Hotel Online  Special Report
---
Save the Best -
Replace the Rest

E-mail:  [email protected]
Harry Nobles & Cheryl Thompson Griggs,  July 2003

Over the years we have been privileged to work on several historic lodging renovation projects.  If we have learned anything, it is that everything does not need to be replaced. We have seen historically authentic fixtures and decorative elements removed and replaced with inappropriate and often poor quality fixtures.  We always recommend our clients make a thorough evaluation to determine the feasibility of restoration versus replacement.  
 
Research of the building history can uncover pleasant surprises.  We once discovered beautiful, original, historically authentic cypress walls and hardwood floors hidden by contemporary wallpaper and carpeting.  The wood was in excellent condition!
 
Ask Harry and Cheryl
We encourage readers to email us with questions on ratings, guest services, design, decor, etc. We'll directly respond to your questions. Email Harry and Cheryl
On the practical side, cleaning the floors and walls and custom designed period furnishings saved money while adding immeasurably to the desired atmosphere of the finished product.  The same principle has been exercised in many other hotels and Inns we have guided through the adaptive reuse and renovation process.

We stress that �old� does not necessarily mean �historically authentic�; there can be significant differences. One inherent risk in dealing with restorations is the existence of a mixture of periods and styles.  This is often the case when the facility has undergone previous renovations, restorations, or facelifts. It requires the trained eye of a historic interior designer or decorative arts historian to give you an accurate assessment.

This is just one factor that makes your choice of designer of key importance.   Excellent, experienced designers without an intimate knowledge of historical restorations may render �a new look� in your hotel.  They may not, however, deliver the hotel you wanted.  The ideal design consultant is the one with a combined appreciation of historical authenticity and a sense of operational practicality.  

The advent of the Internet and web surfing by potential guests has enhanced the need for hotels to give the guests something unique,  something that appeals to their individual needs and interests. Whether it be a historically accurate hotel with a story to tell or an ultra modern facility with a minimalist appeal, they will research it via the Internet, and other modern media.  Today�s guest is far more knowledgeable and discerning than those of previous generations. Are you appealing to today�s guests?
 

Cheryl Griggs & Harry Nobles
www.optimumrating.com

###
Contact:

Harry Nobles Hospitality Consulting
POC:  Harry Nobles
E-mail:  [email protected]
Phone:  757-564-3761
Fax:        757-564-0076
www.optimumrating.com

Credentials: 

  • Former head of AAA Lodging/Dining Ratings Program. 
  • An independent consultant serving the hospitality industry. 
  • A Special Training Consultant to the Educational Institute, American Hotel/Motel Association
Also See: AAA and Mobil Ratings As a Sales Tool / May 2003
How Well Do You Know Your Competitor? / May 2003
Our Favorite Hotel?  / March 2003
The Current Value of AAA Hotel Ratings / Feb 2003
Stars and Diamonds; Some Similarities and Some Differences / January 2003
AAA's Delay: Good or Bad? / July 2002
Timing Is Everything, Or Is It? / July 2002 
Boutique Hotels: Have They Gone Too Far / May 2002
People Really Do Make the Difference / Jan 2002
What Is a Boutique Hotel? / Dec 2001
The Non-negotiable Traits of Leaders / Oct 2001 
How Important is Service? / Sept 2001
Front Desk Service Mistakes / Aug 2001
Food & Beverage Mistakes & How to Correct Them / July 2001
Bell Staff Mistakes & How to Correct Them / July 2001 
Attitude vs Aptitude / June 2001
Female Business Travelers' Expectations / June 2001
Is Outsourcing Your Training a Viable Alternative? / June 2001
Unique Identity + Consistent Service = Success / May 2001
AAA Standards vs  Guests' Expectations / May 2001
Are Your Guests Better Informed Than Your Staff? / April 2001
Are U.S. Hotels Rated Differently From Other North American Hotels? / April 2001
The Design Theme - AAA / Mobil Ratings Connection / March 2001
Attitude Can Make the Difference / January 2001
How Should Casino-Hotels be Rated? / Dec 2000
Does AAA Rate Resorts Fairly? / Nov 2000
Is Your Property Suffering From Design Deficiency? / Nov 2000 
The Future of AAA Ratings / September 2000
What Is Your Optimum AAA Rating / August 2000
If You Disagree With Your AAA Rating�../ June 2000
Are AAA Ratings Always Accurate and Objective / May 2000
Creating Atmosphere / Jan 2000
What is "Atmosphere"? / December 1999
Maintaining Your AAA Rating / Nov 1999
Earning a AAA Rating vs Maintaining a AAA Rating: Which Is More Difficult?  / Oct 1999
Can Outstanding Service Offset Hotel Physical Deficiencies in the Rating Systems? / Harry Nobles / June 1999 
Consistency: The Hallmark of a Fine Hotel / September 1999
Who Should Train Your Employees  / Aug 2000 
Mobil Travel Guide Announces 1998 Mobil Four-and Five-Star Award Winners / Jan 1998 
Key to Success: Training + Follow-Up / June 2000
The Legend of the Pineapple / Harry Nobles / Feb 1999 
To Harry Nobles Hospitality Consulting Index Page

To search Hotel Online data base of News and Trends Go to Hotel.Online Search
Back to Hotel.Online Press Releases
Home | Welcome! | Hospitality News | Classifieds | Catalogs & Pricing | Viewpoint Forum | Ideas/Trends
Please contact Hotel.Online with your comments and suggestions.