Now that you've read "Timeline of a Hotel Renovation", you can download our quick and easy renovation timeline graphics pictured below to reference when you need them! Your Download Includes:

Most hotel owners or managers know that at some point they will receive a PIP or Property Improvement Plan. What they may not know is how to navigate it, how to negotiate it, and/or what the timeline of a hotel renovation/PIP looks like. Being versed in all three of these topics is vital for anyone who wants to successfully fulfill a hotel PIP. As a hotel renovation company, Amerail Systems believes in helping hoteliers understand the nuances of PIPs. That is why we have created guides for both navigating and negotiating your PIPs, which you will find once you've reached the end of this article. While we highly suggest reading the material mentioned above, there is another equally important topic we will be diving into below. That topic is Timeline of a Hotel Renovation. Have you ever wondered how long a hotel renovation takes? Knowing the timeline of a hotel renovation/PIP and how long it can take will allow you to plan around events, your busy season, weather, etc., and will also help you become more comfortable with your PIP. So, to help you understand your PIP better we've provided you with a typical hotel renovation timeline from our perspective here at Amerail Systems. Before we begin, it's important to note that no two renovations are the same. Interruptions can occur, different circumstances like a custom renovation plan or a brand conversion can all have an effect on the timeline below. But, knowing the average timeline of a hotel renovation is still extremely beneficial to hotel owners and managers. **In March we will dive into the complications that can arise before, during, and after a renovation begins & how to navigate them. To get notified when the article goes live, subscribe to our monthly newsletter: Click Here** Part 1: Before The Hotel Renovation **The below is based on Amerail Systems providing hotel designs and plans to a client with a PIP. The timeline can differ if the client has hired an outside Architect** Step 1. Initial Contact You (our client) will reach out to us through one of our various methods of contact (Phone, Email, Website Form Submission, Social Media). Step 2. Review of PIP Time: Approx. 1 week You provide us with your current hotel PIP (Property Improvement Plan), a PIP that may be coming up that you wish to front-run, a PIP for a hotel brand that you wish to convert to, or a set of preliminary plans. Amerail Pro Tip: Front-running PIPs can help keep expenditures down. Remember, if you do not have a PIP, that is ok. We're here to help fulfill your renovation wants and needs. Contact us and we will help plan your renovation. Step 3. Budget Estimate Time: Approx. 3-4 weeks After the hotel renovation experts at Amerail Systems review your PIP (or other plans) we will provide you with a budget estimate for the project. At this point, the timeline is dependent upon when you respond/agree to the budget for your hotel renovation. We estimate this takes approximately 3-4 weeks in total. Step 4. Design Agreement Time: Approx. 2 weeks + Once you've agreed to our proposed renovation budget, we will come to a design agreement (again this is assuming that we are providing design services). In this step, the timeline is also dependent upon when you respond to the design agreement. Sometimes this can take 2 weeks but in other cases, it may be years. Amerail Pro Tip: The sooner we can reach a design agreement, the sooner you'll receive a renovation provided by a top hotel renovation company (Amerail Systems), and the sooner you're beating out your competition. Step 5. Design Concept Time: Approx. 4-8 weeks (or 1-2 months) This is when your renovation gets a little more exciting and you can start to see what your hotel could look like. As soon as we come to a design agreement, we will begin to come up with design concepts for your hotel. While crafting your hotel design concepts we will take not only your PIP into consideration and what it requires, but also your opinions as well. Our typical turnaround for hotel designs is 4-8 weeks. Step 6. Final Design & Approval Time: Approx. 3-4 months Once a concept is agreed upon, our in-house drafter/designer will work tirelessly to provide you with a completed design that both you and your flag love and approve of. We estimate this can take 3-4 months depending on when a design is approved and if adjustments need to be made. Step 7. Final Pricing Time: Approx. 1 week + We've come to an agreement on your budget and your design has been approved by both you and your flag. It's almost time to celebrate and get ready for your hotel to receive the best renovation out there. In this step, all you need to do is approve the final pricing. We estimate this can take anywhere from 1 week to 5 years. Remember not to let the amount of time we estimate scare you, this number is dependent upon when you're able to approve the pricing. Step 8. Signing the Contract Time: Approx. 30-90 days You've reached the end of your pre-renovation steps and now all that's left is to sign your contract with Amerail Systems. We're so happy you've chosen us as your hotel renovation company and we promise you won't be disappointed. Part 1 Pre-Renovation Timeline Total: Approx. 7-12+ months Congratulations on signing with Amerail Systems! you're about to receive a renovation from one of the top hotel renovation companies in the country. Prepared to be WOW'd by our value-engineering abilities, guest-friendly crews, dedicated and highly experienced staff, and so much more. Wondering what the next steps are? Find out below! Part 2: The Hotel Renovation **The timeline below is based on when a hotel renovation by Amerail Systems begins, assuming a contract has been signed and designs have been approved** Step 1. Time Factor Time: Approx. 3-6 months Once you've signed your contract with Amerail, it's time to start the renovation process. The first step in this process is discussing a timeline that works best for you. Typically clients will have a period of time that they would like their renovation to be completed within. We've noticed that clients usually want to get started as soon as possible. To do this, we will first discuss your "start by" and "end by" dates. In this step, we will also discuss plans for where our crews will be working and when so your guests are not disturbed. Finally, your time plans are submitted for review by the local Building Authority, and once approved the construction crews are organized. This in total can take 3-6 months. **Before we go further, it's important to note that due to the new/current environment we're all experiencing because of Covid, there are exceptions to the timeline presented here. For example, we have seen contracts signed and deposits received many months and up to a couple of years after presenting designs and pricing. So, there may be a larger than normal time gap but rest assured Amerail Systems will always be there for you.** Step 2. Mobilization Time: Approx. 2-6 weeks We're on our way! You can expect our crew, supplies, and equipment to arrive typically between 2-6 weeks once the timeline and permits are approved. Step 3. Renovating your Hotel Time: Approx. 12-20 weeks (or 3-5 months) Time to start your renovation! This is when you will see us transform your property from beginning to end. During this process we will share updates on your hotel renovation via our social media pages, generating buzz and getting guests excited to see your new look & experience it for themselves. Our team of highly experienced, guest-friendly contractors can complete most exterior renovations in 12-20 weeks (or 3-5 months). **This amount of time could be longer or shorter depending on the extent of the renovation, any upgrades, or repairs required.** Step 4. Your Hotels New Look Time: Approx. 2 weeks + Your final steps include a final walkthrough, punch-out, signoff, and final payment. Final Walkthrough - During this stage, we will walk you through your new renovations to make sure you're happy. Our goal for this walkthrough is to simply ensure the client is comfortable with the final upgrade. Typically an owner's rep has been on-site several times previous to the review with our site Foreman or Project Manager as work has progressed. Additionally, our crew and crew leaders are in ‘quality assurance’ mode throughout the project. Punch-Out - Any remaining items that need refining after the project has been completed Once the above items are finished and everything has been approved and signed off we'll receive the final payment from you. Finally, your hotel has been renovated and you can now look forward to promoting your new look and welcoming in your guests who have been dying to see it! We have heard from ownership several times, that some returning hotel customers think a new hotel was built vs. an upgrade of the original because the results we produced were so great. Part 2 Renovation Timeline Total: Approx. 7-13+ months After The Hotel Renovation **The below is based on Amerail Systems providing a hotel renovation to you (our client). Not all hotel renovation companies will provide the below.** Congratulations on your newly renovated hotel provided by Amerail Systems! We know you appreciate seeing results just like us. We hope we WOW'd you with our renovation of your hotel. Now it's time for us to WOW you with what's next. Photography Ground and or drone photography will occur before, during, and after your renovation. We do this so you can see the effectiveness of our work and enjoy the results to the fullest. Social Media We're the most active hotel renovation company on social media and one of the fastest-growing as well. That means that when we share your beautiful hotel renovation photos mentioned above on one of our many pages you'll receive brand awareness from us in addition to any promotion you do yourselves. As you'll see on our pages, we use images from renovations multiple times in different formats so your hotel will be remembered over the years. Check out each of our pages Click Here. Website Ready to join the Amerail Advantage club? When you join you'll be alongside many great hotels such as the Hampton Inn in Birmingham, AL, or the Courtyard by Marriott in Wood Dale, IL. To join, all you need to do is book your hotel renovation with Amerail Systems. Contact Us Once your Amerail Systems hotel renovation is completed, your hotel will be featured on our renovation portfolio among all our other beautifully renovated hotels. Check them out here for yourself: Click Here Monthly Newsletter In addition to our social media efforts, we also send out a monthly email where we feature any completed or upcoming renovations. If you'd like to see your renovation by Amerail in one of our emails Contact Us & Subscribe! Stay tuned for March's blog: Navigating complications that can arise before, during, and after a hotel renovation begins

First. What is a PIP? A PIP or Property Improvement Plan is a list of renovations and improvements meant to bring a hotel up to a specific brand’s new or existing standards. A successful PIP is fulfilled by an experienced hotel renovation company like Amerail Systems. Hotel renovation companies like Amerail can help you increase market share and RevPAR while simultaneously beating out the competition and increasing guest satisfaction. Elements of a PIP Plumbing and electrical systems Mechanical systems Guest rooms and corridors Elevators and stairways Meeting rooms Fitness centers/swimming pools Security, safety, and communications systems Food and drink facilities Landscaping Interior and exterior lighting Parking *It’s most likely that your PIP will only include some of the above.* Knowing What to Negotiate Many hoteliers when receiving a PIP, negotiate on requirements. This process is important but be sure to avoid doing minimal work where it matters most. Avoid this common mistake! You may not realize it but your common areas and your exterior are some of the most crucial parts of your hotel. They are the first thing guests see when arriving and they will remember that first impression. Renovating your exterior is meant to enhance your curb appeal. Guests are likely to choose a hotel with an updated exterior because it looks newer. So when your curb appeal is enhanced, you have a higher chance of a guest choosing your hotel over any competitors in the area. Whether you're a hotel owner, buyer or seller, you'll benefit from our Negotiating your PIP Guide. Download your own copy of our free guide by subscribing to our monthly newsletter below or continue reading! Subscribe and Download Here 1. Review your PIP with Professionals Your first step is to get in touch with a general contractor to review your PIP so you can completely understand what is being asked of you. An experienced professional will be able to give you an idea of how much your improvements will cost. Pro Tip: Contact Amerail Systems for help when reviewing/fulfilling your Property Improvement Plan (PIP). With over 35 years of experience providing hotels with value-engineered PIP fulfillment, we’re best equipped to provide you with a successful PIP. Contact Us 2. Negotiating Materials & Finishes Negotiate on items in your PIP such as materials and finishes to save money. Elements like flooring and wall finishes can typically vary in price. Reviewing these items with your contractor will allow you to find alternatives that could save help you save on costs. Pro Tip: Contact Amerail Systems to fulfill your PIP. As your contractors, Amerail Systems will always value-engineer your PIP fulfillment so you can get the best renovation for the most reasonable price. Contact Us 3. Remove Long-Term Maintenance Items One of the most common points of negotiation in a PIP is long-term maintenance items. Long-term maintenance items include items such as water heaters and roof replacements. While these things will need to be replaced eventually, you may not need to address them by the date required on your PIP. To negotiate this, you can amend that you will finance the replacements from a future capital budget. 4. Discuss Interruptions As you may know, there are often interruptions that occur during a renovation. Things like weather, national crisis, occupancy, etc. can create time-consuming delays in fulfilling your PIP. To avoid being blindsided by any penalties, it’s important to speak with your franchiser & make sure you’re on the same page regarding potential setbacks. Knowing what your potential setbacks could be beforehand can also be beneficial to you. Pro Tip: Check out Amerail Systems Guide to Navigating the stages of your Hotel PIP to be best prepared for your PIP. 5. Choose Your Hotel Renovation Team Avoid choosing the wrong team by doing your own research on who is best fit to fulfill your hotels PIP. When researching construction/contracting companies, make sure to look for a company that is specialized in hotel renovations and PIP fulfillment. Renovators with experience in the hospitality industry will be able to provide you with quick, value-engineered solutions and help your hotel achieve the best profit on your PIP. Pro Tip: For help with choosing the right renovation company, check out Amerail Systems article on Choosing the Right Contractor for your Hotel Renovation. Or save time by contacting the Hotel PIP Fulfillment experts at Amerail Systems today! Contact Us

First. What is a PIP? A PIP or Property Improvement Plan is a list of updates, renovations & improvements to bring a hotel up to a specific brand’s new or existing standards. PIPs are beneficial to hotel owners because they can help improve guest satisfaction and increase RevPAR. For hotel owners, buyers, or sellers it is essential to know when to expect PIPs and how to navigate them. As an owner, you should know that hotel PIPs come through in cycles of approximately every 6-10 years for regular exterior hotel renovations, interior renovations & updates. As a buyer, you should be aware of the current PIP standards for the brand you are purchasing. Knowing a brand's current standards will allow you to better negotiate the purchase of the property. If you are a buyer who is planning to rebrand/reflag the hotel that you are purchasing, having that hotel brand’s current PIP is also vital so you are aware of what updates & renovations are needed. If you are planning to sell your hotel, you need to know that your potential buyers will most likely be comparing your property to the current PIP from that brand so you should prepare accordingly. Whether you're a hotel owner, buyer or seller, you'll benefit from our guide to navigating your PIP. Navigate your PIP with ease. Download your own copy today:

What causes new hotel design trends to emerge? You may think it impossible to predict trends but ultimately they stem from changes in the world around us. Answering questions like "how have guests changed?" and "what is now important to them?" can provide insight into how hotel design will evolve to cater to travelers. For example, since the pandemic hit in 2020 one big change the hotel industry has seen is a focus on contactless technology to help guests prevent the spread of the virus. This trend was predicted at the start of the pandemic and has since grown and will continue to grow throughout the industry. After answering these questions for ourselves we can share our best assumptions as to what hotel design will look like in the coming years. While predicting future trends in hospitality design it's important to remember that the industry is currently in flux and there are still a lot of “unknowns” of what the future guest experience will be. That being said, there are a few new trends that will most likely become part of a new standard in hotel design for this new era of travel. While these new trends emerge, previous trends like biophilic and sustainable design are here to stay. What to Expect Moving forward into 2022 and beyond, new hotel design standards will be inspired by how guests have evolved in a time with little to no travel and what’s now most important to them as travel resumes. Designs will be tailored to improve and increase the guest experience beyond leisure. A new level of functionality & originality will emerge that caters to guests looking for unique & clean places to work, play, unwind and gather in addition to being visually appealing. If hotel design is catered to the guest, it’s important to know who your guests are. Like many industries, the hospitality industry has had to evolve and change over the last two years but so have the guests who stay in those hotels. As guests have evolved, so have their wants and needs when it comes to travel. Today’s guest is concerned with technology, unique experiences, cleanliness and more. Because we know this to be true, we can predict how hotel design may look in the next few years. Below we’ve outlined how guests’ new wants and needs have shaped our predictions for both interior and exterior hotel design. Design Tailored to Guest Experience Making sure every space is tailored to a guest’s experience will be increasingly important in future hotel design prototypes. INTERIOR DESIGN Increased Technology The need for increased and more advanced technology in hotels is a trend we see only growing in the future. New tech that has been introduced in recent years like robot butlers, mobile or contactless check-in has been helpful to guests who want to avoid direct contact with other people. Smart rooms have also been on the rise to provide guests with an easier way to make their stay more comfortable and personalized to them. Functionality / Modular Design As we mentioned above, functionality will be a major factor in future hotel designs. To achieve this functionality, many hotel brands will begin incorporating modular design elements meant to provide guest rooms and common areas with the ability to adapt to the needs of travelers. Guests are ultimately looking for spaces that are multi-functional and serve a purpose aside from being visually appealing. With many travelers today having the ability to work remotely, a new type of guest has emerged that would benefit from modular design. The “bleisure” guest is not only looking for a space to rest and relax or spend time with family and friends but they are also in need of personal, private work areas. Bleisure guests are combining business travel with their leisure and we predict travelers will start to see hotel designs that offer new ways to accommodate this lifestyle. A great example of how hotels could incorporate more modular capabilities into their interior design efforts are the Pocket Office & the Cloud Bed, Sofa Edition designs from Ori. Both of these designs could provide guests with more space within their own rooms to relax, sleep and work. Guests can expect to see modular design outside of their rooms as well. Interior lobbies and common areas will include designs with these capabilities so that guests can make the most of the spaces. Bleisure guests can enjoy breakfast in the morning, an individual work area in the afternoon after the buffets have been removed and an open space for gathering in the evening. Sustainability Materials used for interior design will be increasingly sustainable and energy-efficient. Using locally sourced, recycled, low-emission and long-lasting materials will become widespread. Not only to increase sustainability efforts but also to improve wellness by providing better indoor air quality. Unique Elements It’s becoming increasingly important to give hotel guests a unique experience. Because of this, recent hotel design prototypes have allowed for some flexibility within PIPs. This flexibility could allow hotels to individualize themselves with local art, food, culture, furniture and materials to give their property it's own personality. Creating a unique experience can also be accomplished through design focused on mental and physical health. Due to increased understanding of the importance of mental and physical health during the pandemic, many travelers are now looking for hotels that accommodate their new healthy lifestyles. Renovated gyms, in-room fitness equipment and inclusive dietary options like vegetarian breakfast items are all elements that will set hotels apart from their competition. Biophilic Interior Design Biophilic design is not something we see going away anytime soon. Hotels will continue to bring elements from nature into their lobbies, common areas and guest rooms. Newer designs have brought the outside in with floor to ceiling convertible windows that open to create a larger gathering space combining their outside with their inside. EXTERIOR Recycled & Sustainable Materials Like interior design, materials used for exterior hotel design will be increasingly sustainable and energy-efficient. In recent years we’ve already seen the implementation of LED lighting, energy-efficient windows, low-flow water fixtures and electric vehicle charging stations. Moving forward hotel owners should expect these sustainable design elements to become even more widespread. Nuanced Architectural Features When it comes to the exterior façade of hotels, expect to see more nuanced architectural features or features that make the property edgy and on-trend. Right now what we’re seeing in recent designs are cantilevered details. This is where one end of the design is attached to the building and the other end is suspended freely. Seen widely in rooftop pool design, cantilevers are one of the more diverse design elements. These details are effective in adding fun, 3D elements to buildings. Textural Diversity Textural diversity in exterior hotel design is here to stay. Designers are including more than one or two different exterior finishes giving their buildings even more dimension. To increase curb appeal and create a never-boring exterior, hotels will begin implementing a variety of finishes such as: Textured Fiber Cement Siding Brick Cultured Stone Reflective Glass External Insulation Finishing System (EIFS) Matte Aluminum Composite Metal (ACM) These design elements are chosen to help create unique exteriors and are made to fit and integrate into the local landscape or cityscape. Dynamic Building Shapes We all recognize and remember a few buildings with unusual and memorable architecture. The same is true for hotels. Since most branded hotels are prototyped to some extent, hotel designers seem to be creating unique elements in accordance with the brand’s standards and identity. For example, an unconventional entrance, cantilevered details, or a particular theme can mark this trend. Entrances can demonstrate some unique elements, creating a relaxed—yet dynamic—appearance. Think beyond Porte-Cochère for a welcoming entranceway. Improved Lighting A good play of lights can dramatically transform your hotel. As with the Hampton Inn hotels, many brand prototypes feature exterior light panels for a more modern look. “I see some “millennial-focused” flags like Moxy and W even utilize neon lights to create interest and allure.” - Richard Jenks, Sales Executive at Amerail Systems Hotels will continue to use exterior lighting to attract and draw in visitors. But we will start to see customizable LED lights become an industry standard. With the advancement in LED lighting, hotels are able to customize their properties even further to attract guests with multi-colored LED lights and effects. 2022 Design Predictions Wrap Up Keywords we would use for our 2022 design predictions are unique, sustainable and guest-tailored. While the future of hotel design may still be adapting to the ever-evolving needs of travelers, hoteliers and guests alike should look forward to experiencing hotels with advanced technology, multi-functional public spaces, and unique designs inside and out. Why does hotel design matter to us? Hotels connect us to family and friends, provide us with new experiences and are there for us when we need to rest along our journey. They’re there for your celebrations, new adventures your business deals and family breakfasts. No matter what is happening in our world, the hospitality industry has persevered while providing accommodations for the weary or not so weary travelers. They're there for us, so we're there for them. At Amerail Systems we’re dedicated to providing top-tier renovations in the most efficient way possible so hotels can provide their guests with beautiful and comfortable spaces to gather and rest. We do what we do best so hotels can do what they do best. We aim for WOW See how at amerailsys.com

There’s no doubt that social media can play a major role in a company or hotel’s success. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok give hotel brands an easy and effective way to visually showcase their properties to potential guests. Visuals are vital for a hotel’s success on social media as well as a few other factors. When creating your hotel’s social media strategy take the following into consideration. Your Audience - Finding your target audience is important to your social media strategy because it will allow you to figure out where and when to post your content and also what types of content your audience prefers. Where & When to Post - Knowing where and when to target your audience is important and who you’re targeting could change between platforms. For example, if you are targeting Gen Z travelers you should put effort into platforms that are video centered such as Tiktok, YouTube and Instagram. Brand Voice - How do you want your audience to perceive your brand online? Will you take a more serious route or will you partake in trends and try to create a more personable/relatable voice? Type of Content - What to post is important and can change depending on the platform you’re posting on and who your audience is. Make sure to take both of these factors into consideration along with making sure your content is aesthetically pleasing. Hotels have a great opportunity to grab the attention of their audience through social media by helping them imagine what their next vacation or trip could look like. From siteminder.com: “Not all content will engage them but travel-related content likely will because it activates your guest’s imagination. Used creatively, travel content on social media can have a transportive effect on viewers, inspiring them to go on their own journey.” (https://www.siteminder.com/r/hotel-marketing-this-year/) A well-made video or aesthetically pleasing photos of your hotel could inspire your next guest to stay with you. Avani Hotels understands that social media is a powerful tool and have used it to their advantage by launching a TikTok page with engaging and travel-inspired content. With very little competition on the platform so far this would be an ideal time for hotel brands to take advantage of TikTok as well as utilize the reels feature on Instagram. You can follow them at @AvaniHotels on TikTok to see their guest’s experiences!

Getting ready to fulfill a Property Improvement Plan or looking for hotel design ideas and inspiration? To get you started, we’ve got five design tips for hotels from the hospitality renovation experts here at Amerail Systems. In this article, we explore our 5 hotel design tips and discuss how Wyndham's new Del Sol prototype successfully represents those tips with Jennifer Mehra - Director, Prototype Design & Development at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.. 1. Pay Attention to Trends & Increase Curb Appeal To design a hotel that will appeal to travelers you must consider what is trending in design at the time while also considering what future design trends may look like. Curb appeal is vital in winning over guests because whichever hotel has the most welcoming curb appeal will more than likely win the traveler over. Currently, the top design trends in the hotel industry include: Sleek/Elegant Geometric Lines Modern & Neutral Colors Natural Looking Materials (faux wood, stone, brick, etc.) Comfortable/Warm, Home-Like Spaces Functional Spaces Advanced Tech Themed Rooms Sustainable Design Elements Elements that add Dimension to the Exterior (pediments, framing, etc.) Creative Lighting Elements Pictured here, Wyndham’s Del Sol prototype beautifully incorporates many of the above trends. The elegant roofline and LED lighting, illuminates the hotel’s façade that is made up of a unique, natural-looking tile. Framing extruding from the same façade adds dimension to the hotel's exterior. “The signature tile at the façade has a unique shimmer that glistens when the sun hits it and the LED tower lights up at night which becomes a beacon for wary travelers.” - Jennifer Mehra (Director, Prototype Design & Development at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.) When considering which trends to implement into your design, it’s important to also take guest input into consideration. Designers at Wyndham took design trends along with guest input into consideration while developing the new La Quinta Prototype: Del Sol. We asked Jennifer Mehra (Director, Prototype Design & Development at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.) how Wyndham was incorporating current trends & guest input into the new prototype. Here’s what she had to say: “Current trends we are looking at is how to integrate technology easily - we are thinking about a “meeting room of the future” design and what future travelers will need, especially now with the flexible workplace emerging due to COVID.“ - Jennifer Mehra 2. Sustainability There are many ways to make your hotel design more sustainable. Things like energy-efficient windows, EIFS and LED lighting are already implemented in many brand design requirements but there are additional steps hotels can take to become more sustainable. Recycled, low-emission and long-lasting materials can improve wellness by providing better indoor air quality. Energy Efficient Windows conserve energy and can save hotels money in the long run while also providing a better experience for hotel guests because of the soundproofing qualities they tend to have. EIFS provides a continuous layer of insulation and is 84% more energy efficient than the next best performing cladding. (From EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA)) LED Lighting lasts about 6-8 times longer than other bulbs making it more efficient for hotels which typically have extensive lighting. They also allow for more creative color and “temperature” options which allows hotels to create unique atmospheres for their guests. Low-Flow Fixtures are beneficial to hotels who want to reduce water usage. Electric Vehicle Charging can simultaneously give hotels a competitive advantage by providing an important service not every hotel offers while also encouraging people to invest in zero-energy transportation. 3. Make it Owner Friendly When thinking of hotel design, managers and owners should make sure that the design is functional and owner-friendly. To make your design owner-friendly, include elements in the design that can be adaptable. Implementing elements mentioned in our third tip (Sustainability in design) can also be beneficial for hotel owners by providing them with cost saving & energy saving solutions. A great example of owner-friendly hotel design is the Del Sol prototype from Wyndham. From Jennifer Mehra (Director, Prototype Design & Development at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.) on how the prototype is owner-friendly: “The Del Sol design is intended to bring a freshness to the La Quinta brand that excites new developers as well as can be easily adapted by older generation hotels.” Making a design that can be easily adapted makes it easier for the owner to renovate their hotel and give it a fresh new look with less hassle. 4. Fit the Environment & Make it Unique Two more elements of design that should be taken into consideration when coming up with a new look for your hotel should be how the design will fit in with the environment around your property and how you can make it unique. Tailoring your hotels look to the environment around it is possible if your PIP or design requirements allow you to customize your paint colors. For example, if your property is located in a warmer climate you may opt to choose warmer toned paint colors. To make the design more unique, elements such as decorative framing can be added around windows (see example below). Landscaping is also an avenue hotel owners can take to differentiate their hotels. If allowed by their brand, custom landscaping can not only be a welcoming attraction but also can be a way to become more sustainable. Things like butterfly gardens and flowers that attract bees can promote a better environment. Just make sure any plants or flowers you use are native to your environment. If possible, adding local art or history to your interior design is another way to stand out from the competition and gain the attention of your guests. Making your hotel design a more unique experience for your guests where possible will give them something to remember when booking their future stay or when making hotel recommendations. Here's a couple ways that the new Del Sol prototype from Wyndham distinguishes itself among the competition: 5. Be Prepared for Future Trends Finally, one of the most important factors to consider when designing a hotel is future trends. Ensuring that your design stays relevant is especially important in hospitality design because of the number of years in between required exterior renovations and the cost of renovations. When designing your hotel, be sure to research what’s trending in design now but also what the next 5-10 years may look like in hospitality design. You can sometimes predict these trends yourself if you consider what seems to stay relevant in design over the years and what things people are tending to care more about. For example, in the last 10 or so years people have grown more conscious of the environment which has led to trends like biophilic design & sustainable fixtures like LED lighting. Paying attention to trends and the needs of travelers and fulfilling them can also be the difference between no vacancy and vacancy. In just the past 2-4 years we’ve seen an explosive need for "Instagrammable" or content-worthy spaces. After experiencing and adapting to a world-wide pandemic, the need for hotels to incorporate work-from-home spaces and better tech has also been a growing trend in hotel design. Hotels and venues have been racing to fill the needs of business travelers, the new emerging “bleisure” (business-leisure) travelers, digital conferences and the new generation of content-making travelers by introducing more work spaces, higher-end tech, unique experiences and themed rooms, etc.. Paying attention to what’s going on in the world and staying ahead of the needs of travelers will give you a massive competitive edge in the hospitality industry. For this tip we’re revisiting the Del Sol prototype and how it’s designed to stay relevant. From Jennifer Mehra (Director, Prototype Design & Development at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.) on how the decision makers at Wyndham design for the future: “We are constantly challenging ourselves to think critically about the future of design and keep the brand’s design relevant, so our approach to the interior is to introduce a new interior scheme every 12-18 months to keep owners engaged and excited. This also brings a rotation of design choice to the market because we have 3-4 schemes available at any given time.” Now that you know our tips for hospitality design, you may be wondering how to design a hotel like this within your budget.. The answer is to seek out qualified vendors and service providers such as Amerail Systems who have years of experience and are well connected within the industry. Amerail Systems can expertly value engineer a hotel renovation project to provide you with your best ROI while keeping you within your budget. Extra Tip from Amerail Systems: Stay ahead of your competition by making your guests feel welcome online as well as in your hotel. Being active on social media can help you relate to and connect with your current and future guests. Reach out to influencers, go viral on TikTok or simply start interacting with travelers on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook (especially those who tag your hotel). Stay tuned for our November blog: The Importance of Social Media in the Hotel Industry.

Mark your calendars for this fall foliage tour If you love the colors that the fall season brings, we’ve got your guide for when and where to catch the best fall foliage colors across the United States. Below are our picks for the best places to see fall foliage throughout the country and when it's best to visit. In general, the best times to see the colors of fall are at the end of September in the north and in the middle of October in the south. Stow, Vermont Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Early September to Late-October A Fall wonderland, Vermont offers not just some of the best views of autumn in the country, but also packs the season with fall festivals, events, activities and seasonal favorites such as apple cider, maple syrups and more. Ozark National Forest, Arkansas Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Mid October - Early November Filled with hiking trails and driving routes to see the most beautiful fall colors, during mid-late October and into early November there is plenty of peak fall foliage to see. Yosemite National Park, California Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Mid October - Late October Although you may not catch as many fall colors here due to the amount of evergreen trees, there are patches of dogwood and maple trees that contribute to the already gorgeous landscape that is well worth the visit. Aspen, Colorado Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Mid September - Early October Enjoy the breathtaking landscape and colors of fall of Aspen by partaking in the local fall favorite activity, mountain biking. Along with biking, visitors can also enjoy the peak fall foliage by hiking, fishing or any of the other many activities Aspen provides. Catskill Mountains, New York Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Early October - Mid October Fall in the Catskills is truly festive with unique things to do and see along with the cascading mountains of fall foliage. Enjoy corn mazes, pumpkin picking, craft beer tours and hiking trails along with the view of fall colors. Niagara Falls, New York Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Early October - Mid October Fall brings vibrate reds, oranges, yellows and gold to compliment the vast blue waterfalls of Niagara Falls. With tourism typically down at this time of the year, you may enjoy smaller crowds along with gorgeous fall foliage, seasonal events and attractions. Gatlinburg, Tennessee Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Early October - Late October From corn mazes, cable car rides and funnel cakes to fall foliage, festivals and driving the fork nature trail, Gatlinburg, Tennessee truly has it all for fall. Portsmouth, New Hampshire Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Early September - Mid October Spot moose near the Great North Woods, visit one of the covered bridges or take a scenic drive and enjoy the fall foliage views of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Early October - Late October Take in the views of the fall foliage of Shenandoah National Park from the skyline drive, by taking a hike or visiting the Skyland Resort for a meal with a view. Letchworth State Park, New York Best times to visit for peak fall foliage: Early October - Mid October Also known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth offers beautiful fall foliage views along with cliffs and cascading water falls while also providing trails for walking or hiking to take them in. As one of the top hotel renovation companies Amerail Systems provides hotel renovation services nationwide. A hotel contracting company with over 35 years of experience in the industry. We have successfully renovated 2400+ hotels utilizing our Design-Build & Value-Engineering. Learn more at amerailsys.com

What is EIFS & what is water infiltration damage? EIFS or (exterior insulation and finish system) is a synthetic material that can look like stucco and is meant to insulate & protect your hotel or building from moisture. EIFS is a common building material, popular for its energy efficiency and success in reducing energy costs. Although the systems are beneficial, sometimes that system can be compromised leading to moisture being able to get in and leading to EIFS failure/water infiltration damage. In the post below we will examine common ways that water infiltrates the EIFS systems and how you can prevent it, catch it and/or solve it. Why is water damage to your hotel’s EIFS a concern? Aside from aesthetic concerns, water damage can lead to rotting in the materials behind the EIFS creating more complex damage to your hotel. Common ways water damage to EIFS can occur and how to prevent it EIFS durability can, in some instances, depend solely on the EIFS installer. Things like water damage to EIFS typically occur due to poor installation but there are other variables such as impact damage, building movement or damp climate that can lead to EIFS failure. EIFS water infiltration and damage are most likely to occur at termination points and joints so it’s vital that those areas are handled properly. Below are some common ways EIFS water damage can occur if installation is done improperly. Too Close to the Ground: If your EIFS was installed directly to or too close to the ground, landscaping or other surfaces such as concrete, pavers, etc. instead of the typical minimum of 4” from the ground this can cause moisture to invade and damage the EIFS. Incorrect Thickness of Base Coats: If a base coat is too thin it will not efficiently prevent water from entering the EIFS. Opposite this, if a base coat is too thick it can lead to cracking in the EIFS. To prevent these instances from happening, make sure to meet the manufacturer’s guidelines. Backwrapping: Backwrapping is the process of continuing a mesh-reinforced base coat around the back of the insulation board. This process is essential when it comes to continuous waterproofing along edges, at penetrations and on terminations. Sealant Joints: Water can infiltrate the EIFS and can even lead it to fail if sealants are incorrect, missing or applied wrong. A common sealant issue seen leading to EIFS failure is application of the sealant to the finish coat instead of the mesh-reinforced base coat. The life expectancy of some sealants is only 5 to 10 years. After this timeframe it should be inspected and possibly replaced. Roof & Window Flashing: There should be effective flashing along the roofline of your hotel and window openings that directs water away from headers & sills and drip-edge flashings at roof & wall intersections to lead rainwater away from the face of the wall. Without proper window flashing, water can infiltrate the EIFS. Look out for cracks or soft wood near your windows and doors. Signs of visual damage to your hotels’ EIFS: When looking for signs of EIFS problems, look out for: Bulges in the EIFS Cracks on or around window and door caulking joints Soft wood near windows/doors Discolored or soft areas What to do when you find water damage to your hotel EIFS: When you see signs of EIFS problems or suspect that there may be water damage, it is best to contact EIFS repair contractors such as Amerail Systems who are experienced in repairing water damage to EIFS as efficiently as possible. Climate & EIFS: Problems with EIFS can commonly occur in more humid/warm climates because the rate of wetting can exceed the rate of drying. So if there has been poor installation that allows for water infiltration, the hotel’s EIFS in a warmer climate is more susceptible to damage because the humidity will prevent the walls from drying out. Contrarily, Hotel’s located in colder climates are also at risk of EIFS failure if the coatings were applied below the manufacturers range of temperature. If your hotel is in need of EIFS repair, contact Amerail Systems today for a value-engineered service. Contact US

The American road trip is back and better than ever for 2021 and we’re giving you the ultimate guide to eye-catching attractions, unique experiences & photo ops across all 50 states. We personally can’t wait to visit as many of these attractions as we can! ALABAMA Lady in the Lake Although Hurricane Sally damaged this giant lady who used to bathe herself in the Bayou La Launch, this sculpture made our list because she was a unique, must-see attraction while in Alabama. Repairs to Lady in the Lake are TBD according to roadsideamerica.com & the sculpture is currently in storage. ALASKA Santa Claus House Located in, you guessed it, the North Pole. Well North Pole, Alaska that is. At this Santa Claus House it’s Christmas everyday & guests can browse Christmas decor & ornaments, keepsakes & unique toys. Visitors can also enjoy delicious holiday favorites such as fudge, cookies & candy. There’s no shortage of photo ops here! Sit in Santa's sleigh, or take a picture in front of the world's largest Santa. Their hours are located on their website (including Santas hours!) https://www.santaclaushouse.com/visit.asp ARIZONA 4 Corners Monument This monument allows you to be in 4 places at once! This is the only place in the United States where visitors are able to stand in 4 states at the same time including Arizona, New Mexico, Utah & Colorado. Flintstones Bedrock City (Now Bedrock City & Raptor Ranch) One of Route 66’s many tourist destinations (including Route 66 itself) is Bedrock City. Located just 25 miles south of the Grand Canyon, travelers will find the nostalgic cartoon character Fred Flintstone waving to them. Inside the city, you can expect a nostalgic experience with bright colored Paleolithic creatures, buildings & the shows classic cars with rocks as wheels. ARKANSAS Giant Budweiser Can A lover of Budweiser, David McMahon Sr, commissioned Earl Harris to paint one of the silos on his farm to resemble a giant Budweiser can. Fun fact: On the label, it's stated that this “can” of beer holds 8,734,902 fluid ounces of Budweiser. CALIFORNIA Cabazon Dinosaurs A classic roadside attraction in America, you may remember the world's largest dinosaurs from the cult classic: The Wizard. These larger than life Dinos are a site to definitely stop and see while in Cabazon, CA. If you want to go inside the dinosaurs you can! There is a small fee to enter the T-Rex while the Apatosaurus (formerly known as the brontosaurus) is free. Salvation Mountain One of the more colorful attractions on our list, this man-made mountain is also one of the most unique stops for travelers. There is a theme of love & religion here which the artist, Leonard Knight, meant as a tribute to God. Bubblegum Alley Another unique addition to our list, Bubblegum alley is a living & ever-changing attraction. We don’t want to think about how gross this amount of chewed gum kind of is but instead focus on how cool it looks & how unique it is. COLORADO Worlds Largest Beetle Passing through or going to Colorado? Don’t leave Herkimer, the World's Largest Beetle, off of your site-seeing list! Terrifying? Maybe. But we think Herkimer is cool and we’d go to Colorado just to see him. Bishop Castle A monument to following your dreams, Jim Bishop has been constructing this castle for nearly 60 years. The three story castle includes a grand ballroom, towers & bridges but most importantly, a fire-breathing dragon. UFO WatchTower Want your chance at seeing an alien? This roadside attraction in Colorado allows travelers to try and spot one. The location of this attraction has been a hotspot for UFO sightings throughout the years. 4 Corners Monument You may be wondering: Is this the same 4 Corners Monument mentioned 3 states ago? Well you’d be right. Just a reminder that this is the only place in the United States where visitors are able to stand in 4 states at the same time (hence why you’re seeing it again). The states include Arizona, New Mexico, Utah & Colorado so be prepared to see this 2 more times. CONNECTICUT Frog Bridge Officially known as the Thread City Crossing, this bridge connects Routes 66 & 32. The ornamental frogs reside on the bridge because of the city of Windham's famous Frog Fight (Fright) in June of 1954. Summed up, this “Fright” happened during a drought, residents could hear a loud scream-like noise and in the morning they realized that instead of their worst fears, the noise was actually frogs fighting for the last bit of water available. Read more about the Frog Fight here: https://connecticuthistory.org/bridge-ornaments-help-tell-the-legend-of-the-windham-frog-fight/ DELAWARE Miles the Monster Dover International Speedway, home of “The Monster Mile”, is also home to their mascot Miles the Monster. Miles can be seen coming out of a circular base with a racecar in hand. Fun fact: the racecar is real & the monster's base is lined with plaques of the winners of every Dover NASCAR race. FLORIDA The Fountain of Youth The search for eternal youth has been talked about all throughout history. The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, FL can be traced back to 1513 and since then has attracted those in search of living forever. Well actually between 1513 and the early 1900s people came to look at the flowers growing there. But after Luella Day McConnell acquired the land and placed a gazebo over the well which is said to be The Fountain of Youth, tourists come from near and far in hopes of staying young forever. Coral Castle Was the castle built by someone with supernatural powers? We may never know! But whether or not Ed Leedskalnin was a secret superhero or not it’s safe to say that the castle he built has a supernatural effect on its visitors. The Coral Castle is a mystery but a beautiful one, this site is definitely a must-see. GEORGIA Jimmy Carter Peanut Some say that this 13-foot tall peanut was the reason Jimmy Carter won the 1976 presidential election. While it may not have won him the entire election, there’s no doubt that it helped him win his home state of Georgia where peanuts are popular. Georgia Guidestones If you find yourself on a post-apocalypse road trip and you need to know how to conserve mankind or if you just need to know the date, the Georgia Guidestones is the roadside attraction for you. Also known as America’s Stonehenge, these Guidestones stand 19 feet high and include a how-to on conserving humanity for future generations in 12 different languages (just in case). Fun fact: Every day at noon you can see that day's date when the sun shines through a hole in the stones. HAWAII (Off the Mainland) Dole Pineapple Maze The world's largest maze stretching over 3 acres and one of the only botanical mazes in America. While in the maze try to find the 8 secret checkpoints to complete the challenge and finish the fastest to win a prize & have your name recorded at the maze's entrance. IDAHO Largest Beagle If you’re a dog lover you’ll love this stop along your road-trip. Affectionately dubbed “Sweet Willy” the 30 foot beagle-house was created after the 12-foot beagle attraction brought more visitors than expected to the artists studio. Need a place to stay for the night? The world's largest beagle also serves as the world's largest beagle bed & breakfast! You can stay at the Dog Bark Park Inn in Cottonwood, Idaho starting January 10th 2022. Shoshone Falls - Niagara of the West The Niagara of the West sits at the edge of Twin Falls in Idaho. A truly breathtaking site at 212 feet (higher than the Niagara Falls). If you’re looking for a scenic stop on your road trip this summer, this is your sign to stop at Shoshone. ILLINOIS Leaning Tower of Niles Get a picture of yourself holding up the Tower of Pisa without leaving America? Maybe too good to be true but Illinois has an alternative for your photo op! Built as a cover-up for Ilgair Parks’ water tank, the Leaning Tower of Niles is half the size of the Leaning Tower of Pisa (94 feet tall and 28 feet in diameter) and is a great alternative for those who haven’t made it to Pisa, Italy yet. Fun fact: The village of Niles began a sister city pact with Pisa, Italy in 1991. Largest Catsup (Ketchup) Bottle Whether you refer to it as catsup or ketchup, this ode to Americana stands 170 feet tall and was originally built as a water tower for a catsup bottling plant. Visiting this roadside attraction is almost guaranteed to make you crave a burger & fries. INDIANA Largest Ball of Paint Hanging from an industrial hook in Alexandria, Indiana is the world's largest ball of paint. In the center of the 2.5 ton paintball is a baseball that was painted by the artist's son. The ball has over 25,000 layers of paint and is protected in the Ball House. IOWA Future Birthplace of James T. Kirk Fans of StarTrek may be familiar with this roadside attraction. The captain of the Starship Enterprise is to be born in Riverside, Iowa 207 years in the future on March 22nd, 2228. A fan of the series brought this fact to his town council meeting in 1985 and from there the town of Riverside, Iowa declared itself the future birthplace of James T. Kirk and changed their town slogan to: “Where the Trek begins”. KANSAS The World's Largest Collection of the Worlds Smallest Versions of the World’s Largest Things Want a one-stop shop to see all the world's largest things? If you’re passing through Lucas, Kansas you can see the world’s largest collection of the world's smallest versions of the world’s largest things. We don’t know for a fact if this is the world's longest name for a roadside attraction but we think it could be. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine Want to be a part of the world's largest ball of twine? If you’re passing through Cawker City, Kansas make sure to make arrangements ahead of time to add your twine to the ever-growing ball! This ball of twine has been growing since 1953 and now weighs over 13 tons. KENTUCKY World's Largest Baseball Bat Where else would the world's largest baseball bat reside other than the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory? The giant bat is an exact replica of Babe Ruth's Louisville Slugger. Kentucky's Stonehenge Looking to cross off another Stonehenge recreation on your list? Check out Kentucky's Stonehenge, created by local Chester Fryer who found every large rock in over 1000 acres to build this recreation. LOUISIANA Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum History buffs & movie lovers unite! Located in the very building that was the last place Bonnie Parker & Clyde Barrow visited before their deaths, is the museum that tells their story. The once cafe-turned museum was (up until 2016) owned by the son of one of the policemen responsible for the deaths of Bonnie & Clyde. In the museum, you can see Bonnie's red hat, some glass from the shattered windshield of their car & more. MAINE Wild Blueberry Land A scene straight out of a storybook, this roadside attraction celebrates Maines iconic fruit: the wild blueberry in a “blue-tiful” way. Visit the museum to learn more about the blueberry, 1 of 4 fruits native to America, check out the bakery & gift shop for sweet & savory treats. Giant L.L. Bean Boot If you’re in need of one size 410 rubber-bottom boot, stop at L.L. Beans flagship store in Freeport, Maine. The 16-foot tall boot is a great photo-op stop. MARYLAND Vanadu Art House Ever dream of living in a house of art? A. Clarke Bedford did and so he created the Vanadu Art House. Located in a quiet suburb in D.C. is Clarkes art home which he has been adding to since 2007. Unlike the modern aesthetic of simplicity and minimalism, Clarke enjoys and aims for a maximalist look that will overwhelm the senses. MASSACHUSETTS The Witch House of Salem When most people think of Salem Massachusetts they think of witches, halloween and fall so it’s only right that we include The Witch House of Salem on our roadside attractions list. This house is the only building in Salem that you can visit that has direct ties to the Salem Witch trials of 1692. It was home to Judge Jonathan Corwin and his family who took part in the trials. Bancroft Tower Built as an homage to his late fathers friend, Stephen Salisbury III created Bancroft Tower for George Bancroft. This castle-lite is made of boulders and cobblestones and stands 56 feet tall. When it’s not being used for a haunted house or as a rest-stop for Santa, the tower is usually locked up but visitors can still get a great photo out front! Fun fact: George Bancroft delivered the eulogy at Abraham Lincoln's funeral. Ponyhenge Ponyhenge in Lincoln, MA is a recreation of the original mysterious Stonehenge located in England. The collection of ponies is always mysteriously growing and is a unique experience if you're in the area! MICHIGAN World's Largest Tire Once a World’s Fair ferris wheel now a must see and stop for passersby, the Uniroyal Tire in Allen Park, Michigan is an 80 foot tall car tire that is a great photo op for travelers and car lovers alike. Fun fact: The firm that designed the tire also designed the Empire state building. MINNESOTA Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Said to be the second most photographed statue in America, these two massive figures are inspired by North American tales from the early 20th-century logger industry. Jolly Green Giant What better way to convince your kids to eat their vegetables than a stop at the Jolly Green Giant statue? The 55 foot tall Green Giant in Blue Earth Minnesota was financed in just one week by local businesses! If you're traveling through in the summer you may catch their annual summer festival, Giant Days! Or if you happen to pass through in the winter, you may see a giant red scarf keeping the Jolly Green Giant warm. MISSISSIPPI Windsor Ruins All that is left of a grand mansion in Port Gibson, Mississippi after an accident at a party that caused the mansion to burn down in February of 1890. Before the fire, the mansion was used as a Union hospital and observation post during the civil war. This stop is definitely for those who love American history & architecture! MISSOURI Awakening Sculpture Created by J. Seward Johnson, Jr in 1980, each piece of the sculpture is buried to give the illusion of a giant attempting to free himself from the ground. At 70 feet in length, this may be one of the most original and awe-inspiring stops on our list! World's Largest Fork A whole new meaning to "fork in the road" this fork placed in front of an office building was built originally for a restaurant but now sits at the firm, Noble & Associates. If you find yourself in Missouri, take your picture in front of the largest fork! MONTANA Our Lady of the Rockies Dedicated to women & mothers everywhere this attraction is the third largest statue in America and stands at 8,500 feet above sea level. The story behind the statue is an honorable one, A man whose wife had beat cancer wanted to show his gratitude and honor women all around the world. NEBRASKA Carhenge Easily one of our favorite "Henges" this remake of Stonehenge is a unique experience that is open to the public year-round. When asked why make a recreation of Stonehenge with cars? Jim Reinders, the artist behind Carhenge simply responds with "Why not?". We can see why Carhenge was the Travelers' Choice award winner for 2020! Not only a great place for photos but also quirky and unique experience for visitors. Nevada Goldwell Open Air Museum One of the most popular installments at the Goldwell Open Air Museum is the Last Supper. This sculpture located near Death Valley was created by Albert Szukalski in 1984. This recreation of Leonardo DaVinci's original Last Supper was successful in matching the ghostly representation with the emptiness of the desert. Alongside this massive Last Supper sculpture, there are 6 other installments that are just as outstanding and worth the visit. Seven Magic Mountains One of the most colorful roadside attractions on our list, the Seven Magic Mountains was created to represent the human presence in the desert. People from all over come to take in the sight of these massive painted boulders stacked on top of one another. If you're passing through Nevada, this installment should definitely be a stop along your way! The Neon Museum A fitting addition to America's Roadside Attractions, The Neon Museum is a tribute to an Americana & travel classic - the neon sign. When you think about road trips (especially in Nevada) you picture neon lights and signs pointing you to a variety of hotels and motels, diners and other attractions along your way. This museum is a tribute to those signs, their history and their creators. If you love Americana and history this is a must-see for you! New Hampshire The USS Albacore Created as a research submarine, the USS Albacore was used to experiment new features for modern submarines. Stop by this attraction and take a look through the periscope or listen to recordings from former crew members! New Jersey Lucy the Elephant The oldest surviving roadside attraction in America and the oldest surviving form of "zoomorphic" architecture, Lucy the Elephant is truly a worthy addition to any roadside attractions list. Built in 1881 and visited by Presidents & royalty, this historic structure is a must-see if you find yourself in New Jersey! New Mexico Roswell In addition to Stonehenge recreations & giant fiberglass statues, there is another thing that is a staple to Americana: Aliens. What better place for believers to visit than the site of The Roswell Incident? While there, check out the International UFO Museum! Worlds Largest Pistachio The McGinn family has been growing award-winning pistachios since 1988 so what better way to celebrate that success than to build a giant pistachio? What was supposed to be a tribute has since turned into a wildly popular roadside attraction in New Mexico. 4 Corners Monument We've arrived at our 3rd reminder of this very cool experience! If you are traveling through New Mexico this is your chance to stand in 4 states at the same time. The 4 states you can stand in are: Arizona, New Mexico, Utah & Colorado. New York Natural Eternal Flame A great stop for families traveling through New York, Eternal Flame Falls may be eventful to get to but the destination is worth the trip if you love science or nature! The Big Duck Originally created to attract passersby in to buy ducks, the now tourist information center also serves as a gift shop where you can purchase novelty duck-a-bilia and also as a great 20-foot tall photo-op. Shark Girl Created by artist Casey Riordan, this sculpture is truly unique to our list and worth the visit to grab a photo if you're in the area. North Carolina Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park A combination of art and science, this attraction started on Vollis farm where people had already begun to visit to see the "whirligigs". Now 30 whirligigs have their own park for people to admire them. North Dakota Salem Sue The World's Largest Holstein Cow and the most popular roadside animal sculpture in North Dakota. This 38-foot tall cow is visible for 5 miles and is dedicated to the dairymen of the area. Enchanted Highway If you find yourself traveling on 1-94 near Gladstone, watch out for exit 72 where the Enchanted Highway begins. For 32 miles you will enjoy sculptures including Geese in Flight, Worlds Largest Tin Family, Teddy Rides Again, Pheasants on the Prairie, Grasshoppers in the Field, Deer Crossing and Fishermans Dream. For each of these sculptures (excluding Geese in Flight), there are parking areas so you can pull over and enjoy the sights! Ohio Worlds Largest Basket Ever wonder what 10 maple trees and 2000 hours of work can get you? A 23 foot tall Longaberger basket is one example. But this basket is small compared to Longabergers' basket-shaped headquarters that stands 7 stories tall. American Sign Museum Similar to the Neon Museum in Nevada, the American Sign Museum is dedicated to the history and art of sign making. This museum is the largest museum of signs in the country. Oklahoma Ed Galloway's Totem Pole This 90-foot tall totem pole measures 9 feet in diameter and was created by Ed Galloway, a premier folk artist in Oklahoma. On the exterior of the totem pole are carved bas-relief designs inspired by nature. If you happen to be near Foyil, Oklahoma this roadside attraction is a beautiful site to see. Oregon Enchanted Forest Ever wish you could step into a fairytale? Thanks to Roger Tofte, you can! If you're traveling near Salem, Oregon you can visit the amusement park that now has 10 rides and 7 attractions that will make you feel like you've walked into a storybook. Oregon Vortex One of the strangest places on earth and a scientific anomaly, the Oregon Vortex is truly a unique experience. In this place, things seem to move and stand differently. Fun fact: horses refuse to walk into the affected area. Thor's Well Known as the drainpipe of the Pacific, Thor's Well is a natural wonder that seems bottomless (but is really about 20 feet deep). Although it is a beautiful site to see, if you choose to visit this site please do research beforehand and be cautious as it is extremely dangerous. Pennsylvania Haines Shoe House Built in 1948 and modeled after a high-top work shoe, the Haines Shoe House is a worthwhile stop for shoe lovers! Inside are 5 different levels that contain 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms a kitchen and a living room. Randyland There's not a picture that does this colorful attraction enough justice. Easily one of the most colorful and vibrant places in Pittsburgh, PA, Randyland is bound to make you happy. If you're a fan of art or great photo-ops this roadside attraction is worth the trip! Rhode Island Viking Tower Also known as the Mystery Tower of Newport, there are many theories as to who built this tower and when. According to a local Newport museum, the tower was just a base of a windmill built by settlers. But many question as to why they would build a 450-ton windmill base. One of the most popular theories is that Vikings built the tower around 1150. South Carolina Worlds Largest Sweet Tea Are you a fan of sweet tea? If you're traveling through South Carolina, the quaint town of Summerville may be a refreshing stop along your way. This 15-foot tall sweet tea jar is bound to make you thirsty for the traditional southern drink and is also a great place for a photo-op! Peachoid One of the most photographed water tanks in the US is located in Gaffney, South Carolina also known as the "peach capital of South Carolina". The 135-foot Peachoid water tower depicts the type of peaches that are grown in Cherokee County. South Dakota Giant Praire Dog In Cactus Flats, South Dakota stands a 12-foot tall Praire Dog statue. The artist, Harold Zundell, etched his name and the date July 1st 1959 into the base of the statue. Tennessee Billy Tripp's Mindfield The largest outdoor sculpture in Tennessee, stretching about one acre and standing 125 feet high was built by Billy Tripp starting in 1989. The sculpture contains salvaged metal and is certain to catch any observer or passerby's eye. Graceland A "must-Tennes-see" was the home of one of the greatest and most well-known musicians to live, Elvis Presley. Among his home you can visit shops, hotels and other Elvis-themed venues that are unique to the area. The Sunsphere Built in 1982 for the World's Fair and standing 26 stories tall is the one-of-a-kind Sunsphere. Although this roadside attraction is temporarily closed for renovations, when it re-opens it will be a great stop for anyone. Inside the observation deck there is a gallery of images and information about Knoxville while also providing a 360-degree view of the city. Fun fact: Each panel on the sphere is made with 24-karat gold and cost around $1000 each at the time it was made. Texas Cadillac Ranch Dedicated to the golden age of the American automobile, Cadillac Ranch contains 10 Cadillacs covered in graffiti and is truly a unique sight to behold. The ever-changing art on the Cadillacs is just one reason many go to visit and add their own graffiti to the classic cars partially buried in the ground. Prada Marfa Looking to purchase Prada while in the middle of the desert? If you're in Texas, you're in luck. That is if you are in the market for only right-footed shoes and bags without bottoms. Although the pieces in Prada Marfa are not for sale, the installation alone is worth the visit for a photo-op and potentially an alien sighting (as some conspiracies say). As a commentary on Western materialism, Prada Marfa is made of a biodegradable substance that will allow it to slowly melt back into the earth. Prada Marfa was built by the artistic team Elmgreen & Dragset. World's Largest Cowboy Boots Would it be Texas without at least one giant statue of cowboy boots? Everything's bigger in Texas including Bob "Daddy-O" Wade's 40-foot tall cowboy boots created to resemble ostrich skin. Make sure to get your own cowboy boots on for this photo-op! UTAH 4 Corners Monument Once more on our list, the Four Corners Monument. Here you can stand, sit or lay in multiple states at once. Feel like visiting Colorado, Utah, Arizona & New Mexico all at once? This is the roadside attraction for you! Hole N’ the Rock What started as a home for the Christensen family turned into an engineering masterpiece and is now a stop along Highway 191 in Southwestern Utah for passersby to marvel at. While visiting, travelers will be stunned at the excavation effort that went into making this 14 room home inside of a rock. VERMONT Ben & Jerrys Flavor Graveyard A hauntingly sweet tribute to the Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavors that have passed on. If you happen to be traveling to or through Vermont, check out the Flavor Graveyard to see which flavors have kicked the bucket (or rather, pint). The graveyard overlooks the Ben & Jerry's factory where each gravestone is made of granite and contains the name and an epitaph of the dearly departed dairy. VIRGINIA Natural Bridge Included in several "Seven Natural Wonders of the World" lists, the Natural Bridge in Virginia is just that, a natural bridge. The limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek creates the bridge that you see when visiting. But although the bridge is an amazing sight to see, there are also forests and meadows with hiking trails nearby making your visit that much better. Foamhenge A full-sized replica of the original Stonehenge stands in Centerville, Virginia. Although it may look just like the original, this Foamhenge is made up of styrofoam instead of rocks. So if you can't make it across the pond to see Stonehenge just yet, give Foamhenge a visit! WASHINGTON Fremont Troll After an art competition launched to rehabilitate the bridge where the Fremont Troll now resides, Steve Badanes and his team designs and constructed the Fremont Troll after being inspired by the folktale Billy Goat's Gruff. What was once a dumping ground is now a popular tourist attraction. Wild Metal Horses Monument Although the real name of these metal pieces of art is Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies, it is more commonly referred to as the Wild Metal Horses Monument. Best seen from a distance to take in the full beauty of the life-sized galloping horses but if you do decide to get up close you'll also get a great view of the Columbia River. WEST VIRGINIA Mystery Hole Experience the laws of gravity like you've never seen them before! Not for those with heart ailment or vertigo, this strange place can cause confusion and sometimes dizziness for those that enter. WISCONSIN Upside Down White House Tour this top-secret space and experience the White House in upside-down form. King Gambrinus His story originated in Holland & Belgium, the patron figure of brewers, King Gambrinus guards the World's Largest Six Pack in Wisconsin. WYOMING Devils Tower A truly unique experience, Devils Tower was declared the first national monument in 1906 by President Roosevelt. How was this great rock formed? Scientists agree that lava became rock formations that cooled and eroded over time. This site is sacred to the Lakota and many other Plains Tribes. Congratulations on making it through our guide! We hope that this inspires you to travel this summer/fall & all the seasons to come. You deserve it. Here are some things we learned that America loves after making this list. 1. Remaking Stonehenge (Seriously we couldn’t believe how many remakes there were of this & we didn’t even include them all) 2. Dinosaurs (Are other countries like this?) 3. Large remakings of really anything (especially food-related things) 4. Aliens (Again, is this just us?) 5. Fiberglass statues (So. Many. Statues.) 6. Neon Signs (This is a personal favorite of the writer) Like our guide? Share with your friends, family & colleagues!

Looking for ways to WOW your guests so they return to your hotel again and again? We’re here to help! As experts of WOW, Amerail Systems is well equipped to help you impress your guests. Travel is back but things aren’t the same as they were before the pandemic. There are challenges ahead but as we’ve seen over the last year, the hospitality industry can overcome anything. There are certain things that travelers will be looking for in their post-pandemic stays. Once you know what these amenities/services/qualities are, you will be able to strategize how to implement some or all of them. In this article, we will give you 5 of the things guests are expecting & looking for during their stays now and ways you can implement them to WOW travelers. 1. EXTRA friendly customer service & authenticity Guests are expecting and wanting hotel travel to be back to normal but at the same time, hotels across the country are struggling with staffing shortages. Because of staff shortages, guests' experiences could potentially be negatively impacted if their expectations for travel are high. It’s important for both travelers and hoteliers to be aware of the challenges everyone is facing and to be patient with one another. Encouraging your employees to be extra patient with guests and extra kind will go a long way. Simple things like complimenting a guest's outfit could create an instantly happy customer. In addition to customer service, upgrades and surprises will also be important. Having your elite members upgraded and including upgrades for base-level members or new guests when available will also encourage happy travelers. A couple of examples of hotels that are known to go above and beyond for their guests are the Springhill Suites by Marriott and Doubletree by Hilton. Springhill Suites are known for their Chupa Chups, a Spanish lollipop, that are arranged into a beautiful bouquet at the front desk readily available for guests to choose from. While lollipops reside in the Springhill Suites the Doubletrees provide their guests with warm chocolate chip cookies! Things like this can turn a guest's day around and in return, ultimately help the hotel staff provide the best service possible. Finally, authenticity. This method of service is more important to the new generation of travelers (Gen Z). Being “real” and relating to them will go a long way. 2. Show that you are clean There’s no doubt that after the pandemic we’re all much more aware of cleanliness standards in the places we go. The hospitality industry is no exception to this. Guests are more concerned now maybe more than ever before about the sanitary efforts in hotels. Most hotels have adapted to this by now and have included things like readily available hand sanitizing stations throughout the lobbies. Another great strategy to WOW your guests with how clean your hotel is is to make your cleaning efforts visible and almost put on a show for them. What we mean by that is simply just make sure your guests see you cleaning. In the past cleaning common areas like the lobby or breakfast area was mainly done when there were few to no guests around. This was so the staff didn’t disturb guests too much with cleaning that could be done when they left. Now it’s almost better to clean with an audience. Guests seeing staff clean can be comforted knowing that where they are sitting, standing, eating is regularly cleaned and sanitized. One more example of how to comfort your guests is to have visible signage displaying the ways that you are staying sanitary and clean. 3. Culture/local businesses We’ve reached the time where the hospitality industry now has a new generation to please. Gen Z has entered the world of travel after a year of creating mass content. Similar to Millennials, what this new generation is looking for in hotels are their uniqueness and their inclusion of local food, culture, art, events, etc. Here are some ways to do this: Dedicate a wall in your lobby to local artists Partner with local businesses for food, coffee, decor, etc. and promote that business from within Allow local restaurants and events centers to promote their events within your hotel or train your staff to promote the events to your guests at check in. Ask your local restaurants if they would be willing to provide you with coupons to hand out to your guests. Not only are cultural aspects important to these generations but also having a solid presence on social media will give you that WOW factor we’re aiming for. If you have the resources to be active on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, you will be able to relate to your guests and encourage them to share your hotel with their friends and family who may be tempted to stay with you in the future. Showcase your usernames at the front desk or on common tables and encourage your guests to follow you and tag you in photos from their stay. Following a few back will also make them feel seen and special which will make them more likely to return to your hotel in the future. 4. Increased technology Want to really WOW your guests? Including new hotel technology such as keyless room entry, smart TV’s, mobile check-in, and even robot room service will elevate your guest's experience to new levels. While keyless room entry and mobile check-in have been a perk of a few brands in the past years this technology is now becoming more and more expected throughout the industry. Another perk that is transitioning more towards a stable is the smart tv. Guests are more inclined to stay in their rooms unless they are out of the hotel now. In the age of streaming services, having a TV in their room where they can log in to their favorite method of binge-watching shows is expected. One trend in hotel technology that we see gaining popularity is the room service robot. Gone are the days of front desk staff completing room service requests while simultaneously checking in guests. With this new technology, your staff will have more time to focus on the needs and happiness of your guests as well as the cleanliness of your hotel. With the shortages of staff in the industry, this technology is a must-have. 5. Show that you’re green/sustainable A trend that is not going anywhere anytime soon is sustainability in hotels. Most brands have adopted practices to show their guests that they are eco-friendly so how can you differentiate your eco-friendliness from the rest? Some extra ways to go green could be: Including recycling bins in common areas and rooms Using less plastic at breakfast and coffee stations Investing in energy-efficient upgrades to your hotel such as window replacements (check out our blog on how we provide energy efficient & sound reducing windows) Biophilic design elements such as green walls, sustainable and natural-looking materials Vegetarian & vegan food and beverage options There are many ways to WOW your guests. Take it from us, we’ve been WOWing clients since 1985.

Amerail Systems can help. How do hotel renovation companies get your property from this to this: It’s ok if you don’t know where to start! That’s what we’re here for. We’re Amerail Systems, a top-tier hotel renovation company. We’ve worked with most brands nationwide and we’re here to help you with all your hotel design details. Here you’ll learn about the steps we take to get you a better renovation. We’ll discuss how we review your property, budget & brand requirements and how Amerail Systems uses that information to develop a proposal and design for your hotel. How do we review your property? Before designing your renovation we will use satellite images, existing plans or walk your property to get familiar with it. During this visit or our next, we will take before photos of each elevation and any specific areas that we will be improving. To prepare for any potential issues that may arise we will often visit the hotel to review your property alongside ownership or a member of the ownership to account for existing conditions of the property. We will also photograph spots that could present issues for design & installation. How do we find & stick to your brand's requirements? Typically your brand will send you PIP or (Property Improvement Plan). This PIP includes details about your hotel from interior & exterior to technology and what changes/updates need to be made in each area. When you receive a PIP that includes requirements for exterior renovations/repairs & updates, that is when you contact Amerail Systems. Amerail Systems will take your PIP and help turn it into guests in rooms, a higher ROI & a RevPAR that will beat out your compset. As for sticking to your brands requirements, that’s been our specialty for over 36 years. We’ve mastered the art of making the exterior of your hotel unique while also adhering to your brands latest prototype (or design). How do we review & use your budget? After reviewing your property and brand requirements from your PIP, Amerail Systems then reviews your budget. A budget from your hotels' ownership/management will help us get you closer to your renovating goal. This way Amerail can determine and be much more efficient in providing you a legitimate building enhancement. Reviewing your budget will allow us to determine how we can renovate your hotel in the most cost-efficient way possible. Using our extensive experience in the industry we value-engineer your project so you get the best renovation at the best price. Your hotel brand's PIP will help us decide where & how your budget needs to be allocated. If you don’t have a PIP there’s no need to worry. Our years of experience working in the hotel renovation industry have prepared us for these situations and our team will help prepare a plan of designs & repairs for your hotel. Developing the Proposal & Design When we develop your proposal and design we take your PIP, budget and any repairs into account to give you the best offer at the best price. Along with requirements, we will also discuss your preferences of color combinations and placement of any materials such as faux wood or brick so that you receive your dream hotel renovation. Our years of experience in the industry have allowed us to develop relationships with brands and suppliers so we can provide a value-engineered hotel renovation. Completing your Hotel Renovation Now that you’ve accepted your Amerail Systems proposal & Design, your next steps towards a better hotel renovation include: Brand Approval Renderings & Construction Drawings Job Site Permitting We’ll walk you through each of these steps to make your renovation process as streamlined and easy as possible. Renovation timelines can vary depending on the size of the project and the amount of time it takes to get designs and permits approved. It is best to plan for delays such as these and also unexpected delays such as water damage which can also prolong the renovation. Now that you’re well prepared, it’s time to renovate your hotel. Get ready to receive the Amerail Advantage! What is the Amerail Advantage? The Amerail Advantage means that you not only get the hotel design & hotel renovation you’ve dreamt of but also: Outstanding Customer Service & A Better B2B Relationship - We don’t see you as just our client, we see you as a friend, a neighbor, a business partner. This ensures that we will do our best on your hotel renovation & communication so we can maintain our relationship for years to come. Value Engineered Design - The benefits of working with a design professional and a construction expert at the same time ensures that potential problems are discovered before the project starts. Our relationships with most major flags are an advantage when it comes to the Value Engineering & bottom-line cost savings to you, the Hotel Owner. Guest Sensitive Crews - Our crews are experienced in the field of hotel renovation and ensure that your guest's experience is not hindered by construction. You Stay Fully Operative - With over 36 years of experience renovating hotels, we are able to expertly schedule construction around your hotel's unique needs by working with your General Manager & or Front Desk Manager. There are many more advantages coming your way because you chose Amerail, want to read more about them? Click Here.