of beige), hotels are decorating rooms and spaces in a single, dynamic hue. This trend typically involves painting not just the walls but also using the color on the ceiling, carpeting, and upholstered FF&E. The intent is to create an immersive and cohesive aesthetic experience.
Alongside this daring use of color, a significant revival of 1970s style is reflected in use of vintage pieces and antiques. This throwback to the ’70s brings back the era’s characteristic textures, patterns, and silhouettes, blending them seamlessly with contemporary design principles. The result is interior spaces that are rich in history and personality, offering a harmonious mix of the old and the new. This approach reflects a growing appreciation for sustainable practices, as reusing and repurposing vintage items becomes a stylish and eco-friendly design choice. Aim to develop interiors that are not only visually striking but also deeply rooted in a sense of nostalgia and sustainability. It will help attract a new generation of visitors who care about the environment and support sustainable purchasing practices.
Home Style Design
Many people don’t like to travel because they hate leaving the comfort of their homes. Many lodging companies combat this by creating hotel rooms and other spaces that feel homey and comfortable. It’s a great way to combat the trend toward renting private apartments and homes through online services like Airbnb.
These spaces evoke happiness and a sense of belonging, moving away from designs that feel overly formal, contemporary, and slick. This trend is about designing not only aesthetically pleasing but also comfortable and inviting interiors. Doing so will encourage visitors to truly relax and feel at ease in their rooms and public spaces.
There is an increasing emphasis on combining whimsy and nostalgia with modernism, as many people today do in their living environments. The most successful feel timeless rather than trendy, offering an environment where family memories can be made. They should feel authentic, personal, and highly welcoming. This trend should make visitors’ lives better rather than just decorating space. It’s a sure way to bring in more family business.
Hospitality Design Trends: The Bottom Line
It might be wise to decorate or update your hospitality properties to new guest expectations and attract more customers. Leverage the trends in this guide to create spaces that could help you attract new visitors and earn more repeat visits. Contact the experts at The Stroud Group to discuss your next design project.
How to Overcome Today’s FF&E Supply Chain Issues
Extended lead times, rising prices, and keeping up with constantly changing design trends, technology, and guest expectations are just a few challenges that continue to impact hotel furnishing supply chains in recent years that were initially upset by the pandemic.
Here are five trends, solutions, and other things you need to know about now so you procure the pieces — and deliver the experiences — your guests want and expect during these challenging times.
1. Guest Demands for Sustainability
Sustainability has become a top priority for many hotel visitors today, making it a significant concern for businesses in recent years. It will only become more critical as more people focus on caring for the environment.
According to Google Insights, more than 50 percent of travelers consider sustainability when planning trips. Booking.com also reports that nearly three of four hotel guests plan to make environmentally conscious travel choices in the future. A survey reported in Modern Restaurant Management cited a growing percentage of guests willing to pay significantly more per night for sustainable accommodations, with many saying they would pay up to 75 percent more for a room.
Three fundamental principles drive this current demand for environmentally conscious lodgings:
- The desire to support sustainable practices
- Minimizing environmental impact
- Aligning with personal values.
Sustainability is not limited to a specific demographic, but younger hotel visitors lean heavily into it because of concerns about what the planet will be like in the years ahead.
Hoteliers must respond to the demand for sustainability, including in the furnishings and technology you select. It can be challenging to stay current with the latest sustainability trends. They move so fast. That’s where the experts at The Stroud Group can help. We can recommend the items that demonstrate your commitment to the environment now and in the years to come. Plus, they will be classic and built to last, meaning you won’t have to change them out quickly, adding to full landfills.
2. Furnishing Availability
Hotel furnishing supply chains have not yet returned to dependable pre-pandemic levels. In addition, the current high rate of hospitality property development and renovation makes it impossible to find the furnishings you need when you need them at an affordable price.
Successful hotel development and rehabilitation projects must be able to withstand supply chain disruptions with a proactive procurement strategy and contingency plan. This will help ensure that your hotel gets the items it needs without delays or unnecessary storage costs.
Some factors to build into your plan include:
- Local sourcing. Leveraging domestic suppliers when possible simplifies logistics, reduces lead times and costs, and provides greater flexibility during a disruption. It also helps avoid the global transportation breakdowns that are becoming increasingly common today.
- Diversify suppliers. You never want to get all your furnishings from a single — or few — suppliers. It puts the project at significant risk. Developing relationships with a variety of vendors can help reduce risk, providing more options when your regular ones experience shortages or delays.
- Evaluate supplier risk. Are your hospitality furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) and operating supplies and equipment (OS&E) vendors financially sound enough to meet demand? Are they located in places subject to geopolitical instability? Are they able to continue to operate after a natural disaster? These are just a few factors you must consider to ensure your suppliers are sound and able to meet commitments.
Building a bullet-proof furnishing procurement plan can be challenging. There are so many factors to take into account. The experts at The Stroud Group have delivered quality furnishings on time and budget for decades. We can do the same for you.
3. Supplier Relationship Management
Having great relationships with a wide array of hospitality furnishing suppliers is central to getting exactly what you need on time and budget. The issue: Many hospitality companies don’t have enough regular projects to develop deep, trusting relationships with various vendors.
That’s where working with a company like The Stroud Group can help. The people on our team are constantly working on hotel projects. We keep our array of vendors wide and varied. You can also rest assured that any company we recommend has been thoroughly vetted and can be trusted entirely.
4. Leveraging People AND Technology
Today, it’s critical to reframe the people versus software debate when it comes to hospitality FF&E and OS&E procurement. You not only need to partner with the right people to get the supplies you need. You must also arm them with the technology required to optimize business processes. By adopting digital solutions, hotels can identify a more comprehensive array of product options from more vendors at different prices. They can also better control and monitor the ordering, development, and delivery of furnishings. Technology can also help facilitate communication, payments, and other critical things.
The issue: It can be challenging for hospitality companies to focus on building effective furnishing equipment processes, procedures, and systems, considering all the other solutions they must maintain to serve guests and manage properties.
That’s why partnering with a company like The Stroud Group makes sense. We’ve built tried-and-true processes, procedures, and systems that are updated with new advancements, so you don’t have to.
5. Data Analytics
In today’s information age, leveraging data analytics and predictive analysis can help hoteliers develop, refurbish, and furnish properties more efficiently and effectively. Data analytics can help identify trends, efficiencies, patterns, and issues and act on them on a timely basis. It can help you find better furnishing options, reduce costs, and help ensure the project gets done on time.
If you work with The Stroud Group for your FF&E, you can expect 24/7 access to complete data and reporting so you can make informed choices about your hotel design and refurbishment project whenever you need to.
Overcoming Hospitality FF&E and OS&E Supply Chain Issues: The Bottom Line
While you can’t fix today’s FF&E supply chains, you can take active steps to work through and around the issues caused by breakdowns, rising prices, and changing guest expectations. Leveraging the tips in this guide — and partnering with an experienced hospitality furnishings procurement firm like The Stroud Group — can help. Contact our experts to find out how we can help you get the furnishings and supplies you need on time and budget.
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Looking great is critical for every hotel, whether economy or luxury level, branded or independent. However, if a property doesn’t operate efficiently, looking good is meaningless.Read More
New Hotel Design Trends: It’s All About Homeyness and Comfort
Hotel design trends come and go and then tend to come back again and again, for example, mid-century modern. The latest wave of hotel design has turned toward the traditional, focused on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.Read More
Complete Guide to Procuring Fashionable Furnishings for Your Hotel Property
In the hospitality business, the little details can make all the difference between a four- and five-star review. Get it right, and you could have a guest for life. Miss the mark and they may never return.
A “detail” that definitely matters is how the property is furnished. Every chair, bed, table, lamp, and artwork contributes to the guest experience. Bland pieces will result in bland guest impressions.
This guide explains how to find and procure fashionable furniture pieces that elevate a hotel’s ambiance and ensures that guests will keep coming back time after time.
Define the Hotel’s Theme and Aesthetics
It may seem obvious, but one of the fundamental aspects of procuring the right fashionable hotel furnishings is to define what you want the property to convey to guests and how it should leave them feeling.
Start by envisioning the look and feel of your hotel. Some examples include:
- Modern and minimalistic
- Classic and opulent
- Pop and peppy.
When coming up with your hotel theme and aesthetic, consider the guests you want to attract and figure out what they will find attractive.
For example, a hotel that wants to serve young urban travelers will likely require edgy and contemporary furniture to satisfy their tastes. By contrast, a luxury resort serving affluent guests will need furnishings that are elegant and timeless.
Once you know how you want your lodging to look and feel, you can make a list of furnishings you need, including the lobby, dining spaces, guest rooms, and other areas. Always ensure that each piece you select aligns with the property’s aesthetic while being comfortable and functional.
Defining your theme and aesthetic from the get go will help avoid having things go off course.
Tip: A key way to develop a unique and fashionable theme is to consider the location of the property. Incorporating local design elements and references will help your hotel form a deeper connection with guests by being authentic.
Check Out Current Furniture Trends
Learning about the latest furniture trends is also an essential part of finding fashionable furniture for hotels. It helps ensure the property comes across as relevant and not outdated. Following trends will appeal to today’s travelers who tend to stay on top of them.
Stay up to date by exploring hospitality design topics on social media (especially Instagram), magazines, and websites. This allows you to get an inside look at the most recent and innovative furnishing trends across the world. Pay attention to the materials, color palettes, and shapes that are trending in the hospitality industry. Also make it a point to visit lodgings whenever possible. Nothing is quite the same as experiencing design in the real world.
While it’s important to keep up with trends, you must also keep your hotel’s theme and brand identity in mind. The right fashionable furnishings should fit seamlessly into the hotel’s aesthetic.
Focus on Comfort and Functionality
The most critical components of a positive guest experience are comfort and functionality. An extraordinary hotel design will fail if guests are uncomfortable or can’t easily complete basic tasks. These two things are paramount and can be the deciding factor between a great hotel experience and a mediocre one.
When guests check into a lodging, they expect a comfortable, relaxing, efficient stay. Furnishings play a significant part in delivering on these expectations.
That’s why it is critical to procure comfortable and ergonomic furniture from the lobby to the dining areas to the guest rooms to keep guests coming back.
The furnishings should also be functional. When you seek out fashionable pieces, ensure they are also practical. Choosing functional furniture allows you to optimize spaces and make it easier to manage a property. Key components of functionality include stacking ability, storage, maintenance, and durability.
Create Welcoming Common Spaces
Designing inviting and relaxing common areas like the lobby, restaurants, and lounges encourage guests to socialize, relax, and enjoy. In many cases, these areas are often the first things guests experience. Making a strong first impression in common areas is a central component of overall guest satisfaction.
Start by procuring fashionable furniture that matches the overall theme of the common area and the property overall. Comfortable armchairs, sofas, and ottomans should be placed to encourage relaxation and spark conversation, which are critical for guest satisfaction.
Stay Within Budget
Fashionable furniture is often more costly than basic pieces, so it can be challenging to be trendy and stay within budget.
One way to keep costs under control is to set a clear budget and prioritize essential areas such as guest rooms and the lobby. This will enable you to deliver comfort and high aesthetics in the spaces where guests will spend most of their time.
Comparing prices from different suppliers is also crucial. Shopping around also allows you to explore a range of fashionable furnishing options. It’s also a best practice to look out for discounts and seasonal sales.
By making thoughtful decisions, you can create an inviting and stylish environment for guests while maintaining financial prudence.
Fashionable Hotel Furnishings: The Bottom Line
There are many factors you must consider before buying the right fashionable furnishings for your hospitality property. The experts at The Stroud Group are always available to help. We can do the work for you by introducing you to our exclusive resources, finding unique pieces, negotiating the best prices, and ensuring everything arrives on time and on budget. Contact us to find out how we can procure the fashionable furnishings you want easily and effectively.
5 Expert Tips to Save Money on Hotel FF&E
Of course, you want to create the ultimate environment for your hotel guests. However, you don’t need to break the bank to do so. This guide offers tips to help you purchase the hotel furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) you need to deliver the ultimate guest experience at an affordable price.
Plan Ahead
The first step toward saving money on hotel furnishing procurement is to allow yourself enough time to plan ahead. Give yourself the space to develop a clear vision of your design concept, layout, budget, and timeline. Planning helps avoid rush orders, last-minute changes, and inflated shipping costs. It also allows you to compare suppliers, FF&E options, and expenses. Planning will also help you avoid mistakes that can significantly inflate your budget, such as ordering the wrong size, number, color, or type of furnishing.
Planning also allows you to partner more effectively with a hotel furnishings procurement company like The Stroud Group, which can help you explore your options for finding top-quality materials at prices you can afford.
Negotiate With Suppliers
Another way to save money on hotel furnishing procurement is to make it a point to negotiate with suppliers. This means finding reputable vendors willing to work with you to deliver items at competitive prices, discounts, and warranties.
Negotiating with vendors will allow you to get the best value for your money. It can also help build trust, which could lead to long-term relationships. Some things you can negotiate with suppliers over are bulk discounts, free delivery, installation, maintenance services, and flexible payment terms.
Tip: Use your network and ask for referrals to find the best deals and suppliers.
Not comfortable with negotiating? The professionals at The Stroud Group can leverage our expertise to find the furnishings you need at highly competitive prices.
Consider Custom-Made Furniture
It may seem counterintuitive, but another way to save money on hotel FF&E procurement is to look into custom-made furniture. Believe it or not, custom hotel furnishings can be more cost-effective than ready-made furniture in some instances.
Custom furnishings help create a one-of-a-kind distinctive design that perfectly reflects your brand identity and vision. It can also optimize a space and its functionality by fitting your furniture to specific dimensions, requirements, and preferences.
Custom furnishings are typically more durable and sustainable than mass-produced items, saving you money on repairs and replacement over time.
Not sure how to get access to custom-designed and made hotel furnishings? The experts at The Stroud Group are always available to help by introducing you to our extensive network of custom furnishing suppliers.
Select Versatile and Durable Furnishings
It can be tempting to choose cheap furniture and other things to save money. This can be a big mistake. It’s smarter to select versatile and durable furniture that is also cost-effective. Choose items that can serve different purposes and be used in various settings that can hold up to wear and tear. Versatile and durable furniture allows you to make the most of your space by allowing you to rearrange, repurpose, or reuse items as needed.
Good quality furnishings will help you reduce maintenance and replacement costs because they will last longer and perform better.
Don’t feel confident about being able to determine which furnishings are durable, flexible, and cost-effective versus those that are just plain cheap? The experts at The Stroud Group are always available to help guide you to the right choices.
Take Advantage of Recycled or Reclaimed Furnishings
The final way to save on hotel furniture procurement is to use recycled or reclaimed pieces. This includes items made from materials that are salvaged, refurbished, or repurposed from other sources. Purchasing recycled and reclaimed items can help you save money on material and manufacturing costs. Plus, it’s good for the environment.
On top of this, using reclaimed materials can create a unique and distinctive design that showcases creativity and social responsibility. Recycled or reclaimed furniture adds character and charm to your hospitality operation because pieces come with a story or historical connotation.
Saving Money on Hotel Furnishings: The Bottom Line
It is possible to save money on hotel furnishings and still get great distinctive pieces. You just need to know how to do it right. Use the five tips in this article to guide you. You can also contact The Stroud Group for expert support in securing the FF&E you need at a price you can afford.
How to Procure the Latest Smart Hotel FF&E
The Internet of Things is not only taking over people’s homes. It’s becoming a big part of hotel rooms, as well.
From access to streaming services to controlling lighting via smartphone, more and more parts of the hospitality guest experience are going digital.
Hotel guests today expect concierge services or temperature controls at the tap of a finger. On top of this, voice-activated controls are moving beyond asking Alexa to play a favorite movie or television show.
Some of these trends might seem a long way off, but in the near future, guests will demand them, avoiding hotels that don’t offer them. Many tech innovations require only minimal changes to guest rooms, which means a hotel company that implements them quickly could attract a significant amount of new business.
This guide explains some of the latest innovative technology that’s becoming part of the hotel experience and how to procure the furnishings, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) that guests will expect in the future.
Top Smart Lodging Trends
Bring your own streaming
Portable streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick make it possible for guests to bring along their own entertainment on trips. However, they can only access them on a large screen if the hotel television has an accessible USB port. Another option: Hotels can offer a platform like Enseo, which allows guests to log in to their streaming accounts. They’re automatically logged out when they check out.
Wireless device charging
More and more devices today are wireless. People are set up for this at home but often forget to bring cables and plugs on trips. That’s why the best hotels enhance the guest experience by offering charging mats that transfer power to devices like smartphones or headphones. Hotels can leverage a platform like Kadence to deliver wireless charging in guest rooms.
Smart controls
People love their at-home smart control systems like Nest. They enable control of things like light, temperature, and power from smartphones or other devices. It can seem like a letdown to visitors when this level of convenience is not available in a hotel.
Tablet controls
Guests no longer have patience for the old-school binder containing information about hotel services. Instead, they want to see restaurant hours, room service menus, spa services, and area recommendations on an in-room tablet. Guests can also use it to play music, control the room’s lights and temperature, and request help and services. Some popular hospitality-related brands include Crestron, INTELITY, SuitePad, and Crave.
Voice-activated controls
Upgrade a smart speaker (think Amazon Alexa) to handle hotel-specific requests with a system like Volara. It makes it possible for guests to use voice commands to request services like housekeeping or room service.
Smart mirrors
People have been installing these high-tech amenities in their homes for years. Now, they expect them in hotel rooms, especially higher-end ones.
It adds a TV screen to a bathroom mirror. While putting on makeup or brushing their teeth, guests can watch television or request hotel services.
Concierge video chat
After scanning a QR code, systems such as Crave allow hotel guests to talk, text, or video chat with hotel staff in real time. It eliminates the need to walk to the front desk or make a call to get answers to questions or get reservations. It allows staff to handle requests quickly and effectively.
Smart televisions
Many hotel guests prefer to view their favorite Netflix or Max show rather than being forced to watch basic cable. A Smart TV with an integrated internet connection or an add-on like Apple TV or Roku makes it possible. It allows guests to select their favorite streaming service from various apps. Samsung and LG are leaders when it comes to smart televisions appropriate for hospitality businesses.
Get the Help You Need to Procure Smart and Smart-Compatible Hotel Devices and Furnishings
Not every hospitality procurement company is able to guide hotel design teams to the Smart items they want and need. The Stroud Group is different. We have a long history of staying current with industry trends, including the current smart revolution. Learn more about The Stroud Group and contact a friendly and knowledgeable representative to discuss your FF&E procurement needs.
How to: Avoid Choosing the Wrong Hospitality FF&E Procurement Partner
Beyond being collections of rooms, hotels are experiences that should delight guests, leaving them content, wanting to visit again, and willing to make recommendations to friends.
Behind every hotel that accomplishes these things is a team of experienced professionals who dream up and create the experience, including owners, designers, manufacturers, architects, general contractors, and FF&E and OS&E procurement companies. While each plays a critical role, a procurement firm helps identify suitable materials and vendors, securing the perfect items to deliver the experience you imagine (or more) on time and at the best possible price.
Here are the four biggest mistakes hotel companies make when they choose procurement companies, which usually results in selecting the wrong one.
Mistake 1: Not Being On the Same Page
Excellent communication is central to an effective hotel buying experience.
With today’s rapid room turnover rate, fitting in renovations around guest scheduling is a huge challenge in the hospitality industry. Another headache for hoteliers: Big projects with many complex components. Furniture delivery, acceptance, assembly, and placement must be treated on an equal footing with construction work. And the only way the entire procurement process can roll out perfectly is to ensure everyone is on the same page and stays that way through constant, effective communication.
The right FF&E and OS&E procurement company will confirm when designs are expected as samples, production will be finished, approvals take place, and products arrive at the location.
Always ensure a hospitality procurement provider has excellent systems in place to facilitate communications.
Mistake 2: Not Being Copasetic
You have a unique vision for your hospitality property. Make sure your hospitality procurement supplier understands it and can deliver on it. Many firms are one-size-fits-all, only able to provide for big, bland hotel companies. Others may be too edgy or avant-garde to be able to consider a simpler style.
Never be afraid to request portfolios and recommendations. A professional procurement company will have no problem providing both.
Remember, you are purchasing the furnishings that will create your hospitality experience for years to come. Partnering with the right experts will ensure you secure the materials you need.
Mistake 3: Not Working With a Genuine Partner
Do you want to work with a firm that’s an outsider or a genuine extension of your company?
Of course, with something as personal and closely connected to your brand as purchasing hotel furnishings, you want to feel that everyone involved in the process is an extension of your team.
Hospitality space design and development can’t be effective if you feel you are handing over any part of the process to someone not integrally connected to your team. You need to feel a genuine sense of connection between you and the people executing your vision for the space.
That’s why it’s critical to do a vibe check before engaging an FF&E and OS&E procurement firm. Like dating, ask the right questions to determine whether you’re a match.
Mistake 4: Lacking Access to Information
How do you know your hospitality design and development experience will be completed successfully?
The key is access to accurate and timely information.
Always take time to learn about a procurement firm’s information-sharing, and that its systems and software are top-notch and will be effective for the people in your organization. Don’t take a company’s word for it. Test their solutions and see if you’re comfortable with them and that they’ll be effective for your firm. Also, ensure they will integrate quickly and effectively with the systems and software your company uses.
Common Procurement Firm Selection Errors: The Final Word
It’s easy for even the best hospitality management businesses to select the wrong partner. That’s why it’s critical to do your due diligence and identify one that will be a perfect fit for you. The experts at The Stroud Group are always available to discuss your FF&E procurement needs and answer any questions you have about working together.
Hotel & Casino Procurement | Stroud Group
Planning a Casino Renovation or Expansion Project? Here’s What You Need to Know
Casinos are unique when it comes to hospitality properties. Guests have different expectations for these destinations, especially when compared to more traditional lodgings.
This guide explains what you must know to plan and develop your property correctly and get the right furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) and operating supplies and equipment (OS&E) to satisfy your casino guests and deliver an optimal experience.
Start with Your Vision for the Casino
It’s important to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve before getting started on any project. Consider what type of experience you want your customers to have when they visit your property and let that guide the entire process. Do you want an upscale Vegas-style experience or something more relaxed and leisurely? Are there any special features or amenities that will make your casino stand out from the competition? Create a plan that captures all of these elements and use it as your roadmap throughout the process.
Know Your Casino Customers
The key to any successful business strategy is understanding your audience. Before you begin any sort of design process for your casino, do some research into who your target customers are and what they want from an experience in your establishment. Are they looking for a luxurious night out? Or are they simply seeking entertainment? Knowing this information will help you create a plan that meets their needs and keeps them coming back again and again.
Formulate Your Budget
Creating a detailed budget is crucial when it comes to any remodeling or construction project, including casinos. Having an accurate budget will help you determine how much money you need and where it should be allocated including critical later-phase components like FF&E and OS&E. It also prevents unforeseen complications that could arise due to a lack of funds or mismanagement of resources. This is especially true if there are any unexpected costs that arise during the course of the renovations – such as upgrades or changes in materials – as those additional expenses can quickly add up and throw off your entire timeline if not managed properly.
Design Your Casino Layout
The layout of your casino will determine how customers navigate through it and which games they are most likely to play. When deciding on a layout, consider factors such as foot traffic patterns, lighting levels, sound levels, seating arrangements, game type placement, etc., all of which can affect the customer experience in subtle but important ways. Also consider incorporating features such as kiosks or touchscreens that allow customers to access additional information about different games or promotions quickly and easily.
Develop the Visual Elements for Your Casino
Once you have chosen the perfect layout for your casino project, it’s time to start designing the visual environment. This includes everything from choosing furniture and fixtures that match the overall aesthetic of your building to selecting artwork that reflects its theme or brand identity. You should also pay special attention to any audio or visual elements in gaming areas such as slot machines or table games; these elements should be designed and laid out with customer engagement in mind at all times!
Choose Professionals Experienced in Casino Projects
Selecting experienced contractors who understand gaming and casino regulations and other issues is key. A contractor with vast experience working on casino projects will be able to anticipate any potential issues along the way and help guide the process toward success. They should be well-versed in relevant gaming regulations so there are no unexpected delays due to non-compliance issues.
At The Stroud Group, we leverage our vast network of contacts in the gaming industry along with our expertise in managing projects from start to finish to ensure nothing gets overlooked during renovations or expansions. You can rest assured knowing that we can deliver the furniture, fixtures, and equipment and operating supplies and equipment you need on time and on budget.
So no matter how big (or small) a casino project may be, having experienced professionals manage it can save time, money, and headaches down the line! Stroud Group has partnered with casinos internationally to create one-of-a-kind experiences that keep customers coming back again and again—so contact us today if you’re ready to get started on your next exciting venture!










