If you’re tired of the race to the bottom in the public bid market, it might be time to look at the hospitality sector. Winning high-value hotel construction projects is less about having the lowest price and more about building the right relationships. Developers are looking for trusted partners, not just bidders. They want contractors who understand their business goals and can help them navigate the complexities of a build long before the first shovel hits the ground. The key is getting in early—when the land is being acquired and the project is still just a plan. This article will show you how to find these opportunities before your competition, time your outreach perfectly, and build the connections that lead to a steady pipeline of negotiated work.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the Hotel Construction Lifecycle: Success in this niche requires a deep understanding of the entire process, from the initial feasibility study to the final inspections. Knowing the unique phases, cost structures, and key players involved allows you to position your team as an expert partner from the start.
• Build Trust with a Specialized Portfolio: Developers prioritize contractors with proven hospitality experience. Showcase your ability to manage brand standards, complex MEP systems, and FF&E logistics to demonstrate you can protect their investment and deliver a high-quality guest experience.
• Get Ahead by Tracking Early Project Signals: The most profitable work is often won before it ever goes to public bid. Proactively monitor early indicators like land sales, rezoning applications, and initial permits to identify opportunities and connect with developers months before your competition.

What is a Hotel Construction Project?

At its core, a hotel construction project is the complete process of planning, designing, and building a hotel. This isn't just about erecting a new high-rise from the ground up; it also covers major renovations and additions to existing properties. Think of it as creating a home away from home for travelers, which means these projects come with their own unique set of challenges and requirements.

Successfully completing a hotel build demands a sharp focus on managing resources, sticking to timelines, and keeping the budget in check. For general contractors and subcontractors, understanding the specific demands of the hospitality sector is key. Unlike an office building or a retail space, hotels have complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, plus a heavy emphasis on guest experience and brand standards. This is a specialized field where your reputation for quality and reliability can make or break your next opportunity.

Types of Hotel Projects

Hotel projects come in all shapes and sizes, offering a wide range of opportunities for construction firms. You might be bidding on a towering new city hotel, a sprawling luxury resort, or a smaller, boutique hotel with a unique design. The market is also seeing a lot of activity in specific categories like upper midscale, upscale, and extended-stay hotels, which cater to long-term guests with amenities like kitchenettes.

Beyond new builds, a significant portion of hotel construction involves renovations and conversions. These projects can be especially complex, as they often require updating an existing building—sometimes while it’s still open for business—to meet modern standards or a new brand identity.

Who's Involved in the Build

A successful hotel project is a team sport, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders. The hotel owners or developers are at the top, providing the vision and the funding. They work closely with architects and designers to create the plans. From there, the project manager and the general contractor take the lead on execution, coordinating everything from site work to final finishes.

For contractors, the most critical factor is having proven hotel project management experience. Developers look for partners who understand the intricacies of hospitality construction, from guest room acoustics to the durability of lobby finishes. Your team will also include a host of specialized subcontractors for everything from plumbing and electrical to interior design and landscaping, all working together to bring the project to life.

The Key Phases of Hotel Construction

Building a hotel is a marathon, not a sprint. From the initial concept to the grand opening, the project moves through several distinct phases, each with its own set of challenges and milestones. For general contractors and subcontractors, understanding this entire lifecycle is key to positioning your team for success. Knowing what happens before you even see the bid documents can help you build stronger relationships with developers and get involved earlier. Let's walk through the four main phases of a typical hotel construction project.

Planning and Feasibility

Before any designs are drafted, a hotel project begins with a critical question: is this a viable idea? This phase is all about due diligence. The development team conducts market research to confirm demand, analyzes potential sites, and creates detailed financial models. As Hotel Management notes, "The current hotel development market has been faced with escalating construction costs for several years, including but not limited to high interest rates, difficulty finding financing, long material lead times and labor shortages." This makes a thorough feasibility study more important than ever. Developers need to be confident the project will be profitable before they commit millions of dollars, and this is where the initial budget and scope are born.

Design and Permitting

Once a project is deemed feasible, architects and engineers step in to translate the vision into a concrete plan. This phase involves creating schematic designs, detailed construction documents, and interior design plans. It's a collaborative process that balances aesthetics, functionality, guest experience, and budget. A major focus today is sustainability. As one consulting firm points out, "There are many challenges to overcome when designing a hotel to be sustainable." This means incorporating green building codes and sourcing eco-friendly materials. After the design is finalized, the team submits the plans to local authorities to secure all the necessary building permits, a process that can be complex and time-consuming.

Construction and Management

This is where the project comes to life and where most contractors and trades get involved. The construction phase starts with site preparation and groundbreaking, followed by foundation work, framing, and enclosing the structure. Effective project management is crucial here. The general contractor coordinates dozens of subcontractors, manages schedules, and ensures quality and safety standards are met. The challenges are numerous; "Budget overruns, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, regulatory hurdles, timeline delays, and sustainability requirements all demand careful management." Constant communication and proactive problem-solving are essential to keep the project moving forward and prevent small issues from becoming major setbacks.

Inspections and Opening Day

As construction wraps up, the project enters the final phase. This involves installing furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), finishing interior details, and completing landscaping. A series of final inspections by city officials is required to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy, which legally allows the hotel to open. The contractor works through a "punch list" of minor fixes and adjustments. As one firm highlights, even renovations face hurdles, and being aware of them "can help ensure a smoother opening." For a new build, this means a flawless handover to the hotel's operational staff, who are busy hiring and training employees to welcome the first guests.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Hotel?

Pinning down the exact cost of building a hotel is tricky because so many variables come into play. On average, you can expect a total cost between $13 million and $32 million, with the national average hovering around $22.5 million. A more granular way to look at it is by cost per square foot or per room. Generally, this ranges from $130 to $550 per square foot, or $50,000 to $800,000 per room. For general contractors and suppliers, understanding these benchmarks is the first step in qualifying a project and preparing a competitive bid. The final price tag depends heavily on the hotel's size, star rating, location, and the level of luxury baked into the design. These figures provide a solid starting point for conversations with developers and help you align your services with their budget expectations.

Cost Breakdowns by Hotel Type

Not all hotels are created equal, and the budget reflects that. The star rating is one of the clearest indicators of a project's scope and cost. A higher star count means more amenities, premium finishes, and larger spaces, all of which drive up the price.

Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

• 2-Star (Economy/Motel): These projects typically cost $130 to $230 per square foot or $50,000 to $150,000 per room. They are straightforward builds focused on function over frills.
• 3-Star (Standard): A step up in quality and amenities, these hotels run from $190 to $380 per square foot or $150,000 to $250,000 per room.
• 4-Star (Boutique/Upscale): Here, you’ll see higher-end designs and more extensive facilities. Costs range from $260 to $410 per square foot or $250,000 to $500,000 per room.
• 5-Star (Luxury): At the top end, luxury hotels demand premium materials and complex systems, costing $330 to $550 per square foot or $500,000 to $800,000 per room.

Factors That Drive Up Construction Costs

Beyond the star rating, several key factors influence a hotel's total construction cost. The land itself is a major line item, often accounting for 9% to 14% of the entire project budget before any ground is broken. If the site has an existing structure, you’ll also need to budget for demolition, which can add $4 to $10 per square foot.

It’s also helpful to understand the difference between hard and soft costs. Hard costs are the direct expenses for construction—think materials, labor, and equipment. Soft costs are the indirect expenses like architectural designs, engineering fees, permits, and taxes. These soft costs can be substantial, typically making up 30% to 40% of the total budget. As a contractor, knowing this split helps you understand where your bid fits into the developer's overall financial plan.

How Location Impacts the Budget

Where you build matters—a lot. Constructing a hotel in a dense urban center like downtown Austin or Houston will always be more expensive than building in a suburban or rural area. The high cost of land in major cities is a primary driver, but so are labor rates and logistics. Navigating tight job sites and city traffic can add complexity and expense to any project. Proximity to attractions, major highways, or desirable features like a waterfront also increases land value and, consequently, the overall budget. For contractors and suppliers, it’s crucial to factor in these regional cost differences when estimating project expenses and sourcing materials. A project in San Antonio won't have the same cost profile as one in Dallas, and your bid should reflect that reality.

Current Trends in Hotel Construction

The hospitality landscape is changing fast, and hotel construction is evolving right along with it. Today’s travelers expect more than just a clean room and a comfortable bed. They’re looking for unique experiences, seamless technology, and a commitment to sustainability. For hotel developers, this means new priorities are shaping how projects are designed and built from the ground up.

As a contractor or supplier, understanding these trends is key to positioning your business for success. Whether it’s a boutique hotel in downtown Austin or a sprawling resort in the Hill Country, modern hotel projects are incorporating innovative features that set them apart. Staying ahead of these shifts will help you anticipate developer needs and showcase your expertise in the areas that matter most. From green building materials to smart room technology, let’s look at the biggest trends driving hotel construction today.

Sustainable and Green Building

Sustainability is no longer a niche request—it’s a core component of modern hotel design. Developers are increasingly focused on reducing their environmental impact and long-term operating costs. This has led to a rise in demand for net-zero hotels that produce as much energy as they consume. For contractors, this means a greater emphasis on high-performance building envelopes, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and solar panel installations.

We’re also seeing a push for water conservation through low-flow fixtures and greywater recycling systems. The materials used in construction are under scrutiny, with developers prioritizing locally sourced, recycled, and sustainable options. If your company has experience with green building certifications like LEED, be sure to highlight it. This expertise is a major advantage when bidding on new hotel projects.

Tech Integration and Smart Features

Technology is at the heart of the modern guest experience. Today’s hotels are being built with smart features integrated from the very beginning. This includes everything from mobile keyless entry and in-room tablets that control lighting and temperature to AI-powered concierge services. The goal is to create a seamless, personalized stay for every guest.

Behind the scenes, smart technology also improves operational efficiency. Smart thermostats and occupancy sensors help reduce energy consumption in empty rooms, while building management systems give staff real-time data to optimize performance. For subcontractors, this trend means more opportunities in low-voltage wiring, network infrastructure, and security system installation. Hotels need a robust and reliable tech backbone, and they need skilled partners to build it.

Flexible Designs for Extended Stays

The line between business and leisure travel has blurred, giving rise to the "bleisure" traveler and increasing demand for extended-stay options. New hotel designs are reflecting this shift by incorporating more flexible, apartment-style spaces. We’re seeing more rooms with kitchenettes, dedicated workspaces, and comfortable living areas that feel more like a home than a temporary room.

This trend also extends to common areas. Developers are creating multi-functional lobbies that can serve as co-working spaces during the day and social hubs at night. As construction costs continue to rise, creating versatile spaces that can adapt to different guest needs helps developers maximize their return on investment. For builders, this requires a focus on adaptable floor plans and durable, high-quality finishes that can withstand diverse uses.

Common Challenges in Hotel Construction

Hotel construction projects are in a class of their own. They’re more than just buildings; they’re complex ecosystems designed to deliver a specific guest experience, and that adds layers of complexity you don’t see in other commercial builds. From the grand lobby and full-service restaurant to the hundreds of identical guest rooms, every square foot is designed to meet brand standards and guest expectations. This high-stakes environment means that the usual construction challenges—budgets, timelines, and regulations—are magnified.

The pressure comes from all sides. Investors have firm expectations for ROI, which are tied directly to the hotel's opening date. A three-month delay doesn't just push back a deadline; it means a full quarter of lost revenue from room bookings, events, and restaurant sales. Furthermore, the sheer number of stakeholders, including brand representatives, interior designers, kitchen consultants, and hotel operators, can make communication and decision-making a delicate dance. Successfully managing a hotel build requires more than just good construction practices; it demands foresight, meticulous planning, and a proactive approach to spotting and solving problems before they derail the project. Understanding the most common hurdles is the first step to clearing them.

Managing Budgets and Controlling Costs

Keeping a hotel project's finances in check is a constant balancing act. The initial budget is a critical benchmark, but it’s immediately put to the test by a host of volatile factors. Budget overruns are common, often driven by a perfect storm of supply chain disruptions that cause material prices to spike, persistent labor shortages that increase labor costs, and unforeseen site conditions. Every change order or delay has a ripple effect, adding costs that can quickly erode your profit margins. To protect your bottom line, it’s essential to build a detailed, line-item budget from the start and include a healthy contingency fund—typically 5% to 10% of the total project cost—to absorb these unexpected expenses without derailing the entire build.

Keeping the Project on Schedule

Hotels are often built on tight schedules, driven by a non-negotiable grand opening date that’s been set months or even years in advance. This leaves very little room for error. The complexity of hotel construction, with its intricate MEP systems, high-end finishes, and coordination of numerous specialized trades, makes the timeline especially vulnerable. A delay in one area, like a late window delivery, can halt drywall, painting, and flooring installation, creating a domino effect that pushes back the entire schedule. Effective project management strategies are crucial. This means creating a highly detailed construction schedule, holding regular progress meetings with all stakeholders, and proactively identifying potential bottlenecks before they become full-blown delays.

Sourcing Materials and Handling Delays

From custom millwork and brand-specified furniture to specialized kitchen equipment and imported tile, hotels are filled with long-lead items that can make or break a schedule. In today's global market, material supply issues can cause significant and frustrating delays. A single holdup at a port or a manufacturing plant overseas can bring progress on-site to a standstill. Proactive planning is your best defense. This involves identifying all long-lead items early in the design phase, placing orders well in advance, and confirming delivery dates repeatedly. It’s also smart to build strong relationships with multiple suppliers and have alternative sourcing strategies ready, just in case your primary option falls through.

Meeting Permit and Regulatory Demands

Navigating the web of permits and regulations is one of the most common challenges in hotel construction. Beyond standard building permits, hotels must comply with a long list of specific codes, including fire safety, ADA accessibility, health department standards for kitchens and pools, and sometimes even liquor licensing requirements. These regulations vary significantly between cities and are often subject to interpretation by local inspectors, which can lead to costly delays if you’re not prepared. To avoid getting stuck in red tape, you need to stay informed about local building codes. Monitoring permit activity with a tool like Mercator’s Free Permits App can give you insight into what’s required in your area and help you anticipate what officials will be looking for.

What Permits Do You Need to Build a Hotel?

Navigating the world of permits can feel like a project in itself, but it’s a non-negotiable step for any hotel build. Getting this phase right from the start is the difference between a smooth project and one bogged down by stop-work orders and costly delays. Every city and county has its own set of rules, so what flies in Austin might not work in Dallas. The key is to treat permitting not as a hurdle, but as part of your project's DNA from the earliest design stages. Your permits generally fall into three main buckets: building and zoning, safety and compliance, and finally, environmental and operational.

Building Permits and Zoning Approvals

Before a single shovel hits the dirt, you need the green light from local authorities. This starts with zoning approvals, which confirm your hotel project is compliant with municipal land-use regulations. These rules dictate everything from building height and property line setbacks to parking requirements and signage. Once zoning is cleared, you’ll apply for building permits. This process involves a detailed review of your architectural and engineering plans to ensure they meet structural safety, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes. For example, some updated building codes now have highly specific rules about the layout of dining areas to ensure accessibility, showing just how granular the review can be. Getting these approvals is a foundational step that makes all subsequent work possible.

Fire Safety and ADA Compliance

Guest safety is the top priority in any hotel, and regulatory bodies enforce this through rigorous fire safety and accessibility codes. Fire safety permits require that your plans include adequate fire alarm and sprinkler systems, clearly marked emergency exits, and fire-rated construction materials. The local fire marshal will be a key stakeholder here, often reviewing plans and conducting inspections. Alongside fire safety, you must adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This federal law mandates that hotels are accessible to everyone. The ADA standards cover everything from the width of doorways and the height of check-in counters to accessible guest rooms and swimming pool lifts. Both fire and ADA compliance must be integrated into the design from day one.

Environmental and Operational Permits

Beyond the structure itself, you’ll need permits related to the project's impact on the environment and its daily operations. Depending on the site, you may need environmental permits covering stormwater management, erosion control, and waste disposal. For larger projects, an environmental impact assessment might be required to evaluate the effect on local ecosystems and resources. Once construction is complete, the hotel needs operational permits to legally open for business. These include a Certificate of Occupancy, health department permits for any kitchens or restaurants, and liquor licenses for bars. While these are among the final permits you’ll secure, planning for them early ensures a smooth transition from construction site to a fully functioning hotel.

How to Choose the Right Hotel Contractor

Selecting a contractor for a hotel project is about more than just finding a builder; it’s about finding a strategic partner. A hotel isn’t just a building—it’s an operational business designed around guest experience, brand standards, and long-term profitability. The right contractor understands this from the ground up. They act as an extension of your development team, anticipating challenges and offering solutions that protect both your budget and your timeline.

Your construction partner should be able to translate your vision for hospitality into a physical space. This means they need a deep understanding of everything from the flow of the lobby and the durability of finishes in high-traffic areas to the complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems required for kitchens, laundry facilities, and guest rooms. They should also be adept at value engineering, suggesting alternative materials or methods that maintain quality while controlling costs. Choosing a team that has a proven track record in the hospitality sector is the first and most critical step toward a successful build.

General Contractors with Hospitality Experience

When you’re vetting potential general contractors, look for a portfolio filled with successful hotel projects. This specific experience is non-negotiable because hotels come with unique challenges you won’t find in other commercial builds. An experienced hospitality contractor knows how to manage brand-specific requirements, coordinate the installation of hundreds of identical bathrooms, and handle the complex logistics of Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) procurement and installation. They’ve navigated the complexities of meeting strict opening dates and understand that every day of delay directly impacts revenue. This specialized project management expertise is what ensures your project runs smoothly and the final result meets the high standards of your guests and brand.

Specialized Subcontractors and Design-Build Firms

A general contractor is only as strong as their team of subcontractors. For a hotel, you need specialists for everything from commercial kitchen ventilation and pool installation to low-voltage wiring for smart-room technology. Ask potential GCs about their network of trade partners. A contractor with long-standing relationships with reliable and skilled subcontractors can prevent delays and ensure every detail meets quality standards. You might also consider a design-build firm, where the design and construction teams work together under one contract. This integrated approach fosters collaboration from the start, often leading to a more streamlined process, better cost control, and fewer surprises during construction.

What to Look for in a Construction Partner

Beyond their portfolio, you need to assess a contractor’s communication style, financial stability, and problem-solving skills. Start by clearly defining your project scope to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples when reviewing bids. When checking references, go beyond the list they provide. Talk to architects, engineers, and even past hotel owners they’ve worked with to get a well-rounded view of their performance. Great construction partners are transparent, proactive, and dedicated to your project's success. They should feel like a true member of your team, aligned with your vision and committed to bringing it to life.

How to Find Hotel Construction Projects Early

Getting involved in a hotel project before it goes to public bid is the best way to build relationships and win more work. When you’re one of the first to know about a project, you have the chance to connect with developers and architects, understand their vision, and position your company as the ideal partner. But how do you find these opportunities before everyone else? It comes down to tracking the earliest signals of development—long before a shovel ever hits the ground. By monitoring land deals, permits, and rezoning activity, you can spot projects months ahead of your competition.

Track Land Development and Title Transfers

Every new hotel starts with a piece of land. Since the cost of land often makes up a significant portion of the total development budget, a major land sale or title transfer is one of the strongest indicators that a project is moving forward. Following these transactions allows you to see where developers are investing and what they’re planning next. While this information is technically public, it’s scattered across county records and can be difficult to piece together. Keeping a close eye on these early moves helps you identify serious developers and get on their radar before the project is widely known, a strategy that has helped many construction firms grow their pipeline.

Monitor Permit Applications and Rezoning

Once a developer secures land, the next step is getting the city’s approval. This involves navigating a maze of zoning laws and permit requirements. Developers often need to apply for rezoning to allow for commercial or hospitality use, and they’ll file for early-stage permits like demolition or site work. These applications are public records and serve as official declarations of intent to build. By monitoring these filings, you can confirm a project’s viability and get a clearer picture of its scope and timeline. Instead of manually searching city websites, you can use a free permits app to get alerts and stay ahead of opportunities in your area.

Use AI-Powered Intelligence to Get Ahead

Manually tracking land sales and permit data for every city in your territory is a full-time job. It’s time-consuming, inefficient, and you’re bound to miss things. This is where technology can give you a serious advantage. AI-powered platforms analyze millions of data points from property records, permit offices, and zoning meetings to connect the dots for you. These tools can identify a title transfer, link it to a rezoning application, and flag it as a high-potential hotel project in real time. This gives you a complete, actionable lead with all the key information in one place, allowing you to focus on building relationships instead of digging for data. It’s the smartest way to find and qualify opportunities before they ever hit the open market.

How to Build Relationships with Hotel Developers

Landing your next hotel project isn’t just about submitting the lowest bid. It’s about building genuine, lasting relationships with the developers behind the projects. Developers are looking for more than a contractor; they’re looking for a reliable partner who can help them turn a vision into a profitable reality. They want to work with teams they trust to protect their investment and deliver a high-quality asset.

Building these connections takes a strategic approach. It means shifting your focus from simply responding to RFPs to proactively identifying and engaging with developers long before a project breaks ground. By positioning yourself as a valuable resource and a trusted expert in the hospitality space, you can become the first call developers make when they have a new hotel in the pipeline. Many successful firms have found that investing in these relationships leads to a steady stream of negotiated work, creating a more predictable and profitable business model. See how firms like Structura have used this approach to win more projects.

Understand What Developers Want

First and foremost, developers want confidence. They are managing a complex, high-stakes investment and need a construction partner who minimizes risk. One of the most critical factors is experience. Developers are looking for contractors who not only understand the intricacies of hotel construction but also have a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. They need to know you can handle the unique demands of hospitality, from coordinating FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) to meeting strict brand standards and building spaces that create an exceptional guest experience. Show them you understand their business goals, not just the construction process.

Time Your Outreach for Maximum Impact

Timing is everything. If you’re waiting for a project to be publicly announced, you’re already behind. The best time to connect with a developer is during the early planning and feasibility stages, well before the project goes out to bid. This is your chance to build rapport, understand their vision, and offer insights that can shape the project for the better. By using intelligence tools to track early-stage signals like land development, title transfers, and rezoning applications, you can identify opportunities months ahead of the competition. Timing your outreach to align with these early milestones shows you’re proactive and positions you as a strategic partner, not just another bidder.

Showcase Your Hospitality Experience

When you get in front of a developer, you need to make a strong case for why your team is the right choice. This is where your portfolio becomes your most powerful tool. Don’t just list your past projects; tell their stories. Create detailed case studies for your hotel builds that highlight the challenges you solved, the budget and schedule you maintained, and the quality you delivered. Include professional photos and, most importantly, testimonials from past clients. When developers see that you have extensive experience in the hospitality sector, it gives them the confidence they need to trust you with their project.

Find Your Next Hotel Project

The hotel construction market is buzzing with activity. Right now, there are over 6,200 hotel projects either planned or under construction across the U.S., marking a solid 3% jump from last year. The real sweet spot seems to be in the 'upper midscale' and 'upscale' categories, where most of the growth is happening. This trend tells you exactly where developers are putting their money and where the biggest opportunities are waiting for qualified construction partners.

These aren't small-scale jobs. Building a new hotel can cost anywhere from $13 million to over $32 million, so developers are incredibly careful about who they partner with. This is where your specific experience comes into play. Having a proven track record in hospitality construction isn't just a nice-to-have; it's often a dealbreaker. Developers need a team that understands the unique challenges of building hotels, from complex MEP systems to the high-end finishes that guests expect.

Another trend shaping the industry is sustainability. More and more hotel brands are focused on building greener properties that appeal to modern travelers. This means prioritizing energy efficiency, smart waste management, and using sustainable materials throughout the build. As a contractor, showing you can deliver on these green initiatives can give you a serious edge. It demonstrates that you're not just thinking about the construction phase, but also the hotel's long-term operational success. Understanding these key trends is the first step to positioning your firm as the perfect partner for the next big hotel project in your area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical hotel construction project take? There's no single answer, but for a standard mid-size hotel, you can generally plan for 18 to 24 months from groundbreaking to grand opening. This timeline can stretch to three years or more for a large, luxury resort with complex amenities. The biggest variables are the project's scale, the complexity of the design, and the local permitting process, which can sometimes add unexpected delays before you even get on site.

What's the biggest difference when building for a major hotel brand versus an independent boutique hotel? The primary difference is the level of creative control and the rigidity of the standards. When you build for a major brand, you're working from a very specific playbook that dictates everything from the exact type of door hardware to the layout of the guest bathrooms. For an independent hotel, there's much more collaboration with the owner and designer to create a unique space, which can be both freeing and challenging.

As a subcontractor, how can I get on the bid list for more hotel projects? The best approach is to build strong relationships with general contractors who specialize in hospitality. Research which GCs in your area are consistently winning hotel bids and focus your networking efforts on them. Showcase your specific experience on past hotel or high-end commercial projects, emphasizing your reliability and understanding of the quality and scheduling demands that are unique to this sector.

Is it more difficult to renovate an existing hotel than to build a new one from the ground up? Renovations often present a more complex set of challenges. With a new build, you start with a clean slate. During a renovation, you're constantly dealing with the unknown, like discovering outdated plumbing behind a wall or structural issues that weren't in the original plans. If the hotel remains open during the renovation, you also have the added complexity of managing noise, dust, and safety around guests and staff.

What's the most common reason hotel projects go over budget? While material price spikes and labor shortages are frequent culprits, many budget issues trace back to the early planning stages. An incomplete project scope or an overly optimistic initial budget can set a project up for failure. Another common pitfall is failing to order long-lead items—like custom millwork, elevators, or specialized kitchen equipment—early enough, which leads to costly schedule delays and rush charges down the line.