The Westin Nashville adopted a similar approach. Floors adjacent to active construction were removed from inventory to reduce noise, guests received advance notifications before arrival and renovated guestrooms were returned to inventory as soon as they were completed. Signature restaurants and amenities remained open throughout the project.

DISCIPLINE REPLACES COST CUTTING While rising construction costs continue to reshape renovation budgets, both executives emphasized that the solution isn’ t simply eliminating features.

“ The challenge was less about making difficult cuts and more about remaining disciplined and adaptable,” said Ross. Rather than compromising the vision, the team focused on procurement strategies, alternative sourcing and maintaining flexibility as market conditions changed.

Gooz echoed that sentiment, noting that every renovation requires careful decisions about where investments will generate the greatest impact for guests and the strongest longterm return.

“ When you execute a renovation well and support it with Hilton’ s commercial engine and marketing, you position the hotel to become

the place to be again while generating strong commercial returns,” he said.

POSITIONING COMES FIRST Perhaps the strongest point of agreement between both leaders is that successful renovations begin with strategy— not design.

“ I would advise anyone doing a renovation to start with your positioning,” Gooz said.“ You have to know exactly what you stand for as a brand, what you stand for as a hotel and what you’ re trying to accomplish.” That strategic clarity, he argued, makes every subsequent design and operational decision easier.

Ross reached a similar

conclusion, although from an operational perspective.“ Technology and processes can enhance execution,” he said,“ but great outcomes still start and end with great people. That’ s less a lesson learned and more a principle we continue to reinforce across every project we undertake.”

Together, the projects illustrate how hotel renovations have evolved. The physical transformation may be what guests notice first, but operators increasingly measure success by something much less visible: whether careful planning, disciplined execution and a clear brand vision can turn a renovation into a long-term competitive advantage.