As winter sets in, UK hotels are bracing for one of the most operationally demanding periods of the year.
Rising energy costs, staffing shortages, supply chain disruptions, and weather-related risks are converging to create a challenging landscape for hospitality operators. For business travellers, these pressures can impact everything from service consistency to guest experience—making winter readiness more critical than ever.
Stephen Cresswell and Lara Beechey, Operations Directors at Focus Hotels, which manages over 1,500 rooms across the UK, are urging hoteliers to take a proactive approach. Their winter strategy focuses on resilience, efficiency, and guest-centric innovation.
Tackling Energy Costs with Smart Solutions
With heating, lighting, and hot water usage peaking, energy efficiency is top of the agenda. Cresswell and Beechey recommend installing smart thermostats, occupancy sensors, and LED lighting—technologies that can reduce electricity consumption by up to 80%. Locking in fixed-rate energy contracts and conducting HVAC maintenance are also key to avoiding costly disruptions.
Addressing Staffing Shortages
Recruitment remains a persistent challenge, particularly in front-of-house, kitchen, and housekeeping roles. Focus Hotels advises offering flexible scheduling, seasonal bonuses, and cross-training programmes to boost retention. Partnerships with local colleges and staffing agencies can help fill gaps during peak periods.
Navigating Supply Chain Disruptions
Global logistics bottlenecks continue to affect the availability of essentials such as linen, toiletries, and seasonal décor. Hotels are encouraged to place winter orders early, diversify suppliers, and maintain buffer stock for high-demand items to ensure continuity.
Meeting Evolving Guest Expectations
Today’s guests—especially business travellers—expect more than just a warm room. They’re looking for tech-enabled, personalised experiences. Enhancements like seasonal menus, spa packages, smart room controls, guest messaging apps, and mobile check-ins are becoming key differentiators. Sustainability is also increasingly influencing booking decisions, with visible eco-initiatives driving loyalty.
Mitigating Maintenance and Weather Risks
Pre-winter inspections are essential. Hotels should insulate exposed pipes, stock up on de-icing supplies, and review emergency power and staff safety protocols. Contingency planning for snow and extreme weather is no longer optional—it’s operational best practice.
Winter Operations Checklist
Focus Hotels recommends a structured Winter Operations Plan, including:
- Optimising energy efficiency across the property
- Preparing staff with seasonal training and updated protocols
- Securing and diversifying supply chains
- Enhancing guest comfort with warm décor and seasonal offerings
- Implementing energy-saving measures that guests will notice and appreciate
- Refreshing all statutory health and safety and licensing training
Sustainability as a Strategic Imperative
Guests are increasingly drawn to hotels that demonstrate real environmental commitment. Practical changes—such as refillable toiletries, low-flow fixtures, towel and linen reuse programmes, and local food sourcing—are becoming standard. Investing in ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and communicating sustainability efforts through signage and digital displays can boost engagement and brand reputation.
January: A Strategic Reset
While January is traditionally quieter, it offers a valuable window for hoteliers to regroup. From team strategy meetings and performance recognition to maintenance tasks and inventory reviews, it’s a month for operational reset and forward planning.
Sector Advocacy Ahead of the Autumn Budget
As the industry looks ahead to the autumn budget, hospitality leaders are calling for targeted support. Key asks include extended business rates relief, energy bill assistance, and a reduction in VAT for hospitality services. These measures would provide much-needed relief as operators contend with rising costs and the impact of the upcoming increase to the National Living Wage.