Hospitable remodelling

In just 12 weeks, a dedicated team led by project management agency Building Retail renovated 500 square metres of lobby and ground floor of Novotel Den Haag World Forum. To the hotel management's complete satisfaction and with minimal inconvenience to guests, the hotel remained open as usual during this period. This is typical of the working method of Building Retail and its construction partners: tight planning, maximum flexibility and constant monitoring.

Founder and owner Robin Albersen is an enthusiastic storyteller. He talks passionately about his profession, the intricacies of which he learned at a project management agency that worked closely with Albert Heijn. During that time, he saw and learned how retail benefits from renovations while the shop remains open. And he applies this working method more and more in hospitality these days. Albersen doesn't call his working method 'Gastvrij Verbouwen' (Hospitable Rebuilding) for nothing. 

"Basically, it comes down to taking into account the need for comfort, tranquillity and continuity inside hotels. We focus on minimising disruption to the guest experience, even during necessary renovations," Albersen explains.

Building Retail applied the most recent example of 'Gastvrij Verbouwen' (hospitable renovation) in Novotel Den Haag World Forum with a team of carefully selected building partners. Albersen: "There, we had one clear goal in mind: to realise a hassle-free renovation of the lobby and ground floor with minimal inconvenience to guests. You understand that this called for careful planning and a thoughtful approach."

To manage the refurbishment, which ultimately took just 12 weeks, Building Retail split the work into two phases. "We deliberately chose to carry out noise-intensive work at times when guests would be least affected, such as after breakfast. This meant that we often worked during off-peak hours, taking into account guests' general check-in and check-out times."

And to ensure that operational areas - such as the passage to the gym and the breakfast room - remained accessible, the construction team sometimes worked at night. "That night work required not only careful coordination but also a team willing to work flexibly to meet Novotel's standards," says Albersen. 

Furthermore, Building Retail placed special construction walls showing what the hotel would look like after the work was done. "That was very much appreciated, I understand," says Albersen. "It shows what you are doing something for."

And they succeeded. General Manager at Novotel Den Haag World Forum, Jurre Janssen, is full of praise for the work that Building Retail and partners managed to achieve in such a relatively short time. "Of course our guests noticed something, that cannot be avoided. But because we were able to connect very quickly and briefly with Building Retail, we were always able to respond very well to unexpected issues. For instance, some work was moved at our request. Building Retail understands this and takes care of it without grumbling. Because they understand how we work and what is important to us." 

Albersen is pleased with the compliment. "It shows that our concept of 'Gastvrij Verbouwen' does what we developed it for. After every project, we evaluate thoroughly with both our construction partners and the client, and we take the learning points back to the next project. This is how we get a little better together every time."

Hospitable remodelling is customer-centric and ensures that both the hotel team and guests experience as little disruption as possible. It consists of six steps: 

1. Thorough preparation and flexible planning: work is tailored to peak times and special events.

2. Clear communication: the team is fully informed in advance about the schedule and possible changes.

3. Minimising inconvenience: innovative techniques and working methods reduce impacts, such as working outside peak hours and low-dust techniques.

4. Rapid execution: efficiency and quality ensure a short conversion period.

5. Attention to detail: the end result is functional, aesthetically pleasing and fits the company's atmosphere.

6. Smart logistics: efficient solutions such as using canals for transport to reduce inconvenience.

Building Retail carefully selects its construction partners to always offer the same high quality. In this renovation, they worked with regular partner Imagebuilders. That is an interior builder with global experience at dozens of major brands including Levi's, Nike, G-Star, Regus and Spaces and in hospitality. "For Novotel, Imagebuilders thought along with all parties involved at an early stage and provided advice based on its years of technical knowledge and experience. Imagebuilders is the concept thinker in the field of interiors and, with production sites around the world, they are specialists in the realisation of hotel rooms and customisation within the hospitality industry. Their expertise, sharpness (also in price), high level of quality and enthusiasm, make Imagebuilders the reliable partner I enjoy working with."