Grand Hotels, Grand Designs

We all enjoy the decadence and indulgence of a five-star hotel. Crisp linen sheets, stunning decor and hospitality service to die for: everybody enjoys a good pampering. However, for those looking to invest in the hotel sector, there are crucial factors that need to be considered in order to approach investments properly. Beyond the silver service and complimentary chocolates, there is more to high-end hotel management than meets the eye.



Beauty is in the eye of the beholder Nothing rings truer than when one stresses the importance of location. In order to constantly attract a certain 'clientele' and develop a five-star reputation, the hotel must find a nice balance between being in an accessible location and being situated in a specialist place to create the illusion of being a faraway retreat to which customers can escape to. Naturally, hotels need to be strategically situated near shops, airports and local attractions, but nobody wants to sit in their stunning hotel room, having the vision of an urban jungle outside their window. However, if you are planning to buy a property that is a bit further out, ensure that you offer a shuttle service for customers coming from airports and train stations.

Location choice can be tricky, so it is wise to always do your research online beforehand. Great websites such as PropertySales are at your disposal when choosing appropriate locations. Once your customers get there, it is important that vivid designs and captivating decor keeps them satisfied. First impressions are everything, of course. This not only includes how clean the rooms and corridors are, but by developing a relaxing reception area for customers to relax in, striking wallpaper designs to create a soothing ambience, and a large variety of statues and plants to fill up the space well. All of these little touches will contribute towards a wider 'image'. It is this concept or theme that will not only make your venue stand out from the others, but will ensure that your property will attract potential future buyers.

The logistics of it all Other practical additions to consider are the hotel facilities. In a modern digital world, this includes high-speed Wi-Fi, faxing services at the front desk, cable television, and highly trained hospitality staff. Therefore, when looking at the decor and amenities of a property, you carefully need to investigate into the site's current condition. Ask yourself: How much do I need to invest, beyond just the basic property value, to get this site into a five-star venue? If potential revenues are not going to equate or exceed this figure, you may want to reconsider the buy. A good way to figure this out is to look at similar sites in the area and reasonably estimate if the property will be a worthy investment. Sadly, there is no magic formula about the hotel sector. However, a rule to remember is that the service offered must always go above and beyond the image trying to be sold, if you truly want to be considered at the high end of the market.