When you own or manage a hotel, you may be facing some challenges these days. During the COVID-19 pandemic, travel is down and the economy is uncertain. If you are considering a move for your hotel, perhaps to a smaller or more suitable location, you’ll need to know some key considerations for hospitality moving. When moving a hotel, especially, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of what it takes so you can continue being successful in your new location.

The Pandemic’s Impact

A recent article in Forbes details the situation you are facing now as a hotel owner or manager. During the first 100 days of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel was one of the hardest hit industries. Now, air travel is increasing somewhat and hotel occupancy is actually showing some improvement after reaching its low in April. In fact, the accommodation industry appears to be rebounding with weekly occupancy gains.

As travel resumes, though, it’s going to look a little different for the hospitality industry. Americans are flying less and hitting the road more. Gas prices have been significantly reduced so many families are taking road trips, ensuring that they remain socially distanced from other people and choosing to stay in hotels that are clean and sanitized along the way.

Many people are exploring their local areas more and are turning to nature as a way to get outdoors but also to avoid close contact with others. It’s predicted that road trips will continue to be popular as restrictions remain in place during the pandemic and the price of gas remains low.

Future Trends

Understanding the pandemic’s impact on traveler preferences as well as the trends that travelers want to see in the future will help you understand the best location and structure for your hotel. HotelTechReport predicts that the future hotel will be less “big box” and more “out of the box.”

Hotel design trends show a focus on art, community, and uniqueness. Future guests will look for design that echoes the destination’s character, whether with local art or the architecture itself. In some hotels, the space itself will drive its uniqueness, with creative lobby ideas or public areas that showcase nature. Lobbies filled with plants and guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows provide guests with a connection to nature even in an urban setting.

Planning and Logistics

When you have found a space that will enable you to maximize your benefit to guests during the pandemic and beyond, you will need a plan for moving a hotel. The process is obviously more complicated and more time-consuming than moving a house or apartment. It all starts with a plan that includes logistics considerations for you and your guests.

Timeliness is Critical

When moving a hotel, you want to minimize your downtime. You will need to time the move during your off-season, to impact as few potential guests as possible. Timeliness will be critical in moving your inventory and getting it back in place in your new location so you can resume operations as quickly as possible.

Furniture, Appliances, and Equipment

When moving a hotel, most people think about the beds and desks in each room. Your hotel may also have refrigerators and microwaves in each room, as well as the appliances you use for your breakfast offerings and the equipment you use for your front desk operations. You need a professional mover that can handle all of these items with care, so as not to damage any of your furniture or equipment.

Packing and Unpacking

In addition to these major items, you will have sheets, towels, artwork, and other inventory that will need to be packed and unpacked. Beds may need to be broken down to be transported as well. An expert mover who is skilled in these areas will help ensure your move is seamless and efficient.

Storage

Moving a hotel to a smaller site means that you will not have room for all of your furniture and equipment. In addition, you may have some lag time between closing your current location and being able to move in at your new location. You will need a storage solution large enough to hold your furniture, appliances, equipment, and other inventory. You will also need to ensure that the storage facility is climate controlled, to avoid damage to these items.

Fox Moving and Storage Nashville Can Help with Hospitality Moving

The professionals at Fox Moving and Storage Nashville will work with you on the details, planning, and logistics necessary for moving a hotel. We are experienced with packing, loading, moving, and unpacking large items such as your furniture as well as delicate items such as your electronics. During the coronavirus pandemic, we take every precaution necessary to maintain your safety and well-being throughout the process. Contact us for more information about moving your hotel. Call Fox Moving & Storage Nashville at 615-965-5640 to learn more about our hospitality moving services.