Hotels for Sale and the Inspection Process

The general environment of any property, especially a commercial property like a hotel or motel, is an important component. The “environment” is broadly defined as the aggregate of surrounding things, conditions or influences, but how is environment defined within the context of commercial hotels for sale?

Hotels for Sale & Their Environments

While all hotels for sale will inform a prospective buyer about the location and general style of a hotel property, it is important to think beyond the information presented in a listing. A hotel will have three basic environments to inspect:

• Safety and health
• Engineering
• “Green” factor

As a prospective buyer of any given hotel property, it is important that the various environmental inspections are made before closing, thereby preventing those expensive post-purchase surprises.

Hotel Health & Safety

In the United States, proper practices of hotels and motels are regulated with regard to cleanliness and sanitation. This is to ensure hotels do not present a health hazard to customers by spreading disease or parasites. Inspections of this kind are handled by local inspectors and typically look at things including cleaning and disposal methods, laundry facilities, the absence of rodents and insects as well as the disposal of trash. Lenders often require a Phase 1 environmental inspection and will engage the inspector.

Engineering Safety

Properly functioning electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, security systems and fire sprinklers are all key to the successful operation of a commercial hotel property. Having these systems inspected as you look at hotels for sale before the closing date can prevent unknown problems from cropping up and gives the hotel buyer peace of mind when making such a large investment. Your motel or hotel brokerage company can direct you in finding the proper inspection services for the hotel(s) you may be considering.

Is Your Future Hotel Green?

The green environmental movement is here to stay. Hotels have three key areas of environmental impact:

• Energy
• Water
• Waste

Being concerned with energy and water conservation, as well as waste product reduction and disposal, can save the hotel or motel owner money in the long run. This will also provide the satisfaction of knowing that your property is not harming the environment.

Many hotel patrons now desire to find properties that are green. This may include properties with recycling opportunities and that use energy efficient lighting and faucets.

As you search for hotels for sale, keep in mind that any property would benefit from an energy and water usage audit, so you will know what upgrades to ask for before purchase, or what upgrades you will implement after purchase. Southeast International Hotel Brokers can help you find the specialists you need for a thorough energy audit.

The Walk Through

As you walk through your future hotel, don’t forget to look for simple things like ripped or wrinkled carpeting, exposed wiring and anything that may present a safety hazard or be unattractive. First impressions do count, so let your first impression of a property be your guide as you buy a hotel or motel.

Contact Southeast International today to get started with the sale or purchase of a hotel property.