Florida hotel managers often face a tough question when it comes to their linen and laundry operations: Should we rent or own our linens? Both options have pros and cons, so any hotel manager needs to take the time to carefully consider which is right for their business. Linen rental means partnering with a commercial laundry company that provides, washes, and replaces linens as needed. On the other hand, ownership involves purchasing and maintaining your own inventory. Florida hotels that own their own sheets and towels then have to choose between on-premises laundry and outsourcing their laundry.
Taking the time to research and make the right decision between linen rental and ownership will impact your hotel’s budget, operations, and guest experience for years to come. Keep reading as we share the five key factors that Florida hotels need to consider before choosing either linen rental or ownership.
1. Cost and Budget Planning
Every Florida hotel needs to be mindful of its spending, thinking of both short-term and long-term expenses it will face. Rental programs help to spread linen costs into predictable monthly payments and require no major upfront investment. This is a good option for new hotels or those undergoing a period of change or hardship, as it gives them more control over short-term spending and avoids large payments they may not be able to afford right now. Of course, over many months or years, this is likely to be the less cost-effective option as you are naturally paying a premium for another company looking after your laundry.
Laundry ownership, on the other hand, requires a significant upfront investment in linens, washers, dryers, and ongoing maintenance. If you run a large hotel that you know will be successful for many years to come or are already very well established as a popular Florida hotel, this could be the right option for you. When budgeting for laundry ownership, Florida hotels should also factor in high energy costs and humidity-related wear, as these will affect the cost of ownership and maintenance of your own laundry over the coming months and years.
2. Linen Quality and Consistency
Professional rental providers deliver hotel-grade linens that are cleaned, inspected, and replaced regularly. This means that every single hotel guest who walks through your doors will receive linens that are of the highest quality and meet their expectations, reducing stress and pressure on your housekeeping team when it comes to guest satisfaction. Maintaining laundry in-house often results in hotels struggling to maintain this consistency after many washes, which can lead to guest satisfaction issues and poor reviews. Nexa Laundry’s inspection process ensures that linens arrive spotless and guest-ready every time, supporting your team in offering the best experience possible to each of your guests.
3. Operational Efficiency and Labor
Rental programs help to simplify your everyday management tasks. There is no need to track, wash, or repair linens in-house, saving you a huge amount of time and effort every single day. In-house on-premises laundry systems require dedicated staff time and oversight, and it’s a task that many housekeeping teams really don’t enjoy doing. With Florida’s competitive labor market, outsourcing your laundry helps your hotel to stay efficient while freeing up time for your staff to focus on guests. Florida hotel managers need to be strategic and think about the bigger picture when it comes to the work they do in-house and what they can outsource. By focusing on the tasks that your team is strongest at, you can work to offer your guests the best experience possible at your hotel.
4. Storage Space and Infrastructure
Hotels with limited back-of-house space benefit from linen rental as it eliminates bulky laundry equipment and storage needs. Many Florida hotels find they simply don’t have space to keep the huge amount of laundry required for everyday use and additional storage for potential emergencies. Instead of having to manage inventory and look after endless storage spaces dedicated to laundry, you’ll be able to use this space for other items while also saving hours of time each week managing your linens.
Properties that choose laundry ownership must allocate space for washers, dryers, and chemical supplies. This space is something that many coastal and boutique hotels simply don’t have the possibility of storing, and expansion of the property may not be an option for a smaller hotel. If you are a new hotel manager, you’ll want to thoroughly assess your property and decide if you really can afford the space for laundry equipment and linen storage or if you would be better off using linen rental.
5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Commercial laundries like Nexa Laundry use water- and energy-efficient systems that minimize environmental impact. This is something that every Florida hotel should want to focus on in this day and age, as hotel guests often choose where they are going to stay based on a company’s ethics and environmental practices. Working with a commercial laundry that supports your values and helps to enhance your environmental program will make it easier than ever for your hotel to be sustainable and eco-friendly.
Professional laundering also extends fabric life and reduces textile waste. You don’t want to be putting a large amount of waste into landfill on a regular basis, as this goes against trying to be a sustainable hotel that protects our planet. Choosing an eco-friendly rental partner helps hotels meet green certification goals and attract sustainability-minded guests, helping to improve your reputation within the local community.
The best linen strategy for your Florida hotel will depend on your property’s budget, size, and operational goals. Whether you decide to rent or own linens, consistency and cleanliness should be your top priorities when making a decision that’s right for your Florida hotel. Are you looking to learn more about linen rental or laundry services in Florida? Contact Nexa Laundry today to compare your options and find the most efficient, cost-effective linen solution for your Florida hotel.
