I have been frequently asked the question “Coming out of this downturn, what is the first place you would focus your capital to optimize limited resources in a CapEx upgrade?” Here is my two cents....

If you have a few pennies:
CLEAN the place top to bottom, replace caulk/grout, de-silvered mirrors, replace rusty brite work, update old shower curtains, and make the place shine.

If you have 2 nickels :
Hire the professional services of a Project Manager, Interior Designer and Benjamin West. I would then spend 20% on the sense of arrival; fix the torn awning, seal and stripe the parking lot, paint the front of the building. Bring that positive first impression inside by spending 20% on replacing and refinishing outdated lobby FF&E. Spend the balance on the guestrooms; replace everything with stains, odors and saggy cushions including seating, carpet, bed and window treatments and refinishing of casegoods as needed. Of course, ANY roof or window seal leaks are to be done at this stage to not ruin the new FF&E.

If you have 4 nickels :
Do all of the above, but also add a new bed and a fresh coat of paint to the guestrooms. In addition to the guestrooms, update the function spaces to increase your group business revenue. Then spend a little bit on the employee break room; fresh paint, new chairs and tables, better lighting. If you allocate money to that one back of house space, increased employee moral will shine through to each guest which will make every old light and wall covering that you could not afford to replace look a little better…

If you have 6 nickels:
Do all of the above, and fix any mechanical, electrical and structural issues that you have been “meaning to get to”.

If you have a few dollars:
Gut the place and leap frog your competition!

—Alan Benjamin, President

Jennifer Root at Hotel Design Roundtable 2009 (PDF)

The designer and purchaser—allies not adversaries Part 1

The designer and purchaser—allies not adversaries Part 2

The scene: sunshine at the Aphrodite Resort in Cyprus.

The event: HOTEC Europe, a three-day networking marathon for buyers and suppliers of hotel FF&E.

As delegates arrived everyone, including Chelsea Hershelman from the BW London office, was eagerly anticipating the series of meetings, meals and meaningful conversations. Under the clear blue sky in a secluded resort with 250 people all thrown together, conditions were perfect for meeting that special supplier and discovering wonderful new products for our clients’ projects.

HOTEC is a well known program of events facilitating a series of 20-minute meetings, or “speed dates”, between buyers and suppliers in the hope that meaningful relationships will be formed. Chelsea came seeking new contacts, a relaxed environment in which to develop existing relationships and some magical inspiration. She walked away very happy and is looking forward to sharing her increased knowledge with colleagues, clients and friends alike.

(NB: The next HOTEC event is held in Muscat, Oman, 7-10 May 2010).

Written by: Chelsea Hershelman, Project Manager, BW London

• 1 yard of fabric/vinyl = 18 square feet of leather
• For heavy contract use with leather, 1.3 mm thickness or better is advised for upholstery use.
• Leather is a natural product, and due to hide size there is typically more waste when upholstering than in comparison to fabric or vinyl
• Vinyl is a synthetic product. It is easier to clean and maintain over time. This is a more durable product in terms of contract use.
• In terms of cost savings, vinyl is a way to cut costs while maintaining look, with little guest impact. An average vinyl is typically $20 less per yard compared with the cost of leather.

Written by: Katherine Sprague, Project Manager

When putting together an RFP (Request for Proposal) for FF&E and OS&E procurement services, the following is a list of key points that clients are usually looking for:

• Firm Description
• Transparency
• Experience
• References
• Approach; timing and extent of involvement
• Quality Control
• Quality Assurance
• Problem Resolutions
• Software System
• Samples
• Certificate of Insurance

When reviewing multiple RFP’s the above are great key points that a client should keep in mind. One thing that is not mentioned in the above list in detail is the fee. Although the fee is an important component of an RFP, it is not the best deciding factor on who should be awarded the project. A client needs to take many factors into the decision of picking the best firm that is capable for the job. For example: What is the overall savings that the purchasing agent can achieve in your budget?

Often times a good purchasing agent can save their fee in one PO alone due to the firm’s vendor relationships and leverage. When deciding on the purchasing firm that would be best for your project, you need to know what are you really “buying”. You are buying the firm’s vendor relationships and the stronger the relationship the more likely your budget will decrease, the products will arrive on schedule, and problems will be resolved in a timely manner.

To continue reading the “When Putting Together an RFP” Please Click Here

Written by: Alexa Docheff, Business Development Coordinator