Virtual Reality for Hospitality Design Virtual reality (VR) technology is taking both the architecture—and hospitality— industries by storm! From the old school paper-based drafting to relatively modern digitally produced 2D renderings, architecture has evolved into something much more lifelike. So what is VR after all? And why does it matter for your hotel? Here we […]

Look Inside the New Prototype of Hyatt Place Hotels Last year, Hyatt Place announced its reimagined brand experience—a new generation of hotels focused on three key areas: thoughtful design, enhanced well-being, and better value for World of Hyatt members. With this brand evolution now underway, Base4 has been working on several projects using the new […]

Fire Safety: Your Hotel Doesn’t Need Sprinklers Everywhere Now that we have established why NFPA 13 is the right fire safety code for your hotel, today we explore one specific area of fire protection coverage that often leads to a great deal of confusion—combustible concealed spaces. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) requires that hotels be […]

[/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Fire Safety for Your Hotel: NFPA 13 vs. 13R The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has an elaborate code structure to regulate fire safety according to different categories of occupancies. The focus of today’s discussion is a code called NFPA 13, which mandates sprinkler regulations. The code requires commercial occupancies, such as hotels […]

  [fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] How Permit Expeditors Help Open Your Hotel Faster If you are building a new hotel… congratulations! Now it’s time to obtain your building permit from city authorities. Everyone in hotel construction is aware of the complications involved in the permitting process. Consuming both your time and money—permitting gets complex as project […]

  [fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] How New Tariffs May Impact Your Construction Costs As I noted in my last newsletter, tariffs on FF&E imports are affecting the hospitality industry. Additional taxes on the imports of raw materials may change the landscape of the construction industry. Below I describe a few potential challenges that may affect hoteliers […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] FF&E Tariffs  In my last newsletter, I explained the pros and cons of modular elevators. Today I want to address a rising concern in the industry—U.S. tariffs on furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) used in hotels. Why the Tariffs Recent trade tariffs on Chinese imports have become a concern for developers in all […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Modular Elevators Last week, I introduced modular elevators and its features. Continuing with this subject today, I list the benefits and drawbacks below. Benefits Shorter Lead Time: It takes manufacturers about eight weeks to prepare the whole assembled elevator once project drawings are finalized. Better Quality: Every part of a modular elevator […]

[fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] [/fusion_text][fusion_text] Modular Elevators I often discuss modern hotel construction solutions, including my earlier series on modular hotel construction (Should you go modular with your next hotel? –  FAQ). Today I’d like to expand on this topic and discuss modular elevators. Whether it’s the faster turnaround time for your next hotel construction or a […]