The success of any hospitality venue is a delicate balance of cost, insight, awareness, services, and reliable predictable operational excellence. Details matter. Hotels are constantly seeking ways to attract lucrative event bookings. One often overlooked but vital feature is the movable/operable wall system. Operable walls not only optimize space utilization that anticipates and suits the needs of their clients but also are a pivotal revenue-generating asset if it has superior sound control and aesthetic appeal. Conversely subpar systems with poor acoustic performance and unappealing features, walls that are not maintained, will lead to dissatisfied clients, lost bookings, and tarnished reputations. Investing in a premium operable wall system at the outset and then maintaining it can create a competitive edge that will result in satisfied clients who will return when needs arise.
Features that Invite Customers:
Acoustic performance: Install laboratory tested (higher the STC – the better) operable walls obtained from a reputable manufacturer and as installed by a local distributor. This will ensure there will be minimal sound leakage from adjacent rooms making them ideal for events requiring confidentiality or undisturbed environments. Proven acoustic qualities will ensure speaceful and undisturbed environment for guests.
Aesthetics: Covering Options: Design conscious and appealing finishes allows the walls to complement the hotel’s interior creating an inviting atmosphere. Use various available finishes either the manufacturers standards or custom. Walls must be manufactured using durable products as operable walls in hotels are subject to an unusual amount of abuse due to frequent relocation.
Durability and Low Maintenance. Ease of cleaning. Maintenance: High quality materials and products reduce wear and tear ensuring longevity and reliability. Properly maintained they will retain their “new” look thus being appealing to customers.
Brand Reputation and Guest Reviews: When guests and event planners experience flawless acoustics and appealing finishes and appearance, they are more likely to leave positive feedback driving repeat bookings. They will share experiences, positive and negative, with others.
Ease of Use. Operational Efficiency. Manual versus electric. Install reliable manual wall systems with a minimum of mechanisms or moving parts that could malfunction. Avoid electrically operated systems. Ease of setup will ensure guaranteed reconfiguration of rooms, staff efficiency (on time set-up) and client satisfaction.
Versatility: Flexible configurations allow for easy adaptation to various room layouts accommodating different event types and group sizes.
Features/Circumstances that will keep customers away.
Poor acoustics: The most common complaint and concern. The unwanted transfer of sound that ruins events leads to negative reviews & dissatisfied customers who will not return.
Malfunctions, Unreliability: Customers who experience delays or inconveniences due to the operable wall system being difficult to operate or not operating properly or in a timely fashion will not return Malfunctions frustrate staff and jeopardizes time sensitive events.
Limited Flexibility: A poorly designed operable wall system that can meet varying customer needs, room sizes and setups will restrict the hotel’s ability to attract new clients and adapt to ever-changing requirements.
Negative Reviews: Noise complaints, outdated aesthetics, systems in disrepair or other concerns will keep potential future guests away.
Outdated Aesthetics or low-quality worn finishes: Unappealing designs, finishes make the space unprofessional or unwelcoming. Reflects poorly on the occupants.
What are the specific interests and needs of the project Stakeholders?
Hotel Owners:
Return on Investment (ROI): Maximize the utility of space and enhances hotel’s ability to host a variety of events. Durability and longevity: frequent use over the years without significant repair or replacement. Fast setups: Faster setups and reconfigurations means lower labor costs and reduced downtime between events. They should look for proven acoustic performance, Flexibility and Warranty and Maintenance agreements. Prioritize quality and performance over a low price that often results in noise complaints, frequent repairs, and loss of revenue.
- Single Most Important Consideration: Long term value over initial cost.
Architects and Designers:
Seamless integration with overall design of meeting room area such as permanent walls, lighting, HVAC systems, columns. Adequate storage space. Customization options. Ability for walls to adapt to future changes or upgrades without requiring a full replacement. Ensure wall system meets acoustic, structural, building code and safety requirements.
- Single most important consideration: Compatibility with overall design of the meeting rooms.
Guests (Event Planners and Attendees):
Acoustic control (Biggest and most important consideration). High STC and NRC values Meetings should not be disturbed by the unwanted infiltration of noise. Aesthetic appeal: Visually appealing spaces that reflect the high standards of the hotel and the guests. Cannot look cheap, worn and run down. Ease of relocation especially for events that are on tight schedules. Options such as pass through doors, marker boards, tackable surfaces, projection screens.
- Single most important consideration: Acoustic Performance.
Maintenance Teams:
Ease of maintenance and repair. Durability. Steel faces. Protective edge trim rather than fine line. A minimum of mechanical moving parts. Manual systems rather than electric or automatic. Finishes that are easy to clean. Removable panel faces, easy to replace rather than having to replace a new panel. Local access to parts and accessories and/or experienced tradesmen who can facilitate repairs.
- Single most important consideration: Reliability.
Price. When quality and Performance should override low price.
High Usage Venues: For major hospitality chains who want to attract and keep positive relationships with customers, cheaper systems with poor or unproven acoustic qualities, manufacturers with a lack of experience in major projects, a lack of proven field performance, and proven durability should be avoided.
Noise- Sensitive Areas: All meeting areas will require proven and reliable acoustic control. Low-cost wall systems with low STC ratings or outdated laboratory sound tests should be avoided. Once the partitions are installed it is almost impossible to get them to perform better acoustically. You must be right the first time around.
Hotel Brand Reputation: In luxury or high-end hotels, subpar walls will tarnish the brand’s image especially if they appear cheap or if they malfunction.
Long-Term costs: Low-cost walls will inevitably incur higher maintenance and repair expenses over time that always nullifies the initial savings.
Quality and performance must override low price whenever the possibility of failure in functionality, acoustics or aesthetics may impact the guest experience or long-term profitability. Selecting the best and proper operable wall system is not just a purchase. It is a strategic investment in the hotel’s reputation and success.
Conclusion: Moveable walls are more than just partitions. They are an investment in flexibility, guest satisfaction and operational excellence. Choosing the correct wall will enhance the hotel’s reputation, improve guest satisfaction, and drive repeat business. Operable walls are truly a key asset in a highly competitive business.
