It’s a common misconception that your average hotel guest is going to be just a solo traveler or a young couple. While this demographic does tend to make up a larger portion of your overnight stays, overlooking parents who are traveling with young children would be a serious gaffe and a major oversight. Not only can you possibly miss out on providing these particular guests with an amazing experience at your property, but you’ll also be denying them the chance to fall in love with your hotel.
The fact is, nearly 90 percent of families in the U.S. are thinking about taking a vacation away from home in the next year, which means that they’re all going to need a place to rest their heads at night. If you don’t know how to appeal to this group of travelers, then it could be a costly mistake. Taking the time to make your property more family-friendly can be just the ticket to help boost reservations, leading to a stronger bottom line and a higher occupancy rate at your hotel.
Childproof your rooms
Whether or not you have children yourself, when it comes to the rooms that you offer to your guests, you should nonetheless strive to think like a parent when approaching them. When you’re inviting adult guests onto your property, you don’t necessarily have to be as mindful, as they are less likely to find themselves inadvertently in danger due to choking or burn hazards. To help make your hotel rooms more child-friendly, though, consider babyproofing them against anything that might harm young travelers.
For instance, are the electrical outlets in the room open and exposed? Put plugs over them. Can a heavy dresser be pulled down onto an unsuspecting tyke? Anchor them to the walls, and do the same for the drawers inside the dresser. Make sure there aren’t any dangling cords laying around, either, and verify that there aren’t any small objects that can find their way into tiny mouths. Sure, it’s a little extra effort for you, but it’ll be more than worth it when a grateful parent thanks you for your attentiveness.
Streamline check-in
For many parents, taking a vacation is a rare treat, a luxury that they’ve undoubtedly saved up quite a long time for. Not only are they likely really looking forward to it, but they’re also just as likely to be eager to get started with their rest and relaxation. This means that the last thing they want to deal with is a long and tedious check-in process, especially when they have a gaggle of excitable (and maybe even fussy!) children in tow.
To help make their check-in as easy and pain-free as possible, consider finding ways to help facilitate it for them. For example, you can offer them the ability to check-in online from either their computers or mobile devices. Conversely, you can offer kiosks in the lobby to facilitate speedier checking in. You can even offer flexible check-in (and check out!) times to your guests, as well. And of course, snacks like fresh fruit and cold drinks will always be welcome at check-in, too.
Train your staff
As a hotel manager, you could be doing everything in your power to make your property as family-friendly as possible, but if your employees aren’t on board with your objectives? Then you just might find your efforts to be wasted, especially if your staff are indifferent – or even outright hostile – to your guests. While you’d understandably never tolerate belligerent or aggressive employees working for you, it’s always a good idea to go one step further in their training.
For instance, why not offer on-site babysitting for exhausted parents who are in dire need of a nap? Another option is to make sure your concierge team is fully aware of all the family-friendly attractions nearby. Whether a guest is looking for the nearest amusement park, or they’re asking about the best child-friendly entertainers in the city, your staff’s knowledge can help them avoid needing to Google “fun local water parks” or “the best magicians near me” during their stay.
Offer special amenities
When it comes to amenities, most hotels tend to think primarily of their adult guests when weighing which ones they want to offer to their valued customers. While this is definitely a demographic that you don’t want to forget about, you should still consider your younger guests when brainstorming which ones you want to provide. One example of an amenity that any parent would appreciate is an in-room crib or rollaway cot – and possibly even earplugs, too!
For the kiddos who are staying on your property, you can’t go wrong with a turndown service just for them. A glass of warm milk and a chocolate chip cookie will go a long way in winning over these discerning guests. Another option that you can provide is free board game rentals, stored either in their rooms or at the front desk. Offering a special gift at check-in – like coloring books and stickers – is always a sure bet and will definitely put a big smile on their faces!
As a hotel manager, your goal is to make sure all of your guests feel invited and welcome when staying at your property. You would obviously never do anything to alienate anyone, but the fact is, you might already be inadvertently driving parents and children away without knowing it. However, by carefully auditing your property and finding ways to make it more family-friendly, you can help ensure that these welcome guests choose your hotel for both tonight’s stay – and for all of their future vacations!
