Maximising space and efficiency: The latest in space saving guest laundry equipment

Providing guest laundry facilities is a valued amenity for many accommodation operators, particularly in motels, holiday parks, resorts, and long-stay hotels where travellers are often enjoying an extended holiday or road trip.

However, offering convenient, well-functioning laundry services while managing space constraints and ensuring operational efficiency remains an ongoing challenge, especially for smaller or older properties that weren’t originally designed with guest laundries in mind.

First published in the new Autumn print edition of AccomNews HERE

The good news? A new generation of compact, coin-operated, and digitally enabled laundry equipment is making it easier than ever to provide high-quality services without sacrificing valuable floor space. These smart solutions not only improve guest satisfaction but can also serve as a point of difference in a competitive accommodation market.

To explore the latest innovations, trends, and practical tips, AccomNews spoke with Nick Jones from Laundry Solutions Australia, who shared expert insights into the evolving world of commercial laundry systems.

How can compact and space-saving laundry machine designs help accommodation providers maximise their space?

Stacked washers and dryers are where it’s at when it comes to space-saving in a laundry environment, and we’re seeing more and more of these machines go out the door all the time.

People want to make the most of their available laundry space, especially in properties where floor area is at a premium. Commercial stackers are the best at maximising capacity while minimising the footprint.

They offer significantly larger drum capacities compared to domestic equipment, which allows operators to process more laundry in less time—without needing a bigger laundry room.

What advancements in smart laundry technology are we seeing in modern equipment?

Technological advancements really depend on perspective. For someone using a machine at home, the focus might be on fancy features and the number of custom cycles available. But in a commercial environment like a hotel or holiday park, the priorities are different—efficiency, durability, and reliability are what really matter.

For commercial equipment, ‘smart’ technology often translates to improvements that help machines perform better and last longer. For instance, we’re seeing more efficient internal components that enable larger drum capacities without increasing the overall size of the machine. Faster spin speeds help with water extraction, meaning clothes come out drier and need less time in the dryer, saving both time and energy.

Balancing technology is also important. Modern machines are better at redistributing uneven loads, which means quieter operation, fewer breakdowns, and consistent cycle times. These are the kinds of features that really enhance operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs over time.

And while the idea of connecting your washing machine to your wifi to check cycle progress might be appealing in a residential setting, this kind of technology doesn’t tend to offer significant benefits in a guest laundry context. Accommodation operators should prioritise investing in robust, commercial-grade machines that are built to last, rather than getting caught up in bells and whistles.

With the shift away from coin-operated machines, how are properties implementing cashless systems to improve guest convenience and increase revenue?

The move towards cashless laundry systems has been one of the most impactful changes in recent years. Guests are less likely to carry coins these days, especially when travelling, and nobody wants the hassle of trying to find change just to do their washing.

Cashless systems allow guests to simply swipe a card or scan a QR code to pay via their phone. It’s fast, simple, and removes one more barrier to using the laundry facilities. As a result, guests are more likely to actually do their laundry onsite, which boosts usage rates and, ultimately, increases revenue for operators.

This added convenience also improves the overall guest experience, it’s one less thing for people to worry about during their stay. And from a business perspective, cashless systems can offer better accountability, easier monitoring, and less time spent emptying and counting coins.

That said, it’s important not to abandon coins entirely. Some guests still prefer to pay in cash, and in certain regions or demographics, coin-operated machines might still be the preferred option. It’s really about understanding your guest profile and choosing a payment system, or a combination of systems, that works best for your property.

For hoteliers looking to renovate or remodel their laundry facilities, what are your top tips?

The first step is to understand your property’s laundry requirements, especially during peak periods. Think about how many guests are likely to use the facilities at the same time and how much capacity you need to meet that demand comfortably.

Once you know what you need, choose machines that match that capacity and work within your space. Then, look at the layout, can you configure the machines in a way that maximises usability while keeping things accessible and safe for guests?

Another key consideration is your utilities. Commercial washers and dryers may have specific power, water, and drainage requirements, so it’s important to ensure your infrastructure can support the machines you’re planning to install. Getting this right from the outset avoids costly reworks down the track.

Finally, partner with a supplier who can offer more than just the hardware. You want someone who can provide expert guidance on equipment selection, layout planning, and ongoing support. Site audits, laundry design consultancy, and after-sales service can make a big difference to the long-term success of your facility.

Sarah Davison

Sarah is a freelance journalist with experience across print, digital and audio. After working for Multimedia Publishing as a contributing writer, she has recently joined the team in a part-time capacity for School News AU and AccomNews.