RLJ Relies on Avendra for Unmatched Cost Savings and Improved Efficiency
With a portfolio comprised of 157 hotels located in 26 states and the District of Columbia, RLJ Lodging Trust is a self-advised real estate investment trust focused on acquiring premium-branded, focused-service and compact full-service hotels. Concentrated in geographically diverse, major urban areas and dense markets, their hotels operate under well-recognized global brands that include Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hyatt Place, Wyndham and Embassy Suites. We spoke with Don Falgoust, Vice President of Food and Beverage, to learn how Avendra’s FF&E Services contributes to RLJ Lodging’s success.
“The amount we save as an ownership group is amazing — what we save on renovation, on annual capital plans and emergency capital has been beyond robust.”
Responsible for the food and beverage operations and concept development of the company’s complete portfolio of hotels, Don’s role is far-reaching and multifaceted. Be it working hand in hand with the design and construction team s on a renovation or new properties, or selecting new products, he finds having Avendra’s FF&E team available to him extremely beneficial —from a fiscal and efficiency standpoint. Don states that Avendra’s pricing is better than anyone else’s 99 percent of the time.
“Avendra’s turnaround time on quotes is extremely quick. I know I can contact Avendra’s FF&E Services and have a bid back fast — quite often the same day. I’ve never had anything go more than 24 hours. That’s best in class in this industry.”
From dishwashers and disposals to fryers and food processors, Avendra’s FF&E Services supplies the products and equipment RLJ needs, where and when they need it.
“Avendra helps us better serve our guests by helping us to significantly reduce downtime. If we have to wait two or three days to get bids back — which, in the industry, isn’t uncommon — that’s two or three days our hotels are severely handicapped.”
In the hospitality industry, the impact a broken piece of equipment can have on customer service and satisfaction is significant. When dealing with emergency capital at a property level or a broken piece of equipment, Avendra understands that time is of the essence. Don counts on Avendra for swift and decisive action. FF&E Services is able to procure the equipment he needs quickly and at the most competitive price, many times for 20 to 30 percent less than the competition.
What Avendra capabilities stand out?
“From pricing and an execution standpoint, Avendra’s FF&E Services is really just head and shoulders above everybody else — and their service levels are also second to none. I don’t want to say it’s surprising, but it’s certainly not expected in this industry. It’s pretty amazing.”
According to Don, everyone he works with at Avendra is professional and efficient — and the product line they represent is vast. He calls on Avendra quite often in search of very specific items and they’re able to help secure an overwhelming majority of his needs.
How are you using Avendra’s services?
“The FF&E replacement program is available to all my hotels. It’s a pretty unique and beneficial piece of how we save a lot of money and for me personally, a lot of time.”
RLJ uses Avendra for FelCor’s Legacy properties food and beverage programs and its FF&E replacement needs. Avendra’s FF&E services are extended to all of RLJ’s properties.