Timing shapes everything in the FF&E supply chain, and few windows matter more than the planning phase of a hotel project. This is when developers, designers, and procurement teams are still shaping their vision—reviewing furniture, lighting, textiles, bathroom fittings, and public area concepts—and haven’t yet chosen their final supplier picks. For FF&E suppliers, reaching the right people during this stage should be a top priority.
Conversations with suppliers often start well before a single wall goes up. During planning, the design direction is still being decided, product categories are still open for consideration, and teams are actively comparing options. It’s a collaborative period, and the suppliers who show up early tend to have the most influence over what eventually gets chosen.
THP is currently tracking more than 2,400 hotel projects around the world that are still in this planning stage, each one representing a live opportunity for supplier engagement.
A Look at Planning-Stage Projects in the Pipeline
The Resort at Kapalua Bay in Lahaina, Hawaii is one example. Developed by Kemmons Wilson Companies under Marriott International’s St. Regis Hotels brand, this five-star refurbishment project includes 146 rooms and is expected to open in 2027.
In Berlin, Germany, the Hyatt Select Berlin Prenzlauer Berg is a new-build project from Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The four-star property will include 140 rooms and has a targeted opening date of 2028.
Amora Adelaide, located in Adelaide, Australia, is a five-star refurbishment being developed under Amora Group Pty Ltd.’s Amora Hotels & Resorts brand. The project spans 380 rooms and is projected to open in 2027.
Finally, the Radisson Blu Resort Marrakech Ben Akil in Marrakech, Morocco is a new-build project under Choice Hotels International’s Radisson Blu brand. This five-star property will feature 80 rooms and is expected to open in 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions for FF&E Suppliers
Q: Why does the planning phase matter so much for FF&E suppliers?
A: Most of the early product and procurement decisions happen during this window. Suppliers who reach out while plans are still taking shape have a better chance of getting their products in front of decision-makers before anything is finalized.
Q: Who should suppliers be building relationships with at this stage?
A: Developers, operators, architects, interior designers, and procurement firms all play a role in shaping FF&E decisions, and each is worth reaching out to as a contact.
Q: What kinds of products tend to come up in early conversations?
A: Furniture, lighting, flooring, textiles, bathroom fittings, and public area design are among the categories most commonly discussed in the early stages of a project.
Q: What’s the risk of waiting too long to engage with a project?
A: Often, by the time a project reaches the under-construction phase, many supplier decisions for FF&E may already be locked in. Tracking pipelines early helps suppliers avoid missing that optimal window.
Q: Does the right time to engage vary by industry?
A: Yes. Depending on the supplier category, outreach might begin as early as the vision or pre-planning stage, or later once a project has moved further into planning.
Q: What helps a supplier stand out to hotel decision-makers?
A: Consistent visibility matters. Showing up early, offering design support, presenting relevant products, and staying engaged over time all help build the kind of trust that leads to long-term relationships.
