A hotel reception wall takes the brunt of guest luggage, suitcase wheels and constant check-ins, and a scuffed painted surface makes a poor first impression. In this case study, Wall Panels in Manchester helped Sarah Davies create a marble-effect feature wall behind her boutique hotel’s reception desk in Salford, without the cost or weight of real stone. The project used 8 Cream Statuario Plain Wall Panels and was fitted by the hotel’s maintenance team overnight, leaving the desk ready for morning check-ins.
The Problem
Sarah manages a boutique hotel in Salford, Manchester. The reception area is the first thing guests see, but the painted wall behind the main desk was looking tired and scuffed by luggage. She wanted to create a marble-look feature wall but found that real stone slabs were far too heavy for the stud wall and too expensive for her quarterly budget.
The Solution
Sarah looked for lightweight alternatives and found the Plain Wall Panels. She chose the Cream Statuario Plain Wall Panels for their realistic marble pattern and lower weight.
The panels gave her the look of stone without the structural work or the price tag, and the seamless Plain finish kept the wall clean and uncluttered behind the desk. The 100% waterproof SPC surface also means any scuffs or marks wipe off easily between guests.
The Installation
The maintenance team installed the panels overnight while the reception area was quiet. Because the panels are light and require no messy cement, the desk area was completely clean and ready for morning check-ins by 6:00 AM.
The 8 panels covered the full width of the reception backdrop in a single run, with trims and silicone seals finished before the team clocked off. The full 2800mm panel height meant the wall could be covered from desk height to ceiling in one piece, with no horizontal joins to weaken the finish.
The Result
The reception desk now looks like a refined check-in area. The marble effect makes a strong first impression on guests, and Sarah managed to upgrade the space for a fraction of the cost of real stone.
Sarah’s verdict:
“Guests immediately notice the new wall when they walk in. It looks like heavy, expensive marble, but we managed to fit it ourselves overnight without disturbing anyone. It is a real upgrade on what we had previously.”
Project Snapshot
- Client: Sarah Davies
- Location: Salford, Manchester
- Room Updated: Hotel Reception Area
- Product Chosen: Cream Statuario Plain Wall Panel
- Panels Used: 8
- Time to Complete: 1 night shift