Shanghai, January 6, 2026 (Reporter Lisa Wang) "A comfortable bed can turn a one-time guest into a repeat customer, while a durable sofa saves 30% of annual maintenance costs—furniture selection is never just about aesthetics, but a comprehensive investment in guest experience and operational efficiency." At the 2026 Hotel Operations Excellence Salon held in Shanghai today, this view shared by Chen Jie, general manager of a boutique hotel chain, resonated with over 200 participants, including hotel owners, procurement directors, and furniture design experts. The salon, themed "Balancing Aesthetics and Practicality in Hotel Furniture Selection," focused on how to prioritize comfort, durability, and design in purchasing decisions amid the recovering hospitality industry.