Hotel owners have resumed investing in interior design. While in recent years hotel owners focused on aspects other than image, starting this year, things have begun to change, according to those operating in this segment. According to one of the main local producers of sinks, countertops, and bathroom furniture, hotel projects represented one-third of the local market business in the last year.
Hoteliers in Romania are beginning to realize that things must change, as most clients are interested in room comfort, not just price. Satisfied clients return and even recommend the place to friends; thus, owners of tourist units have started investing in interior design. According to Kuma Romania, one of the main local producers of sinks, countertops, and furniture for bathrooms and kitchens under the Kuma and Nordline brands, hotel projects generated approximately 30% of the local market business in the last year, with the rest attributed to deliveries to shopping centers and office buildings.
"While a stagnation was felt in the hotel segment during the [previous] period, the thawing of budgets allocated for bathroom renovations in accommodation units across the country was noted in the company’s business this year, with projects in this segment totaling 30% of the turnover achieved locally, equal to the value of products delivered to malls. On the other hand, the largest part of the local business (40%) is due to sales from the retail network," say Kuma Romania representatives.
Unlike the habits of those abroad, most hotel owners in Romania allocate considerable budgets for facades and receptions, to the detriment of room design. However, guest comfort in their own room is what makes them return, alongside the quality of services. Moreover, specialists emphasize that designing a bathroom to high standards can bring an extra star to a hotel.
„The biggest challenge in recent years is the lack of balance in budget allocation for 3-5 star hotels, especially those in the Romanian seaside area, where representatives invest considerable sums for facades and receptions, while the interior and, especially, the bathrooms are left in the background and equipped with an insufficient budget,” stated Camelia Olesen, Executive Director of Kuma Romania, a company whose business currently consists of 80% exports and 20% local sales.
High-end hotels want personalized products
During the last year, Kuma delivered bathroom sinks to hotels in Romania, the most extensive projects being represented by Hotel Riviera in the Mamaia resort and Hotel Turquoise in Venus. The quantity of custom-made sinks ordered reached 400 units, these being necessary for both guest room bathrooms and public ones. Additionally, the requirements of hotel representatives targeted a high degree of product personalization in terms of dimensions, materials, and colors.
„In both cases, the most important requirement concerned the complete change of the central point in the bathrooms, which is why we used personalized sink models capable of streamlining the narrow spaces available. Last but not least, in the final decision, hoteliers consulted the product performance declarations according to international standards as well as the impressive portfolio of similar works," added the company representative.
According to a study conducted by booking.com, the greatest dissatisfaction of Romanian tourists is not related to the quality of services, but to the appearance of hotel rooms in relation to the high price. Although it will take quite some time until the comfort in ordinary hotel rooms in Romania is comparable to that in tourist units in the West, small changes are applaudable.
Source: Imopedia/Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Romanian hotel owners investing in interior design?
Owners have realized that guests prioritize comfort over price, and satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend the location.
How does bathroom design affect a hotel’s rating?
Experts emphasize that a high-standard bathroom renovation can potentially add an extra star to a hotel’s official classification.
What is the main complaint of Romanian tourists regarding hotel rooms?
According to studies, the primary dissatisfaction is the outdated appearance of rooms compared to the high prices charged.