Amerail Answers: The Most Common Questions Hotel Owners Have About Renovations

Have you ever asked the question: What should I know before starting a hotel renovation?

Whether you have or haven't you're in luck.

When it comes to hotel renovations, decision-makers face a unique mix of financial, operational, and guest-experience challenges.

Our team has handled over 2400 hotel projects nationwide—and we're answering the questions we hear most often from owners, GMs, asset managers, and investors.

Stay ahead and let this guide be your resource for knowing what to expect before your next hotel renovation.

Q: What are the biggest concerns we’re hearing from hotel owners right now?

A: Lately, clients are paying close attention to global trends—particularly the potential impact of tariffs and supply chain disruption on FF&E and material costs. There’s also a looming question about how future travel demand may fluctuate due to geopolitical uncertainty.

To stay ahead, we help clients:

• Lock in pricing early when possible

• Work with suppliers to ensure minimal or no impact to costs

• Strategically schedule phases to minimize downtime

• Anticipate and plan for contingencies in cost and schedule

Owners are especially concerned about the real cost of renovation: not just materials and labor, but lost revenue during out-of-order room nights and delays in returning to full operation.

We help mitigate these risks with proven phasing plans and strong supplier relationships.

Q: What are hotel owners most nervous about before they commit to a renovation?

A: The top fears are blown budgets and missed deadlines. Many owners also wonder if they’ve chosen the right partner to deliver the project smoothly and they're right to be cautious—a poorly planned or poorly managed renovation can lead to months of operational pain and lost revenue.

Our solution? We offer proven and firm timelines that account for the unexpected, transparent pricing, and collaborative planning from the beginning. Plus, our project managers stay hands-on from start to finish—so clients know exactly who’s accountable every step of the way.

Q: What decisions are the hardest for owners to make?

A: Cost-related decisions top the list. Whether it’s choosing materials, prioritizing brand standards, or deciding between aesthetics and ROI, every dollar has to count.

That’s why we provide side-by-side comparisons & value-engineered solutions that tie design choices directly to value—whether the value is reduced maintenance, better energy efficiency, or higher guest satisfaction scores. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about making smarter choices.

Q: Is there anything owners wish they had known before starting a renovation?

A: Absolutely. One of the most common things we hear is how helpful it would’ve been to engage a design-build team like ours earlier in the process.

Because we offer both design and construction services, we’re able to look at each project holistically—helping owners align brand requirements, aesthetic goals, and budget realities right from the start.

That often means identifying opportunities to streamline phases, reduce guest disruption, or suggest cost-effective alternatives that still meet brand expectations.

Even when we're working alongside a brand-selected architect, we act as a collaborative partner—bringing practical insights from the field that support the overall vision while helping to avoid costly surprises during construction. Owners are often shocked by how much flexibility exists within brand parameters when the right conversations happen early.

Q: Are there any common trends in current hotel PIPs?

A: Brands are increasingly focused on guest-centric improvements—lobbies, rooms, and amenities that directly affect the guest experience.

This gives owners more room to value-engineer back-of-house or less visible elements.

We’ve also noticed a softening of exterior scopes in some PIPs, often driven by owner input and escalating costs. Our role is to help clients negotiate these points with the brand—balancing compliance with cost control.

Q: What common misconceptions lead to avoidable stress?

A: Many owners assume renovations require significant closures—but with the right contractor, that’s rarely true. We’ve renovated hundreds of properties while they remain fully or mostly operational (as it's impossible for interior projects to stay fully operational during a renovation).

Another common misconception is around project duration. 

Many clients underestimate the time it takes to phase properly, especially in public spaces or with brand-mandated materials that have long lead times.

That’s why we work closely with hotel ownership and staff from day one to develop a schedule that works best for the property’s operations, occupancy patterns, and guest satisfaction.

Whenever possible, we recommend targeting off-season periods for guest-facing work to reduce disruption and protect revenue.

We set and communicate realistic timelines from the start—and stick to them. Clear expectations and thoughtful planning go a long way in reducing stress and keeping the project on track.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge hoteliers face during the renovation?

A: Navigating renovations while maintaining day-to-day operations. From guest complaints to entrance reroutes, it’s a lot to juggle.

That’s why we develop detailed phasing plans that are aligned with hotel operations—focusing noisy or disruptive work during off-peak hours and scheduling visible progress during key occupancy dips.

GMs with prior renovation experience are invaluable, but even without one, we guide the team every step of the way.

Q: Are hoteliers unsure how to balance renovations with operations?

A: Sometimes - depending on previous experience they have had. But that’s where we come in. Our team works directly with the hotel’s staff to lay out plans, identify pain points, and adapt as needed.

Q: Do clients understand the phases and disruptions involved in a typical project?

A: Not always. But we make sure they do.

Before a project kicks off, we conduct site walkthroughs, outline every phase in plain terms, and identify potential disruptions—like temporary closures or staging areas—so nothing comes as a surprise later.

Clear communication upfront builds trust—and keeps the project moving.

Q: Are clients concerned about delays? What typically causes them?

A: Absolutely.

Renovation delays usually come from a few key sources:

• Material or FF&E delivery issues

• Weather (especially for exterior work)

• Permitting delays or code compliance issues

• Unforeseen conditions like structural surprises

We mitigate these risks by building an accurate amount of time into the schedule, staying on top of permit timelines, and flagging lead-time issues early.

Q: Do hotel owners understand how long different renovation elements actually take?

A: Those with construction experience do.

But for them and others, we take the time to walk through each phase—what’s happening, how long it takes, and what could impact it.

That clarity goes a long way in building confidence and reducing stress.

Q: What’s your advice for hoteliers worried about mid-renovation guest complaints?

A: Complaints can unfortunately be part of the renovation process but we do everything possible to help avoid them.

Our crews are trained to be guest-sensitive, we help owners script clear signage and front desk messaging, and we encourage transparency with guests rather than surprises.

Guests don’t love construction—but they appreciate honesty and thoughtful communication.

Final Takeaway:

Hotel renovations aren’t just about hammering nails—they’re about delivering an upgraded guest experience while protecting your revenue and reputation.

With the right planning, the right team, and the right communication, a renovation becomes an opportunity—not a disruption.