THP Blog | Hotel Industry Intelligence & Project Pipeli

Top Mistakes in New Hotel Construction Projects (And How Suppliers Can Help Prevent Them)

Written by Makenzie Huff | Sep 24, 2025 8:28:25 AM

New hotel construction projects are exciting but rarely simple. From ambitious renovations to entirely new hotel buildings, the journey from blueprint to grand opening is full of moving parts. However, even with the best planning, mistakes can happen. Whether it's a delay, a design hiccup, or a product mix-up, these errors can have a ripple effect that impacts timelines, costs, and overall quality. The good news? Hotel suppliers often play a critical role in helping prevent many of these problems before they spiral!

In this article, we’ll look at three common mistakes that can (and often do) occur in new hotel construction and hotel renovation projects, and we’ll explain how strong supplier partnerships can help keep things on track.

Underestimating Project Timelines

Mistake:

One of the most common issues in both creating new hotel buildings and working on hotel renovation projects is underestimating how long the construction process will take. Even with the most detailed plans, construction timelines often get stretched and updated and changed again and again due to unforeseen circumstances like material delays or unexpected design changes. If timelines are rushed, corners may be cut, leading to issues down the road.

How Hotel Suppliers Can Help:

Reliable suppliers who clearly communicate lead times and delivery windows can make a huge difference. Offering realistic timelines and then building in some extra buffer time can help make sure the team isn’t scrambling at the last minute to get your products. When hotel key contacts have strong relationships with suppliers who provide timely, reliable deliveries, it can really change the game.

Skimping on Material Quality

Mistake:

I get it—it’s tempting to cut costs on materials, especially when cheaper alternatives can give us a similar look. But there’s a big “However” here: opting for low-quality materials now can lead to headaches in the future. Materials that look great initially may not hold up over time, resulting in expensive repairs or premature replacements. Which means fewer repeated contracts for hotel suppliers.

How Suppliers Can Help:

Suppliers are in the perfect position to advise key contacts on durable, cost-effective materials. They can offer options that balance both price and quality, making sure that hotels are built to last. A good supplier knows that the long-term cost savings of using high-quality materials often outweigh the initial savings of cheaper alternatives.

Overlooking Flexibility in Design and Products

Mistake:

Construction projects almost never go exactly as planned. Whether it's a last-minute change in design, a surprise need for additional facilities, or unforeseen structural challenges, flexibility is key. When suppliers don’t offer flexible solutions or alternatives, it can lead to delays or the need to reorder materials.

How Suppliers Can Help:

Suppliers who are adaptable and responsive are invaluable. Whether it’s suggesting substitute materials, adjusting delivery schedules, or brainstorming solutions to unforeseen problems, their flexibility can keep projects moving forward without sacrificing quality or design. Hotels that work with agile suppliers often find those relationships lead to smoother builds and repeat collaborations.

Moving Forward

Hotel construction projects are like riding a rollercoaster—exciting, but full of ups and downs. Mistakes? They’re bound to happen! But here’s the secret: with solid communication, top-notch materials, and a little flexibility, suppliers can be the heroes behind the scenes that keep the project on track and heading toward success.