Insider: Three Easy Solutions in Updating Historical Properties into Boutique Hotels
By Roger Hill, Chief Operating Officer, Gettys
Mr. Roger Hill
Boutique hotels came into vogue 20 years ago, and they continue to gain popularity as travelers increasingly opt for their signature blend of exceptional service and high design. As hotels in every category proliferate and competition for guests increases, developers are looking for ways to keep the boutique segment fresh. In doing so, they’re looking to the past ― historical properties ― to breathe new life into the boutique category. The cachet and rich history of a landmark property can be a key differentiator for a boutique looking to stand out in the crowded hospitality market.
A historical property offers guests a taste of another era. Moreover, your renovated boutique hotel inherits the powerful effects of nostalgia, as guests think back to a more glamorous past and imagine the luxurious lives of immortalized statesman and celebrities. The magic of a historical property transforms the guest experience into something out of the ordinary. In an increasingly crowded hospitality market, the allure of staying in a historic property along with many travelers predilection for boutique hotels, combine into a powerhouse hybrid of old and new. Historical properties are ideally suited to emerge as great new boutique destinations.
Landmark properties do come with a distinct set of design challenges, but with space at a premium in crowded urban markets, they are ideally suited to emerge as great new boutique destinations. Often these historical properties are built to a smaller scale than contemporary buildings, making them ideally suited for conversion into intimate boutique hotels. A hotel owner can update a historical property to blend the best of the past and present. With a clear vision, a unique property, and dedication to the guest experience, the possibilities are endless.
In my article, “Three Easy Solutions in Updating Historical Properties into Boutique Hotels” in the Hotel Business Review, I provide insight into three best practices of redesigning a historical property into a modern boutique hotel. The ideas I present are actionable and affordable design solutions that add magnetism to your boutique hotel. I further recommend taking your redevelopment to the next level by incorporating another emergent trend — green. While the renovation criteria that apply to landmark properties may seem incompatible with green building standards, both movements share a number of goals. With a full understanding of the commonalities, it becomes easy to incorporate green practices into your renovation without compromising the integrity of the hotel’s architecture and design. In fact, you just might see opportunities in every corner once you begin thinking about your renovation in a new light.
The payoff in developing a historical, environmentally friendly boutique is a hotel that delivers a truly exceptional experience to travelers. I urge you to capitalize on both trends now, so you can reap the rewards as your competitors struggle to catch up down the road. I invite you to read on for innovative design solutions that bring your guests exceptional experiences and provide a true return-on-investment.
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Sincerely,
Roger Hill
Chief Executive Officer
Gettys
312-836-1111
www.gettys.com
