FROM LOBBY TO GUEST ROOM: BEHIND THE SCENES OF OUR TAVISTOCK HOTEL RENOVATION

When Tavistock Development Company tapped us to renovate a dual-branded Marriott property in Lake Nona, Orlando, FL—spanning 204 guest rooms, two lobbies, meeting spaces, and amenities across seven stories—they asked for more than just a facelift. They sought a partner who could deliver modernized rooms and refreshed common areas while maintaining their hotel's full operational capacity and guest readiness.

Over the next three months, that’s exactly what we did.

Project Snapshot

• Client: Tavistock Development Co.

• Property: Courtyard / Residence Inn dual-branded hotel

• Scope: Renovation of 204 rooms, two lobbies, corridors, gym, bathrooms, meeting spaces, and custom millwork

• Duration: March 31 – July 14, 2025 (finished 3.5 weeks early)

• Key Stats: Zero missed milestones, zero guest complaints, one very happy client

Minimizing Disruption, Maximizing Results

Because this was an occupied hotel, our phasing strategy was critical. We coordinated closely with hotel management to clear one floor at a time—sometimes even two—on a rolling 15-day turnaround. We maintained tight communication, providing management with 3–4 days of advance notice for each floor transition.

We adapted our schedule to minimize noise and maintain a seamless guest experience, shifting work between floors, fitness centers, and meeting spaces as needed. When guest checkouts conflicted with our plans, we paused, adjusted our schedules to accommodate occupied rooms, or refocused on other scopes, such as millwork or punch items.

“We treated every day like the hotel was fully booked,” said Ryan Nash, WPC’s Superintendent. “It took constant coordination, but we never missed a milestone.”

Upgrades Guests Will Feel—and Notice

In the Guest Rooms

• New wallpaper, carpet, and flooring

• Repainted walls and doors

• Upgraded lighting

• Custom-built millwork to match original elements

• Tabletops and furniture touch-ups

A standout challenge? The custom queen headboards. The design firm had mismeasured, resulting in headboards that were too wide, which blocked switches and required off-site rework. Our team sourced a local upholsterer, coordinated pickups and reinstallation, and even worked with hotel engineering to reconfigure switches using remote controls.

It was the kind of problem that never hits the guest—and that’s the point.

Lobby & Amenity Space Transformation

The lobby redesign called for a refresh that strikes a balance between style and function. Our biggest creative lift? A complete reinvention of the old live plant wall.

“The plant wall became a true design-build effort. We demoed the old water feature ourselves, worked around a surprise storm pipe, and delivered something the client loved.” – Eric Ekblom, Project Manager

With no detailed spec provided, we collaborated with our subs to craft a new feature: custom millwork trim, bold blue wallpaper accents, and seamless transitions between materials. The result is a focal point that modernizes the space and reflects Tavistock’s design vision—without blowing the budget.

Teamwork, Transparency, and Trusted Partners

This job ran smoothly because every player—GC, subs, ownership, and hotel staff—moved in sync.

• Subcontractors ramped up labor on short notice, met evolving scopes, and kept quality high.

• Owner-supplied materials were handled with flexibility.

• Punch list turnover was seamless, typically completed on the same day as final walkthroughs.

“We didn’t get a single noise complaint,” said Eric Ekblom, WPC’s Project Manager. “That’s unheard of for a live hospitality renovation.”

Lessons Worth Repeating

This renovation reinforced what we believe: success in occupied hospitality renovations depends on early coordination, daily communication, and real-time flexibility.

We’re proud of the result. More importantly, Tavistock is too.

Ready to Renovate Your Hotel?

If you’re planning a hotel or resort renovation and want a GC who understands the stakes, the schedules, and the standards—let’s talk.

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