Galloway’s interior design team entered the hospitality renovation market in 2022 and has since built a portfolio of refresh projects nationwide. What began with a few individual locations has grown into ongoing partnerships with national ownership groups spanning multiple brands.
These renovation projects, which are often required every seven and fourteen years, help hotels update their brand, meet evolving guest expectations, and extend the life of their spaces. Galloway’s role is to help ownership groups interpret and execute the brand’s Property Improvement Plan (PIP) while offering valuable insight into design, functionality, and longevity.
Galloway completed a seven year refresh for this Marriott Residence Inn.
How Often Should Hotels be Renovated?
Industry research, including a Hospitality Net report, shows that hotels typically undergo soft-goods refreshes every 7–10 years and full-scale renovations every 11–14 years. This cycle aligns with what our team sees in the field. Soft-good refreshes generally focus on finishes such as couches, bedding, carpets, cushions, and upholstery furnishings. Full-scale refreshes are more comprehensive, often involving new case goods throughout guest rooms and common areas, including, dressers, nightstands, and cabinets as well as bathroom updates with new tiles showers, and counters.
“Brands send evaluators to inspect the property and determine what needs updating,” explains Katie Zerr, senior interior designer at Galloway. “From there, ownership brings us the PIP and we help guide them through the design and material selections, balancing what’s required by brand with what makes sense for the property’s specific needs.”
Balancing Brand Standards with the Local Vibe
While prototype packages provide the foundation for design, Galloway’s team adds value by helping owners determine where customization makes sense whether for budget, durability, or local relevance. Our designers look for opportunities to celebrate the surrounding community through artwork, color, and materials that reflect the local culture or environment. “Most ownership groups want art that feels relevant to the area,” notes Zerr. “Whether it’s mountain landscapes in Montana or coastal imagery in Oregon, those details make guests feel connected to where they are.”
During a recent renovation, for example, the brand’s prototype called for bright yellow and orange guest rooms. After evaluating the property, its proximity to the Columbia River, and its clientele, our team recommended a more timeless palette inspired by Astoria sunsets that would maintain guest comfort and adhere to the brand’s contemporary criteria. In another project, ownership wanted to move away from the standard carpet specified in the prototype. “We developed a custom carpet that better fit their design vision,” says Zerr. “It’s about staying true to brand expectations while creating a space that feels right for that particular property.”
Galloway completed a 14 year refresh for this Holiday Inn Express.
Informed Design and Lasting Solutions
Beyond aesthetics, Galloway’s designers focus on practical, long-term solutions that reduce maintenance costs and improve guest experience. Through years of renovation experience, the team has developed a sharp eye for details that can make or break the lifespan of a space, from avoiding chair arm designs that become damaged from desk edges to reinforcing column bases to protect against luggage carts.
Small adjustments, such as switching from traditional carpet to carpet tile, can yield big payoffs in durability and maintenance savings. “It’s all those small details that make everything come together,” says Zerr. “When we think through every touchpoint, we create a more cohesive, durable, and long-lasting product.”
More Than an Update; An Investment in Value
Every refresh is an opportunity to refine, learn, and deliver greater value to both owners and guests. By combining brand compliance with thoughtful design insight and a practical understanding of wear, maintenance, and the guest experience, Galloway’s interior design team helps hotels create memorable spaces that feel both familiar and refreshed, fostering guest loyalty and lasting impressions.
Learn more about Galloway’s hospitality services and see more of our work.
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