Hotel signage guide: 5 tips for cohesive, effective design
Key takeaways
Define your ambition level for signage before focusing on cost and consider phasing projects (starting with high-impact items like LED signage) to manage budget without compromising overall aesthetic.
Check local regulations early, since some cities, especially historic ones, restrict illuminated signage or sign sizes.
Well-designed, cohesive signage that reflects a hotel's character improves navigation and reinforces brand identity.
Eco-friendly signage materials, or reusing existing signs, can reduce environmental impact, alongside supplier practices like centralised production and local installation teams.
Why signage matters for hotel CAPEX investment
When it comes to capital expenditure (CAPEX) in the hospitality industry, every decision counts. Smart investments can enhance guest experiences, improve efficiency, and ensure long-term savings.
The right signage can play a key role in maintaining a cohesive brand and setting your hotel apart. Our supplier partner Joost Nijland, owner of C. Cases, offers expert advice on creating cohesive, sustainable, and impactful signage.
Here are his five key tips:
1. Balance signage ambitions with your budget
Align your signage project with your ambition and budget. Joost advises against focusing solely on cost, as it can lead to spending money on a poor result.
“Specify your ambition level and what you want to achieve – how you want to be perceived by guests,” he says. Consider phasing your project to prioritise high-impact items like LED signage first and smaller signs later, ensuring better budget management and a cohesive aesthetic.
2. Check local signage regulations
Know the local regulations before you start. Some cities, especially historical ones, might have restrictions on sign types, like illuminated signs or sizes they allow.
3. Design signage for brand cohesion
Your signage should complement your hotel’s style and ambience. Create something that fits your hotel’s unique character. Well-designed signage enhances navigation and reinforces your brand identity.
4. Prioritise sustainable signage
Joost recommends using eco-friendly options when available. While not all colours are available in eco-friendly options yet, using them helps protect the environment.
“Or consider re-using existing signs to reduce waste,” he adds. “At C. Cases, we further minimise our carbon footprint by centralising production and using local installation teams.”
5. Optimise signage placement
Place signs strategically to improve both looks and function. Only put signs where they’re really needed to help guests navigate without cluttering the space.
Joost advises, “Use signage effectively to maintain the hotel’s aesthetics.”
How Avendra International can help with hotel refurbishment
If you’re interested in learning more about our supplier partners and their innovative solutions for renovations and refurbishments, get in touch with us at hello_UK@avendra.com
FAQs
How should hotels budget for signage projects?
Hotels should define their ambition level for signage before focusing purely on cost, since prioritising the cheapest option can lead to a poor result. Phasing a project, starting with high-impact items like LED signage before smaller signs, can help manage budget while achieving a cohesive look.
Do hotels need permission for illuminated or large signage?
Yes, in many cases. Some cities, particularly historic ones, have local regulations restricting the type, size or illumination of signage, so it's important to check local rules before starting a signage project.
How can hotel signage support brand identity?
Signage that complements a hotel's style and ambience helps guests navigate the property while reinforcing brand identity and character, making it an important part of the overall guest experience rather than just a functional necessity.
Can hotel signage be made more sustainable?
Yes. Hotels can choose eco-friendly signage materials where available, consider reusing existing signs to reduce waste, and work with suppliers that minimise their carbon footprint through practices like centralised production and local installation teams.
How can Avendra International help hotels with signage and refurbishment requirements?
Avendra International can connect UK hotel and hospitality clients with supplier partners offering specialist solutions for renovations and refurbishments, including hotel signage. Through its wider procurement and FF&E expertise, Avendra International can help clients explore solutions that balance design, functionality, sustainability and budget requirements.
