In the world of hotel design, materials must do more than simply look good, they must perform under pressure. From busy breakfast buffets to guestroom bathrooms used around the clock, durability, hygiene and consistency are essential – as part of Hotel Designs’ Sofa Sessions, we caught up with Sameer Sawant, Director at Velstone, to discuss how solid surface materials are evolving to meet the demands of global hospitality brands…
Velstone has been manufacturing solid surface materials for more than 35 years, building a reputation for quality and technical expertise within the construction and interiors sectors. What sets the company apart, Sawaant explained, is not simply the material itself but the service that surrounds it.
“While our material is supplied in sheet form, we’re the only manufacturer in the world offering a true end-to-end service,” he said. “We take project drawings, manufacture the material, cut it to size and fabricate it into ready-to-install worktops, whether that’s for food and beverage counters, vanity units or cistern tops, and deliver the finished product directly to site.”
This integrated approach is particularly valuable in the hotel sector, where complex refurbishment schedules and tight installation windows require precision and reliability. Rather than leaving fabrication and fitting to multiple contractors, Velstone’s model simplifies the process for designers, contractors and operators alike.
When specifying materials across international hotel portfolios, Sawant noted that global brands typically prioritise consistency above all else. Hotels operating across multiple regions need to ensure the same guest experience regardless of location, and that means materials must match in appearance and performance.
Hotel Lobby | Image credit: Velstone
“Uniformity of colour and quality is critical,” he explained. “Products available in one region might not be available elsewhere, so brands look for partners who can deliver the same product, the same consistency and the same pricing worldwide.”
Supporting designers through this process is a core part of Velstone’s offering. One of the company’s most valued services is its precise colour-matching capability, which allows interior designers to achieve exact visual continuity within a project.
“When it comes to interiors, we provide a no-cost colour-matching service,” Sameer continued. “Designers can send us physical objects – fabric samples, tiles or other materials – and we can match the colour near enough 100 percent.”
Beyond aesthetics, solid surface materials offer significant functional advantages for hospitality environments. Their hygienic and seamless qualities make them particularly well suited to areas such as buffet counters and guest bathrooms.
“The material is completely non-porous and moisture-resistant. It’s also heat resistant, which is ideal for buffet counters that incorporate induction plates. Because it’s seamless, there are no joints where bacteria or dust can accumulate, making it a very hygienic solution.”
Samples | Image credit: Velstone
Sustainability is another increasingly important factor in hotel development, and Velstone’s material offers a long lifecycle that aligns with these priorities.
“Our solid surface is fully repairable and can be reconditioned back to its original finish. Even if it becomes scratched or damaged, it can be restored, which essentially makes it a product for life.”
For specifiers and designers selecting solid surface materials for hospitality projects, Sawant offered one key piece of advice: think beyond standalone products.
“I encourage designers to consider solid surface as part of an integrated system,” he concluded. “Rather than choosing an off-the-shelf product with limitations, research what the material can do and use it to create seamless, fully integrated bathroom and interior solutions.”
As hotel design continues to evolve, it’s clear that materials capable of balancing aesthetics, durability and flexibility will remain at the heart of the guest experience. For Velstone, that balance is exactly where solid surface excels.
Velstone is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our Recommended Suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Velstone
