September 2014 - American Hotel Blog

Choose a sustainable alternative to vinyl curtains

September 29, 2014

Many shower curtains are still made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – also known as vinyl – which includes harmful additives. One study found that PVC shower curtains contained high concentrations of phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive effects.¹ Through our private Registry® brand, we ease your concerns with a high-quality alternative to vinyl.

Our Registry Deluxe PEVA Shower Curtains are made without chlorine, meaning they use fewer chemicals in construction and do not emit that strong chemical smell out of the package. Part of our Living Green collection of eco-friendly products, Registry Deluxe PEVA Shower Curtains are designed to support your sustainable approach to business.

Chrome-finished rustproof copper grommets prevent snags and tears while also providing an easy method to insert hooks.
Reinforced 3-ply top header improves durability and extends the life of the curtain.
Antimicrobial finish prevents bacteria from accumulating, and heat-sealed bottom hems prevent mildew buildup.

Registry Deluxe PEVA Shower Curtains should not be machine washed or dried, which saves you time and money. We recommend simply wiping down the curtain with soapy water after use. You should also note that California Proposition 65 requires vinyl shower curtains to have warning labels advising of potential cancer risk. PEVA curtains meet Proposition 65 requirements and do not require any such warning labels.

To learn more about the quality and value of this vinyl alternative, visit americanhotel.com or call us at 1-800-323-5686.

1. Abdollah T: That ‘new shower curtain smell’? It’s toxic, study says. Los Angeles Times, June 13, 2008, http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/13/local/me-showercurtain13, (Accessed 9/12/14).

Tips to better serve the business traveler

September 17, 2014

Business travelers today have far different wants and needs than those in days past. Not only do they represent the fastest growing segment in travel spending but, despite the tumultuous economic playground in which they came to adulthood, this group likes to spend. That can only mean good things for your business. Here are some tips to help you better serve the modern business traveler:

Know your customer. We mean really know your customer. Understanding how business travelers are working while on the road is vital to keep up with the changes. Are they using video chat to hold meetings? Are they conducting business in their room, in a business center, the lobby? Be in the know or risk losing a significant portion of guests.

Go mobile. Your guests are mobile, so doesn’t it make sense that your venue should be mobile, too? Most hotels already offer online booking, but the easier and more accessible your venue is, the more likely you are to fill rooms. Take a cue from Choice Hotels, for example. The company last year launched a process that allows customers to book a room in three simple taps of a smartphone.

WiFi, WiFi, WiFi. You’ve heard it time and time again, the people want WiFi of the free variety. A recent survey proved what we’ve been hearing for ages – free WiFi is the number one factor influencing a business traveler’s choice in hotel. Considering the staggering amount of time the modern working person needs internet connectivity, it just makes sense.

A business center. This is a must-have. Even if travelers prefer to work from their room, most will still rely on a business center for one reason or another – whether that be to use a printer, make copies, or, in the case of a personal computer crisis, hop onto one of the hotel’s desktop machines. Every top rated business hotel has one, so you should, too. Remember, it’s all about convenience, and a business center provides easy access for guests in need.

What successes have you had with evolving to suit the modern business traveler? Tell us in the comments!

Ways to welcome the whole family

September 4, 2014

With the hospitality industry experiencing resurgence, hotels can expect to see more guests – one type in particular. Children. That’s right, with infants, toddlers, teens and more adding their presence to your property, it’s time to prep rooms and programs for the onslaught, as Kimpton, Loews, and many others have now done.

For Infants and Toddlers:

Parents generally don’t want to snuggle baby (dangerously) into their bed, and they’re not likely to check-in with a crib in hand after traveling, so that means you need to have an alternative available upon request. Cribs are great, but if you’re working with a small space, play yards may be the way to go, as they can fold into a sleek, more compact form.
From the moment a baby becomes mobile, parent anxiety skyrockets. Ease parent’s minds and keep your little guests safer by preparing a ‘Safety Kit’, including outlet covers, nightlights, spout covers for the bathtub, and more.
Stock up on on-the-go items like strollers and car seats. If your venue can’t carry those items in-house, team up with a local business that does so you have a quick response when a parent asks.

For Older Kids:

For the walking, talking, more self-sufficient kids, invest in some rollaway beds. Depending on a child’s age and tendency to roll, some parents may be nervous about tucking their kids into a bed high off the ground. Rollaways are the solution.
Do you know any professional sitter services nearby? Pair up, hoteliers, because parents are on vacation, too, and they are sure to want a night or two out on the town.
Kids can be picky eaters, so make sure you have food options available to suit their selective palettes. Just be sure to keep it healthy to suit picky parents, as well.
How many times have you heard a kid say “I’m bored”? It’s your job to make sure there is plenty to keep those kiddies entertained. If your venue boasts a pool, you’re winning brownie points from the kids already, but don’t stop there. Consider organizing kid-friendly programs or renting out game consoles, board games and toys. Memories are made on family vacations, so make them fun.

How does your venue cater to the under 18 guest? Tell us in the comments!