Why FF&E Suppliers Should Target Planning-Stage Hotels: With Included FAQ

Build phases in hospitality really matter for FF&E suppliers. Getting in touch with developers, designers, and procurement teams while a project is still in the planning phase makes all the difference. At that stage, ideas are still taking shape, and there’s much more openness to considering different suppliers before decisions start getting locked in.

For many hotel projects, conversations with suppliers begin well before construction even starts. During planning, teams are actively reviewing everything from furniture and lighting to bathroom fittings, textiles, and overall public area concepts. It’s a collaborative phase where design direction is defined and key product choices begin to fall into place

As of today, THP is currently tracking over 2,400 hotel projects around the world that are still in this early planning stage. Below are four examples of this data, where supplier engagement is already underway.

Planning-Stage Hotel Projects

The Resort at Kapalua Bay (Lahaina, Hawaii)

• Expected Opening Date: 2027
• Construction Type: Refurbishment
• Stars: 5
• Number of Rooms: 146
• Developer: Kemmons Wilson Companies
• Hotel Group: Marriott International, Inc. | St. Regis Hotels

Hyatt Select Berlin Prenzlauer Berg (Berlin, Germany)

• Expected Opening Date: 2028
• Construction Type: New Building
• Stars: 4
• Number of Rooms: 140
• Hotel Group: Hyatt Hotels Corporation
  

Amora Adelaide (Adelaide, Australia)

• Expected Opening Date: 2027
• Construction Type: Refurbishment
• Stars: 5
• Number of Rooms: 380
• Hotel Group: Amora Group Pty Ltd. | Amora Hotels & Resorts

Radisson Blu Resort Marrakech Ben Akil (Marrakech, Morocco)

• Expected Opening Date: 2028
• Construction Type: New Building
• Stars: 5
• Number of Rooms: 80
• Hotel Group: Choice Hotels International Inc. | Radisson Blue

FF&E Supplier FAQ

Q: Why is the planning phase important for FF&E suppliers?

A: Many product and procurement decisions begin during planning. Suppliers that engage early may have more opportunities to present products before specifications are finalized.

Q: Which key contacts should suppliers get in touch with during planning?

A: Developers, hotel operators, architects, interior designers, and procurement companies can all influence FF&E decisions.

Q: What FF&E categories are often discussed early?

A: Lighting, flooring, furniture, bathroom fittings, textiles, and public area concepts are just some examples that are commonly reviewed during early project stages.

Q: Why should suppliers monitor hotel pipelines?

A: Pipeline tracking helps suppliers identify projects before procurement decisions are already made with competitors.

Q: When do hotel projects usually begin procurement discussions?

A: Early supplier conversations can begin during different phases (vision, pre-planning, planning, under construction) depending on the supplier industry and the project timeline and needs.

Q: How can suppliers improve visibility with hotel decision-makers?

A: Suppliers often build visibility through early outreach, product presentations, design support, and long-term industry relationships.