Q. How often do hoteliers refurb their bathrooms?

Louise: Bathrooms need a brush up from time to time. Technical features and the taste in design are changing constantly.

TonI: Due to our experience we can admit that bathrooms in hotels should be updated within an average of 15 years. Modern details can be integrated on an ongoing base. For example, useful technology, which is always available, but ideally, hidden from view or new eye-catching items like the new Cape Cod basins by Philippe Starck.

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Jane: Usually hotels are refurbished every 7-10 years, which is a large investment in most cases, so the use of high quality and reliable products is essential. Aliaxis pipe systems and concealed cisterns last for the lifetime of most hotels which provides a greater ROI for the initial investment on top of having a quality product.

Karen: It needs refurbishment every five to eight years. The consumers are looking for a new look and new experiences while at the property. So a fresh experience is important for them.

Sophay: This all depends on occupancy rates but as a rule of thumb we recommend between five-seven years. Existing hotels must make sure they keep on top of traveller’s high expectations and this is true for bathroom design. For the hotelier, there are concerns beyond aesthetics in the bathroom. They must balance style with ease of cleaning, performance with durability and ergonomics with water saving.
Adnan: Refurbishments are commonly required every five-seven years, which involves adding new elements to the bathrooms to ensure that the hotel remains competitive in its target market. This includes redecorating, replacing furniture, fittings, equipment and minor works that improve the ease of operation.

Q. What is the ideal time from construction of a bathroom to its first refurb?

Louise: Every hotel faces the challenge of renovation while it is fully occupied. The aim is to keep the RevPAR as high as possible throughout the year, but during renovation, hotel rooms need to be closed to execute the renovation. Take for instance the Geberit Monolith — perfect for renovation. It is quick and easy to install and enables you to renovate a bathroom within a couple of hours without touching the tiles or the floor.

Jane: In my opinion it depends on what you are looking to replace. Moving parts in hotels, such as flushing mechanisms or shower heads might have to be replaced on a more frequent basis than tiling, ceramics, or the flushing tank. However, correctly installed pipe systems should last for the design life of the building. This is why Aliaxis has the confidence to offer a long-lasting warranty on all of its product lines. Usually the contractor is not responsible for any issues after one year of construction, but Aliaxis has a worldwide presence that ensures backup well into the future.