by editorial office, chd
Nearly half of three to five-star properties investing in guest rooms
Despite the crisis, large investments are taking place in the three, four and five-star hotel industry. 25 percent of German top properties intend to modernize at least part of their guest rooms. For comparison: In the previous year, one in five hoteliers (comfort/first-class/luxury) had planned renovations; three quarters of the planned investments were actually seen through in 2008. This is shown by the most recent edition of the hotel modernization survey „Hotel Upgrade 2009“ by international market research institute CHD Expert Germany.
„The hoteliers are not hesitating: Nearly 70 percent of the modernizations of guest rooms are going to be initiated in the first half of the year“, Thilo Lambracht, Director of CHD Expert (Germany) GmbH, reports. „The analysis of modernization projects in 2008 suggests that these will actually be seen through: only seven percent of renovation budgets were postponed to this year.“ Hoteliers will also spare no effort in the extent of the room renovations: 13 percent will renovate the all guest rooms. Around a third of the hoteliers will renovate more than a quarter of the rooms.
More mattresses for the country
Good mattresses are essential for the beds – which is why 47 percent of the comfort, first-class and luxury hotels that voiced the intention of renovations will replace their beds this year. Completely new bed frames will be acquired by 41 percent, with the purchase of new bedding firmly planned by another 38 percent of investors.
Stoves are main components in investments in technical equipment
More than eight percent of hoteliers have budgeted larger investments in the kitchen facilities. Around half of them plan the acquisition of additional equipment, the other half intends to have backup equipment installed. Stoves (55%) are clearly the front-runners in their investment plans, followed by: dishwashing equipment (40%), refridgeration equipment (40%), microwaves (35%) and steaming equipment (35%).
New seating furniture for the hotel restaurants
Nearly nine percent of all hoteliers will also modernize their restaurant facilities this year. Tables and chairs will be the main focus (80%). New table china, as well as glasses and silver ware are planned in 38 percent of the modernization projects. „However, multiple hotels are spending even more, investing in expensive equipment and high-quality restaurant equipment“, Lambracht explains. Around five percent of all hotels are planning the purchase of large machines for coffee specialties and espresso. Wine climate cabinets and cigar humidors, on the other hand, are planned only by a minority.
Modern conference equipment is popular
Perfectly equipped conference rooms are essential for the better part of the three, four and five-star hotels. Despite significant cancellations of meetings, around eight percent of the properties plan modernizations of meetings equipment (38% of the projects) and furniture (28%). A third of the budgets will be allocated to both, meetings equipment and furniture.
High-level spa investments
„In regards to spas & fitness, the German hotel industry still has plenty to catch up on“, said Lambracht. In light of this, more than six percent of the surveyed hoteliers announced their intention to build a spa area for the first time. More than twice as many properties intend to expand or remodel their spa areas.
All other segments in the comfort, first-class and luxury hotel industry show vivid investment activity, as well. 15 percent of establishments are planning expenses predominantly in hotel TV systems and wireless Internet connection (W-LAN), reservation technology (on-line booking), modern lighting equipment and up-to-date radiators.
Investment budgets clearly limited
The investment budgets will, for the most part, stay in the five-digit figures this year: nearly 60 percent of the budgets involve less than 100,000 euros. 22 percent of the modernization projects will incorporate up to a quarter million euros. Slightly more than five percent of the top hotels will dedicate over a million euros to their renovations budgets.
About „Hotel Upgrade 2009“
350 three, four and five-star hotels in Germany were surveyed for the study in early March. The analysis takes place annually. Summaries of the results can be accessed via the trade media and the website www.chd-expert.de. The complete edition of the study „Hotel Upgrade 2009 – Modernization Projects of the Three, Four and Five-star Hotel Industry in Germany“ (390 euros) may be ordered at: CHD Expert (Germany), Tel. +49 (0) 4263 301 300, centrale@chd-expert.de.
