Determining the Size of Land for a 50-Room Hotel: Factors and Considerations

The size of land required to build a 50-room hotel can vary significantly based on a myriad of factors, including the design, local zoning regulations, and the amenities included. However, by understanding these elements and general guidelines, you can estimate the necessary land size for your project.

Room Size and Common Areas

A standard hotel room is typically around 300 to 400 square feet. For 50 rooms, this would amount to approximately 15,000 to 20,000 square feet of space just for the rooms. In addition to the rooms, you need to factor in common areas such as lobbies, dining areas, conference rooms, and recreational facilities. This could add another 2,000 to 5,000 square feet to the total area.

Incorporating Amenities

Amenities such as a pool, parking, and landscaping also require additional land. For a hotel with these features, you should allocate an extra 10,000 to 15,000 square feet. Combining all these factors, a rough estimate for a 50-room hotel might range from 21,780 to 43,560 square feet, or approximately 0.5 to 1 acre of land.

Local Regulations and Brand Guidelines

It is essential to consult with architects and local regulations to get a more precise assessment. Local zoning regulations and brand-specific guidelines can significantly impact the land size required. For instance, my construction partners recently built an 88-room Hilton Home2 hotel on a 1.6-acre pad. The four-story building had a complex footprint design to accommodate one parking space per room, ingress and egress, employee parking, a dumpster area, and paved access around the entire hotel for fire and emergency vehicles. Additionally, they had to factor in water detention setback requirements and minimal landscaping.

As another illustration, about 8 years ago, my partners built a new three-story, 66-room Quality Inn Suites with a basement on a 1.2-acre site. Although the site was tight for parking and related amenities, it has been functioning well for the owner.

Planning Your Hotel Project

I suggest looking at local requirements and the brand’s own parking guidelines. You should aim for 50 to 55 parking spaces and consider setback, access, and landscaping requirements. From there, you should have a good idea of the minimum size required for your project. My recommendation is to find at least 1.5 acres of land to accommodate all your needs and additional contingency plans. Good luck with your project.