Comfort… Ease… Peace… And a big bit of total indulgence.
Or maybe it's sleeping in on vacation and/or being comfortably efficient on a business trip.
“Ahhhhh, they got it right.”… This is what you want your guests to say.
Photo Credit: roanish
No plastic cup wrapped in here!
This is what every hotel out there is hoping to establish for their guests. So how do you set yourself apart? How do you make the impression that influences your hotel-shoppers to choose your fine hotel?
It’s all about being unique and thinking of the details that no other hotels think of.
Let’s get down to business: Those who are traveling to make the deal happen or to conduct some important business meetings expect ease and complete flawlessness in the technology department. The Internet Service Provider (ISP) that you choose is of paramount importance.
Each and every guest, whether they are traveling for business or pleasure, will require 100% ease in getting online. In fact, they have absolutely no patience for frustration in this area. Your guests will expect excellence. Make this a high priority.
Be sure to use a high-quality ISP for your hotel’s business center. Be sure to have your business center up and running flawlessly, as well. One day of a business center that is “down” could be catastrophic for your business guest.
High-speed internet, full ink cartridges in the printers, and even the outdated fax machine, up and running: These are luxuries? To the business traveler, they are absolutes. And yes, they consider these “luxuries” because far too many hotels fall short in this area. They promise good service in the business office or in their rooms, but this is clearly a flawed aspect of the system.
Good night, moon: That’s not just a favorite bedtime story for kids. Good nights are the single most important factor for your guests.
Choose sheets that make them say “I want to buy these. Now. ” Pick a variance of pillows for every room from which guests can pick. Some are softies, while other guests like a firm, neck-soothing pillow. Indulge in a splash of strong color: This matters! Everyone loves a perfect white, but add a strong splash of color (burnt orange-red is a favorite among guests) that makes them think, “I should re-do my bedroom at home.” Consider this not just for linens but for accessories around the room, as well.
Smart spending: People are smarter with their money than they were a decade ago; they have to be. Guests actually want to see smarter decisions being made by their hoteliers, as well. Decadence is fantastic; they still want that for themselves and their families or guests. But the need for the extreme or over-the-top is a bit blasé at this point. Skip the ice sculpture!
Splish-splash: Most parents will make the phone call: “Do you have a pool? More importantly, is your pool working and comfortable and ready for my children to splash and make memories? And will you have a glass of wine available for the tired mom and/or dad? ”
Most hoteliers don’t realize how many families escape to a hotel JUST for the pool. This is the single biggest draw for families, so make it a bit decadent. Add a service person to the pool area. Let the kids get served a pool-side treat, or have robes available for all pool guests.
Photo Credit: chris parfitt
Splish-splash – adult style: The pool area should be decadent and have the wow factor – especially for adults. Thick seating on the chaise, the sounds of a waterfall, plush towels that a lot of folks don’t splurge on at home, a robe, “beach reads” available, servers on hand to provide the perfect cool bevvie, and – voila! Draw them to this area by marketing your pool services in the rooms, the elevator and at check-in.
Say it with flowers: Try this. Given the number of rooms you’ll have filled, work out a relationship with your local florist. Try one small flower arrangement – or even one small flower – in each bathroom. Leave a little note with it. And just look at the results.
About the Author:
Valerie J. Wilson is a freelance writer who loves to write about travel, business, and getting flowers from her two teenage sons. It rarely happens, but it is her full definition of “luxury!”
