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IN THE PAST, RENOVATIONS WERE LARGELY VIEWED THROUGH A DESIGN LENS. NOW, THE REAL CHALLENGE HAPPENS LONG BEFORE THE FIRST WALL COMES DOWN.
By TATIANA VALENZUELA
As higher borrowing costs, inflation, labor shortages and volatile construction pricing continue to pressure hotel investment decisions, hotel renovations have evolved into exercises in strategic planning, procurement and operational management.
Industry leaders say success increasingly depends on communication, disciplined execution and a clear understanding of what a property is trying to become— not simply what it will look like. Here are three different takes on what a hotel renovation prioritizes today, from a giant like Hilton to a developer and an operator refreshing an established property.
BEFORE STEPPING IN“ The biggest lesson is that successful renovations begin long before construction starts,” said Seamus Ross, founder & CEO of Castlerock Asset Management, the company behind the recently renovated The Westin Nashville.“ Thorough planning, clear expectations and strong communication create the foundation for every good decision that follows.”
That philosophy echoes Hilton’ s recent transformation of the landmark Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, which opened its doors in 1955. In this hotel, the legendary Muhammad Ali announced his retirement in 1976. Household names Grace Kelly, Louis Armstrong and
24 hotelsmag. com Oct / Nov 2026