First impressions start long before check-in. Your hotel’s exterior tells guests what to expect before they step inside. A spotless lobby won’t matter if the entryway looks tired, the lighting feels unsafe, or the windows are spotted with dirt. A quality exterior hotel maintenance plan is key.
Here are the 10 most common exterior maintenance mistakes hotels make — and how to fix them before they cost you guests or money.
1. Neglecting Window Cleaning and Glass Care
Dirty windows make even luxury properties look neglected. Dust, rain spots, and fingerprints quickly accumulate — especially near landscaping or parking areas. Imagine waking up in the morning, watching the sun rise, and seeing nothing but dirt. Your guests will wonder if their sheets are clean.
✅ Fix: Schedule professional exterior window cleaning at least once a quarter. Use deionized water-fed pole systems for spotless glass without streaks or spotting.
2. Ignoring Pressure Washing Needs
Walkways, walls, and awnings collect grime, algae, and exhaust residue. It’s unsightly and can create slip hazards.
✅ Fix: Set up annual, semiannual, or quarterly pressure washing. Use low-pressure soft washing for painted or delicate surfaces and high-pressure cleaning for concrete.
3. Poor Lighting Maintenance
A burned-out bulb can make an entire property feel unsafe. Dim parking areas or flickering signs send the wrong message.
✅ Fix: Perform monthly lighting checks. Upgrade to LED fixtures with photocells or motion sensors to save energy and ensure consistency.
4. Letting Landscaping Overgrow
Overgrown shrubs, weeds, or dying flowers at the entryway instantly hurt curb appeal.
✅ Fix: Maintain weekly landscaping schedules. Choose low-maintenance, region-appropriate plants and re-mulch beds seasonally for a clean, polished look.
5. Overlooking Paint and Surface Degradation
Peeling trim, fading paint, dirty walls, and rust stains suggest neglect — not hospitality.
✅ Fix: Inspect painted surfaces annually and touch up as needed. Or simply soft wash quarterly or semi-annually. Plan a full repaint every 5–7 years using UV-resistant, mildew-resistant coatings.
6. Forgetting the Roof and Gutters
Hidden leaks can destroy interiors and insulation.
✅ Fix: Clean gutters twice per year (spring/fall). Schedule annual roof inspections to check for damaged flashing, loose shingles, or clogged drains.
7. Skipping Parking Lot Maintenance
Cracked asphalt and faded striping affect safety and ADA compliance.
✅ Fix: Sealcoat every 2–3 years, repair potholes annually, and restripe before lines fade. Add clear pedestrian and handicap signage.
8. Failing to Maintain Signage and Branding
Dirty, flickering, or outdated signage damages brand perception.
✅ Fix: Clean signage quarterly and replace bulbs promptly. Repaint or rewrap branding elements every few years to maintain consistency.
9. Ignoring Drainage and Water Flow
Pooling water near entrances or parking lots leads to erosion and slip hazards.
✅ Fix: Check drainage slopes and clear storm drains regularly. Consider French drains or trench systems for persistent problem areas.
10. Not Scheduling Routine Inspections
Many hotels operate reactively — fixing problems after they’re visible. Be proactive before things get expensive.
✅ Fix: Implement a quarterly exterior inspection checklist covering the façade, windows, roof, parking, lighting, signage, and landscaping. Use photo documentation tools like CompanyCam to track progress and justify budgets.
✅ Bonus Tip: Treat Exterior Hotel Maintenance as Marketing
Guests equate exterior cleanliness with overall quality. A bright, spotless exterior isn’t just maintenance — it’s visual marketing that improves reviews, boosts confidence, and increases bookings. Start with exterior window cleaning. Get a quote today!
