Description : Firstly, you need to position yourself. What sort of hotel are you? Who are you trying to attract? Are you a chic boutique hotel or a family hotel? Do you cater for stag parties or older clientele? These are questions you should already be able to answer, if not, you need to do some research.
Knowing ‘what you are’ is the key to attraction; all decisions you make in terms of services offered, prices, menu, advertising, etc, should be based on that and your budget.
Anyone who has watched Channel Five’s The Hotel Inspector will know the importance of keeping decor and furnishings maintained and clean. Ensure that hotel furniture is in a good state of repair and is comfortable. Replace any threadbare rugs, fix wobbly tables, recover ugly-upholstered sofas. This will also prevent any falls and trips.
Remember that people who make hotel reservations are expecting a certain level of luxury, no matter how much they pay for the rooms, sleek and clean accommodation is the least that should be on offer. Ensure that rooms are spotless, including the plug holes, crockery is tea stain free and linen pristine.
Do you have a bar or restaurant that could be extended to non-guests? Take advantage of foot traffic and get local people into your premises by offering them hotel standard food and drink which isn’t available at the takeaway on the corner.
Have you ever stopped to consider the fact that people may not be aware of your hotel? While it isn’t something that comes naturally to all hoteliers, self-promotion is essential. Contacting newspapers, printing flyers and sending invitations to prominent local citizens will raise awareness. Money off deals or loyalty schemes can also help.
Make use of the internet and social media – it’s pretty much free for a start. If you don’t have the skills to create a clean and user friendly website, ask a competent friend or family member to do it for you.
Paying guests should not need to demand courteous and respectful service, it should be demonstrated at all times. Guests want to be treated well; staying in a hotel for whatever reason is an extravagance that many cannot repeat often and good service will result in word of mouth recommendations, which ought never to be underestimated.