The Importance of Facility Maintenance for Hotels and Resorts

5 Key Areas to Focus On

In the hospitality world, it’s often when things go wrong that guests take notice. Travelers expect climate control to work, the lights to stay on, and water to run without issue. When these things fail, it damages not only the guest experience but your brand reputation.

Facility maintenance is the silent engine of hotel and resort operations. Prioritizing the right maintenance services helps prevent breakdowns, control costs, and ensure guest satisfaction. Here are the top five maintenance areas every hospitality property should focus on.

1. Maintain Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation

A guest stepping into a stuffy or freezing room is a surefire way to earn a negative review. HVAC systems play a crucial role in comfort and air quality. Plus, they consume a lot of energy, meaning that when they run inefficiently, your monthly bills can skyrocket.

What to prioritize:

• Seasonal tune-ups
• Air filter replacements
• Regular inspections for leaks or faulty parts

2. Put Guest and Employee Safety First

Natural disasters and emergencies are rare, but preparedness is mandatory. Sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting must operate flawlessly every single day. Go the extra mile by stocking up on safety supplies like first aid kits and fire extinguishers.

What to prioritize:

• Quarterly inspection and testing of alarms, panels, and detection devices
• Annual sprinkler and fire pump testing
• Routine checks of emergency lighting, exit signs, and extinguishers

3. Take Care of Kitchen Equipment

Guests judge a property not only by the room but by the plate. Reliable kitchen equipment keeps menus consistent, satisfies health inspectors, and controls food costs.

What to prioritize:

• Scheduled deep‑cleaning and calibration of ovens, grills, and refrigeration
• Regular inspection of ventilation hoods and grease filters
• Preventive maintenance of dishwashers, ice machines, and disposers

4. Schedule Checks for Elevators and Escalators

Whether your hotel or resort has four floors or fourteen, elevators and escalators keep operations moving. You want systems that are not only efficient but safe. The best way to make sure your elevators and escalators are working correctly is to arrange routine maintenance services.

What to prioritize:

• Scheduled inspections, load testing, and certifications
• Lubrication and mechanical servicing
• Emergency response system checks

5. Create Exterior Spaces That Look Great

Landscaping and exterior surfaces are the first thing guests see when visiting your locations. It’s important that they make a strong first impression. Well-maintained outdoor spaces communicate quality and attention to detail.

What to prioritize:

• Routine groundskeeping: mowing, edging, pruning, and seasonal color
• Irrigation system maintenance and water‑saving adjustments
• Walkway, patio, and hardscape cleaning and repair

Create a Procurement Plan for Facility Maintenance Services

Facility maintenance services aren’t line‑items to trim. They’re revenue and reputation safeguards. By prioritizing these five service areas, hotels and resorts can prevent costly downtime, extend the lifespan of high‑value assets, avoid liability issues and safety risks, and improve overall guest satisfaction.

The best way to reach these goals? Creating a solid procurement plan for recurring services. Group purchasing organizations (GPOs) like Foodbuy Hospitality can help you do exactly that.

Ask your account manager about facility maintenance programs today.