78-KEY HOTEL RENOVATION
DESIGN-BUILD SINGLE-SOURCE DELIVERY
3-STORY OPERATING HOTEL

The Challenge

The Holiday Inn Express in Lander was operating with an aging interior and exterior that no longer reflected current brand standards or evolving guest expectations. The ownership group sought to modernize the property, improve guest comfort, and strengthen long-term asset value, all while keeping the hotel operational.

The project presented several unique challenges. The hotel’s remote location limited access to specialized labor, hospitality-grade materials, and regional suppliers. Extended lead times for casegoods and finishes increased schedule risk, while ongoing hotel operations required careful coordination to avoid guest disruption.

The client needed a renovation partner capable of managing design, procurement, and construction under one structure, reducing risk, simplifying communication, and maintaining cost certainty from start to finish.

The Strategy

To meet these goals, the ownership group selected Amerail Systems’ design-build delivery model, engaging a single team responsible for design development, material procurement, and construction execution.

This approach allowed early alignment on scope, budget, and brand requirements while providing the flexibility needed to manage logistics, sequencing, and real-world site conditions in a remote market.

The Solution

Integrated Design & Planning

Amerail’s interior design and architectural teams worked collaboratively from the outset to translate the client’s vision into a cohesive renovation aligned with Holiday Inn Express brand standards. Design decisions were informed by constructability reviews and real-time cost analysis, ensuring aesthetics, durability, and budget remained aligned.

Early planning reduced downstream revisions and established a clear roadmap for procurement and construction.

Procurement & Logistics Coordination

Given the project’s location, procurement was a critical success factor. Amerail managed full procurement of casegoods and finish materials, coordinating vendors, manufacturing schedules, and long-haul freight deliveries.

Material selections were finalized early to account for extended lead times, and phased deliveries were scheduled to align with construction progress while minimizing on-site congestion and disruption to hotel operations.

Construction Execution in an Active Hotel Environment

Amerail executed construction across all areas of the hotel, including guestrooms, public spaces, and exterior repainting. Work was carefully phased to maintain guest safety and access, with continuous coordination between the construction team and hotel management.

The design-build structure enabled direct communication among designers, procurement specialists, and field teams, resulting in faster issue resolution and consistent quality throughout the project.

Overcoming Logistical Constraints

Renovating a hotel in Lander, Wyoming, required proactive planning and adaptability.

Limited local trade availability meant many materials and specialty components were sourced from outside the region. Freight deliveries were coordinated around restricted delivery windows and limited on-site storage capacity. Seasonal weather patterns influenced exterior work schedules and transportation timing.

Amerail addressed these challenges through early material releases, disciplined scheduling, and constant communication across all project stakeholders.

The Results

Brand Compliance & Design Consistency

The renovated guestrooms, public spaces, and exterior fully align with current Holiday Inn Express brand standards. Centralized design oversight ensured consistency from concept through installation.

Schedule & Cost Control

Early design and procurement coordination minimized delays associated with long-lead materials and remote logistics. The design-build model provided early cost visibility and reduced exposure to scope gaps and change orders.

Enhanced Guest Experience

Updated guestrooms feature modern finishes, improved lighting, and layouts that reflect contemporary guest expectations. Refreshed public spaces improve functionality and create a stronger arrival experience. Exterior repainting enhanced curb appeal and reinforced brand identity.

Operational Continuity

The hotel remained operational throughout key phases of the renovation. Guest-sensitive planning and phased construction minimized disruption and supported ongoing revenue generation during the project.

Why It Worked

This project demonstrates how a fully integrated design-build approach can reduce risk, improve coordination, and deliver predictable outcomes, especially in remote locations with active hotel operations.

By unifying design, procurement, and construction under one accountable team, Amerail Systems provided clarity, consistency, and confidence from planning through completion.

Project Takeaway

What we’re seeing across hotel renovations is that successful outcomes depend less on scale and more on structure. When logistics, brand standards, and operations are addressed early through an integrated process, owners gain greater control over schedule, cost, and quality.

The Holiday Inn Express in Lander is a clear example of how thoughtful renovation planning and disciplined execution can reposition a property while protecting both guest experience and long-term asset value.