Ah, the joy of a beach vacation.  The sun is shining, the ocean mist fills the air – the tropical allure of your surroundings is exactly what you need to relax and unwind…until you open the door of your lodging and see dull, shoddy and outdated décor.

A recent report by News-Press, an online news service for Southwest Florida, found a daunting number of coastal resort properties are receiving disheartening guest reviews regarding interior design and amenities. These include individually owned condo resorts, mom-and-pop motels, and vacation homes whose interior décor remains as far back as the ’70s.

“It’s a cloud on the horizon we’ve got to deal with,” said Ric Base, president of Sanibel & Captiva islands’ chamber of commerce.

In Fort Myers Beach, dated properties are a “big problem” said Ann Alsop, rental property manager for Tri-Power Realty.  She revealed her belief in property owners failing to plan for upgrades during better economic times and then getting hit by the recession.  “People are hurting,” Alsop said, adding: “No one wants to hear that ‘your apartment is decrepit’ – you’ve got to upgrade.”

Rick Hayduk, LXR Resorts & Hotels regional manager for five properties on Sanibel and Captiva Islands actively monitors guest reviews.   LXR Resorts stated three of their properties, Seaside Inn, Song of the Sea and Sanibel Inn are all scheduled for substantial design improvements with an estimated cost of up to $1 million.

Chris Davison, vice president of operations for Island Inn on Sanibel uses TripAdvisor to gauge customer’s reviews.  He explained his guests enjoyed the “the quaint feel” of the 116-year-old inn but “want all of the comforts of home with that.”  Due to uncomplimentary reviews, the Island Inn has budgeted $400,000 for their hospitality improvements including flooring, window-dressings and furniture.

TripAdvisor director of new initiatives Hank Hudepohl stated, “If a number of guests are sharing a bad experience they’ve had with the condition of the property, it may be time for some renovations.”

Don’t let a bad review deter future guests -keep your properties fresh and your satisfaction rate high! Whether you’re refurbishing an entire complex or single units, Decorator Industries will work with you to meet your goals for success.

For over a quarter of a century Decorator Industries has been a leader in supplying the hospitality industry with custom crafted bedding and window treatments. With our production facilities located in the Midwest and Southeast we are positioned to fabricate and deliver your product without delay. Our experienced team is ready to work with you on any aspect of your project.  Call us today at 954-689-0370 and see what we can do for you and your business!

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