Questions to Ask When Choosing an FF&E Partner for Your Boutique Hotel

Interior design sets the tone for a memorable stay. From the lighting in the lobby to the furniture in the guest rooms, every detail counts when it comes to your boutique hotel’s interiors.

With the help of an FF&E provider, you can transform your property from a hotel into a sanctuary. Deciding to work with one involves more than choosing fabrics and furniture and creating an atmosphere. It's a strategic decision that can help shape your hotel's future.

Yes, FF&E providers can help you create a beautiful, functional space. But they can also work with you to help your hotel stand out from the competition, maintain brand consistency, and incorporate the very latest trends and technologies. 

Choosing an FF&E provider can be tricky, though. There are many things to consider, and they should also align with your brand. So, how do you decide which one to go with?  

4 Questions To Ask Before Hiring An FF&E Provider 

Invest a lot of time in researching and don't be shy about asking questions. Doing so can help you gain a better sense of a provider's relationship with clients, their communication style, and their business practices. 

What kind of projects have you worked on? 

Ask to see their portfolio. This can give you a feel for their style and skills. Remember to also ask about their processes and how they manage projects. 

For example, you can take a look at our past projects to learn more about what we do and who we’ve worked with. 

Who is on your team and what is their experience and training? 

Find out about the team's background. You could ask about their education, experience, and certifications. 

Which services do you provide? 

An FF&E provider may or may not offer a variety of services, but most only manufacture. At L&S we are heavy on project management and can help you with field measuring, quantifying the FF&E, coordinating MEPs, handling logistics, and carrying out installation. Furthermore, we have manufacturing abilities across the entire spectrum of FF&E categories.  

With everything streamlined under one roof, a project can run smoothly and efficiently. 

Can you provide me with references? 

You'll likely get the most insight from this question. FF&E providers typically have a list of former clients who are willing to act as references and it's important to reach out to them and get their input. 

Ask the references questions like, "How was your experience working with them?", “How did they deal with concerns or issues during the project?”, and "Was your project completed on schedule?" Ask them about the quality of the work, the services they received, and if they are overall happy with the results.  

Find Out How We Can Help You With FF&E 

At Lang & Schwander, we’ve been furnishing hotel interiors in the US, Caribbean, and Latin America for over 17 years. For both branded hotels and independent hotels, we offer a full-service Interior Design studio, custom FF&E production and shipping services, and in-house installation services. 

Contact us to schedule a call and discuss your project!