How To: Prepare your hotel for cold weather

Want to make sure your hotel is ready for colder weather? Here are our top tips for preparing for the winter season or colder weather more generally.

Inspect and Maintain Heating Systems

Before the winter season starts, it’s essential to inspect and maintain your hotel’s heating systems. For example, a hotel with a large central heating system may require an HVAC contractor to perform a comprehensive inspection, clean ductwork and filters, and ensure that the system is functioning correctly. This can help prevent breakdowns, reduce energy costs, and ensure that your guests stay warm and comfortable.

Check Windows and Doors

Check for air leaks around windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering your hotel. For example, you may notice that air is leaking around a window frame in a guest room. You can use weatherstripping or caulking to seal the gaps and prevent drafts. This can help improve energy efficiency, reduce heating costs, and ensure that your guests stay warm and comfortable.

Insulate Pipes and Water Heaters

Insulate your hotel’s pipes and water heaters to prevent freezing and minimize heat loss. For example, a hotel located in a region with sub-zero temperatures may require pipe insulation to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. This can help prevent costly damage and maintain the proper functioning of your hotel’s plumbing systems.

Prepare for Snow and Ice

Prepare your hotel for snow and ice by having a plan in place to manage these conditions. For example, a hotel located in a ski resort may require snowplows, shovels, and ice melt products to keep walkways and parking lots safe for guests. This can help prevent accidents and ensure that your guests have a safe and comfortable stay.

Stock up on Supplies

Stock up on supplies such as blankets, extra towels, and hot cocoa to ensure that your guests are comfortable and have everything they need during their stay. For example, a hotel located in a region with frequent winter storms may need to stock up on emergency supplies to accommodate guests who may be stranded due to road closures or flight cancellations.

Check Fire Safety Equipment

Inspect and test all fire safety equipment, including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, to ensure they are functioning correctly. For example, you may need to hire a professional fire safety contractor to perform a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of your hotel’s fire safety systems. This can help prevent fire-related accidents and ensure the safety of your guests and staff.

Prepare for Power Outages

Have a backup plan in place for power outages. For example, you may need to invest in a generator or alternative heating source to keep your hotel’s guests and staff warm and comfortable during power outages. This can help prevent disruptions to your hotel’s operations and ensure that your guests have a comfortable stay.

Train Staff

Train your staff on how to respond to winter weather emergencies, such as snowstorms and power outages. For example, you may need to train your maintenance staff on how to operate snow removal equipment, and train your front desk staff on how to communicate with guests in the event of an emergency. This can help ensure that your staff is prepared to respond to any challenges that may arise during the winter season.

Promote Winter Activities

Promote winter activities and attractions in your area to encourage guests to stay at your hotel during the winter season. For example, you can offer discounted ski passes or snowshoe rentals to guests staying at your hotel. This can help attract more guests to your hotel and increase revenue during the winter season.

Monitor Weather Forecasts

Stay informed about weather conditions in your area and adjust your hotel’s operations as needed. For example, you may need to adjust your staffing levels based on anticipated guest arrivals during a winter storm.