When ‘Under Construction’ Feels Like a Red Flag

Every planner has had that moment. A salesperson casually drops, “We’re undergoing a renovation,” and suddenly your brain fills in the worst-case scenario.

MacMullen jokes about the dramatic sales pitch: “We’ve just completed this quin-trillion dollar renovation… you always hear these amazing numbers.” Funny, yes, but behind the humor is a real issue: planners often don’t ask the right follow-up questions.

Not all renovations are created equal.

A soft goods renovation (think carpets, curtains, linens) is mostly cosmetic. Minimal disruption. Hardly worth losing sleep over.

A case-goods renovation, on the other hand, can affect guest rooms, public spaces, and overall flow. That’s where things get real.

And if the property is historic? Expect surprises. “You’re looking at electrical issues or plumbing issues that may not have been rectified over generations,” MacMullen explains. Translation: timelines can stretch, and certainty shrinks.

The mistake isn’t worrying, it’s assuming all renovations spell disaster.

The Timing Trick Most Planners Miss

Here’s where things get interesting.

Renovations don’t just create risk; they create pricing windows. And most planners walk right past them.

MacMullen says: “Schedule your program at the completion of a hotel’s renovation dates, you’re gonna get the best pricing that hotel’s gonna have post renovation.”

Why? Because hotels coming out of renovation are in ramp-up mode. They need heads in beds. Fast.

That means aggressive pricing, added concessions, and a willingness to negotiate.

But this window doesn’t last.

“Once that property’s renovated… that pricing is going to increase pretty exponentially because now they’ve got the best looking product in the destination.”

In other words, the sweet spot is right after the dust settles, but before the demand spikes.

Catch it, and you win big.

Miss it, and you’re paying premium rates for the same space.

What Smart Planners Do Differently

Top planners don’t just ask if a hotel is under renovation. They ask where the property is in the cycle and how that timing works in their favor.

They’re thinking about:

• Which spaces will be prioritized for reopening

• What inventory is being showcased post-renovation

• Where pricing pressure exists during ramp-up

That’s the difference between reacting to renovation and using it.

Risk Isn’t the Enemy (Silence Is)

Let’s address the obvious concern: what if the renovation isn’t done on time?

Fair question. But here’s the twist … this risk can actually work in your favor.

MacMullen explains, “The first thing that hotel’s gonna wanna do is move your date… and there’s a very good chance that they’re gonna continue that same pricing methodology.”

Hotels don’t want to lose your business. If delays happen, they’ll often go out of their way to keep you by holding your rate, shifting your dates, and preserving value.

So the real risk isn’t booking near renovation.

It’s booking without clarity.

From Panic to Partnership

The biggest mindset shift? Stop treating renovations as a threat and start treating them as a collaboration opportunity.

“Immediately they freak out… are we gonna have jackhammers in the lobby?” MacMullen says. It’s a natural reaction, but not a productive one.

Instead, ask better questions:

• - What exactly is being renovated?

• - What will be unavailable?

• - What enhancements will benefit my group?

• - What’s the contingency plan?

These aren’t just logistical questions, they’re negotiating tools. Because strong hotel teams already have answers.

“Their job… is to understand construction’s gonna go on… but what they can affect is your experience as a group.”

That’s the real focus: not avoiding renovation, but shaping the experience around it.

When Things Go Sideways (and Still Work Out)

MacMullen shares a story that perfectly captures this.

A group was booked at a resort where a key restaurant, essential to the program, wasn’t ready in time. A nightmare scenario, right?

“You can imagine the initial reaction of the meeting planner,” he says.

But here’s where execution matters.

The hotel didn’t just apologize, they pivoted. They built a full banquet experience with themed décor, entertainment, and elevated service.

The result?

Instead of defaulting to apologies, the hotel reimagined the experience, creating a custom banquet event with themed décor, entertainment, and elevated service tailored specifically for the group.

“The meeting planner actually came back… and said, I’m so glad that we didn’t have the restaurant, because the experience was just so much better.”

What started as a failure turned into a standout moment.

Not because the renovation went perfectly, but because the response did.

The Real Play: Think Like an Insider

Hotel renovations aren’t going anywhere. If anything, they’re becoming more frequent as properties compete to stay relevant.

So the advantage goes to planners who stop reacting and start strategizing.

Understand the phases. Learn the terminology. Time your booking. Ask sharper questions. Push for transparency.

And most importantly, recognize the opportunity hiding in plain sight.

Because sometimes, the sound of construction isn’t a warning.

It’s the sound of a better deal being built.

Ready to Turn Renovation Risk Into Real Value?

The next time a hotel says “we’re under renovation,” don’t flinch … lean in. Ask smarter questions, push for transparency, and look for that post-renovation sweet spot where pricing and experience collide in your favor.

If you want to sharpen your sourcing strategy and uncover opportunities most planners miss, start building renovation timing into your site selection process now.

Your budget (and your attendees) will thank you.

Have questions? Reach out to us here.