The solution of HVAC systems for small hotels is significant in light of the following:

Small hotels vary markedly from large hotels. Small hotels could have as few as 10 or as many as 150 to 200 rooms that are usually arranged in a motel-like pattern, as opposed to large hotels, which usually feature a grand lobby, many retail outlets and restaurants, exercise facilities, room service, a concierge, etc. The small hotel’s accent is on a bed to sleep in, vs. the "What do you have to impress me?" ambience of the large hotel.

Small hotel developers and operators constantly face the problem of selecting from an array of HVAC systems for the different areas of the property. The HVAC requirements of the laundry will differ from those for the lobby, the guest rooms, or the restaurant--if there is one. In addition to initial cost considerations, long-term operating costs, noise levels, degree of comfort, preventive maintenance costs, etc., must be considered prior to making a purchasing decision.

Whether an owner is willing to "pay the price" for technically competent engineering/maintenance personnel dramatically affects the complexity of the HVAC design. As is often the case, small hotels operate on a parsimonious budget and generally will not spend money to save money.

This paper reviews some of the thought processes that developers and owners of small hotels must go through before selecting their HVAC systems.