7 Signs Your Hotel Needs a Refresh (Before Your Guests Notice)
Your hotel might be screaming for a refresh, but are you listening?
After renovating dozens of hotel properties over the years, we've learned to spot the warning signs that a property needs attention. Here's the problem: by the time most owners notice, guests already have and they've left it in their reviews.
The good news? Catching these signs early means less expensive fixes and better guest satisfaction.
Sign #1: Your Online Reviews Mention "Dated" or "Worn"
If guests are using words like:
"Needs updating"
"Looks tired"
"Dated decor"
"Worn furniture"
It's time. Even one or two mentions can hurt bookings, as potential guests read reviews before booking.
The Fix: Start with high-impact, lower-cost updates: fresh paint, new wallcovering in corridors, updated lobby areas.
Sign #2: Scuff Marks That Won't Clean
High-traffic areas like corridors and lobbies take a beating. If you're seeing:
Scuff marks that won't wash off
Worn paint around door frames
Dingy-looking walls despite cleaning
You're past "touch-up" territory. These signals tell guests your property isn't well-maintained, even if everything else is spotless.
The Fix: Commercial-grade paint with higher durability ratings and professional surface prep.
Sign #3: Peeling or Bubbling Wallpaper
Nothing says "neglected" like:
Wallpaper seams coming apart
Bubbling or rippling
Visible water damage
Faded or discolored areas
This often happens in high-humidity areas (coastal properties, near pools/spas) when the wrong materials were used initially.
The Fix: Remove old wallcovering, address moisture issues, install commercial-grade, moisture-resistant materials.
Sign #4: Your Photos Don't Match Reality
Are you avoiding re-photographing certain areas for your website? If your marketing photos are 5+ years old because current conditions don't look as good, guests will notice the discrepancy and feel deceived.
The Fix: A strategic refresh of photographed areas can provide new marketing materials AND improve guest experience.
Sign #5: Competing Hotels Look Newer (Even Though They're Not)
If properties built the same year as yours look fresher, and it's not luck, it's maintenance. Regular refreshes (every 5-7 years) keep properties looking current without major renovations.
The Fix: Implement a rolling refresh schedule: guest rooms one year, corridors the next, public spaces the following year.
Sign #6: Your ADR (Average Daily Rate) Is Stagnant
Can't raise your rates? There's a reason. Guests pay premium prices for properties that LOOK premium. If your finishes are dated:
You can't command higher rates
You're competing on price, not value
You're leaving money on the table
The Fix: Strategic upgrades that allow rate increases often pay for themselves within 12-18 months.
Sign #7: Occupancy Drops During Shoulder Season
Premium properties maintain strong occupancy year-round. If you're seeing significant drops during non-peak times, your property may not be competitive enough to attract guests when they have choices.
The Fix: Distinctive design elements (like custom ceiling murals, unique accent walls) create Instagram-worthy spaces that attract guests year-round.
The "Before Guests Notice" Strategy
Smart hotel owners don't wait for problems, they prevent them:
Year 1-2: Deep cleaning, touch-ups, minor repairs
Year 3-5: Strategic refreshes (paint, wallcovering high-traffic areas)
Year 5-7: Major corridor and public space updates
Year 7-10: Guest room rotations and complete property refresh
Is Your Hotel Showing These Signs?
We offer free property assessments for hotel owners and managers. We'll walk your property, identify issues, and provide a detailed refresh plan with budget estimates—no obligation.
Schedule your free assessment: (720) 530-9282
