Trash can liners is another one of those hotel essentials you never want to run low on. And it’s not a one-size-fits-all assignment. Size matters, and so does liner type. Let’s take a careful closer look because we all know haste makes waste.
Start with size. Certainly, not every trash receptacle across your property is the same. It only follows that a large outdoor receptacle requires a different liner than, say, a wastebasket in the bathroom of your front lobby. For obvious reasons, liners that fit right are both cost-effective and eco-friendly. We make it easy to select the right size for every can.
Choose by density. We also help you determine which receptacles require high density liners versus low density options. High density can liners are designed for paper and non-sharp objects under moderate transit conditions. They provide excellent resistance to punctures and moderate resistance to tearing. Low density liners are better for sharper objects as they provide excellent resistance for both punctures and tearing.
Go green or highly protective. We also offer can liners that are 100% biodegradable and compostable. These BioStar liners can meet the ASTM D6400 standards for compostable plastics. Using these can liners help reduce landfill waste and pollution and help conserve water. On the expressly safe side, our Biohazard infectious waste bags are made of thick polyethylene to be especially resistant to punctures, tearing, and leaking. Their high-performance star seal bottom also provides increased security during handling.
The next time you’re stocking up on can liners, be sure you select the right size and the right type for all your property’s receptacles.
You know your outdoor pool areas will soon be crowded with sunny guests. Whether they’re lounging on a stylish recliner or drying off after a morning swim, be sure their experience is complemented by a quality pool towel. To help you stock up and stay ready, we offer competitive prices on our most popular collections.
Comfort and Care
Our own Registry® Pool Towel collection aims to delight guests and deliver value. Its unique production process is designed to prevent fading and keep colors vibrant. Supported by 100% Ring Spun cotton, these Registry options blend softness and absorbency and are ready to ship, for less.
Design and Durability
FibertoneTM Towels from 1888 Mills are known for their design and durability. In fact, while it may be tempting to stay away from colored or designed towels because of their tendency to fade, Fibertone towels are made with a patented color technology producing stable colors that don’t fade or bleed. Their color holds up to harsh chemicals and sunlight, making them the ideal poolside companion.
Style and Substance
We also offer soft, durable Martex® pool towels from WestPoint® Hospitality. Made of 100% cotton, each WestPoint towel is crisp and clean – and two options feature a nautical blue stripe that adds a touch of style. Plus, your staff can launder frequently without worrying about wear and tear.
Be sure your guests can wrap up in cozy warmth after a long day in the sun. With competitive prices and a colorful assortment, now’s the time to get your order in.
As you know, hangers are a big deal to hotel guests. They expect the guest room to be equipped with enough to suit their needs – with hanger types that can handle not just dress shirts but pants, dresses, skirts, and sport coats. It’s also nice when hotel hangers match a property’s theme or décor. Of course, when there are preferences, there are also budgets. To help sort out any hang-ups, let’s take a quick, closer look at today’s hotel-quality hangers.
Know the hooks
It’s important to remember Open Hook hangers are the most common. They fit on almost any closet hanger rod and can be removed and returned easily. For those same reasons, however, they are often stolen from properties. Small Hook hangers are very similar to standard open hook, except they can only be used with special narrow hanger rods, 5⁄8″ in diameter (standard hanger bar diameters usually run 1″ to 11⁄2″ in diameter). Ball Top hangers are designed specifically to prevent theft while still offering guests the convenience of removing hangers from the closet. They can only be used with a special ball top receptacle or special slotted wall racks.
Understand the shapes
Contoured Hangers were originally designed for finer garments such as dress suits. The curved design allows the shoulder area of garments to hang more naturally. The contour hanger has a better design for clothing. Conclave Hangers provide similar benefits as the contoured hanger but feature two straight “arms” joined at an angle, which allow clothes to hang naturally. Straight Hangers feature a straight design that makes them easier to manufacture – bringing down the cost of the hanger. Though more economical, the straight hanger does not allow garments to hang as naturally.
Assess the thickness
We offer a smart assortment of hangers through our own Registry brand. This includes options of various thickness. Strength is one of the more obvious benefits of a thicker hanger. The thicker the hanger, the less likely it is to bow or warp. Wood hangers are made of two separate pieces of wood joined in the middle.
However, a thicker hanger does not always mean a better one. The tensile strength of the hook and how it is anchored determines the overall strength of the hanger. The material a hanger is made of will also determine its strength. A 3⁄16″-thick steel rod hanger is much more durable than a 3⁄8″-thick wood hanger. Support in the garment shoulder area is another benefit of a thicker hanger. Thin hangers tend to form shoulder creases if a garment is left on the hanger for a while. Thicker hangers provide a wider surface area in the shoulders and often are rounded, reducing the possibility of creases.
Consider the user
We distinguish between men’s hangers and women’s hangers solely for the purpose of identifying which hanger has a wooden pants bar (“men’s” hanger) and which hanger has a metal skirt/pants bar and clips (“women’s” hanger).
Men’s hangers have a wooden pants bar that is either nailed directly to the hanger (as in our economy hangers) or is supported by a metal clamping bar (as usually found in our higher-end hangers). The metal clamping bar keeps pants from slipping off the bar and onto the floor. Women’s hangers, with a metal skirt/pants bar and clips, are designed for garments that hang better clipped than folded on a pants bar (skirts, some slacks, etc.).
We hope this hotel hanger review helps you keep every closet and coat check guest ready. Remember, you can always reach out to us at www.americanhotel.com or by calling 1-800-323-5686.
The pre-Covid trend that saw hotels begin moving to bulk bath amenities over small, single-use options is picking back up. More guests expect to see sustainability practices in action and, like bath towel reuse policies, transitioning to bulk is a visible, cost-effective way to make a difference.
The chief impetus, of course, is reducing the use of plastic, which means less plastic in our landfills and beyond. According to some environmental advocates, nearly 33 million pounds of plastic waste wash into the world’s oceans each year, threatening marine life. In Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report 2022, 81% of global travelers said that traveling sustainably is important to them.
Some major hotel brands began replacing single-use toiletries with refillable dispensers in 2018. And, as expected, many celebrated amenity brands responded with bulk-sized collections of hand wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion – all accessible to guests in refillable bulk amenity pump dispensers.
This trend has regained its momentum with the easing of pandemic impacts. There is also renewed attention on the civic front. California and New York are the first states to set bulk compliance deadlines. Elements of California’s new requirements begin in 2023 and are supported by leadership of the California Hotel & Lodging Association. In 2024, hotels in New York will have to move to environmentally friendly dispensers. New York’s measure also garnered industry support, which suggests other states are likely to follow suit.
Through our bulk amenities brochure and brand knowledge, we can help you make the best choice for your property.
Are you considering a move to bulk for your property?
As a leading hospitality supplier, we’ve supported the growing interest in this effort. We’ve continued to add to our bulk amenity inventory and, more recently, we’ve created a special homepage for our bulk amenity collections and corresponding dispensers. This convenient web page also includes a digital bulk amenity brochure, which serves as a helpful guide to determining the right amenity choice for your distinct guest experience.
While mini shampoos, conditioners, and lotions have been a staple of the hotel experience for decades, today’s guests are embracing positive change. Offering bulk amenities in your bath is one way to demonstrate solidarity around improved sustainability. Get started today by exploring our collections and connecting with our amenity experts. We’re ready to help you make the move to bulk.
Fall is already here! Halloween is fast approaching. Is your property dressed for the season? We have three quick ideas that just might help – just in time.
First, think foliage. From brilliant-colored flowers to neutral and natural ornamental grasses, create displays that bring your indoor settings to life. Go fresh, dried, or design a bold blend. While you’re at it, get clever with cool vases and cinnamon-spiced candles.
Of course, gourds and pumpkins are easy and essential accents this time of year. But think outside the basic. Perhaps you personalize them with distinct carvings, draw-on designs, or stylish spray paint.
If you’re considering some family-friendly Halloween hijinks, it’s not too late to organize trick-or-treat stations on your property. You might choose to host a spooky movie night or even a themed costume contest. But you better act fast.
Autumn is a great time to add seasonal spice and freshen up all over. Be sure to check out our Smart Buys for Fall page as you prep for your next round of guests.
You know your guests. When they check
in, they are already eager with expectations. Typically, they’re in pursuit of
the perfect balance – the creature comforts of home mixed with the added perks
and pleasures of a property like yours.
So, yes. From the maintenance of each
guest room to the selection of bath soaps and towels, those small details make
a big difference. Consider these three tips a friendly reminder about the everyday
essence of a great guest experience.
1. Offer welcoming amenities
One of the first things your guests
will do is explore the amenities of their room. This might include cold water
bottles, a fully stocked snack bar, enticing bath soaps, and cozy bed linens. Maybe
add a local touch as well. It’s all about showing guests how much you care
about their comfort.
2. Keep rooms clean and tidy
Ensuring that each setting stays neat
and tidy also shows guests they chose the right destination. This means the
housekeeping staff should work quickly and efficiently making the beds,
cleaning the bathroom, and refreshing towels and toiletries.
3. Provide soft, sturdy towels
Whether your guests want to shower off
after a long day or relax with a soak in the tub, they’ll appreciate the
embrace of high-quality bath linens. Sweet South™ Towels from 1888 Mills are just the type of
collection that earns a sweet spot with guests.
Its bath towels,
hand towels, washcloths, and bathmats are woven and sewn in the U.S. using the
strongest, softest Southern cotton. Each item of the collection also features
Eduraweave™ technology, which was designed for the hospitality industry and
offers superior performance and durability.
From tidiness to
towels, the small details help you give guests the perfect balance of home and
away.
At American Hotel, we deliver all you need, when you
need it …so
you can focus on what matters most. Explore our vast
product assortment atamericanhotel.com.
In this new series, we spotlight independent hotels to learn more
about the everyday challenges, rewards, and opportunities of running an
independent property.
Location: Chicago, Illinois Occupancy: Nine guest rooms, two apartments Open: Year round Website:wickerparkinn.com
In the heart of the hip and trendy Wicker Park neighborhood of
Chicago you’ll find the Wicker
Park Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast offering both traditional guest
rooms and apartment vacation rentals. Guests can go from the comfort of their
well-appointed rooms to any number of great restaurants, shops, art galleries,
or clubs in just minutes.
We spoke with owner Laura Yepez to learn more about what makes the
Wicker Park Inn special and how she’s turned the challenge of running an
independent hotel into a success story.
Q. Tell us a little bit about your property – its history and what
makes it unique.
LY: Situated in a historic home, the Wicker Park
Inn offers nine luxurious guest rooms. Each room is beautifully designed with
elegant decor, modern amenities, and unique details such as exposed brick
walls, wallpaper accents, a decorative fireplace, skylights, and wooden floors.
Rooms also feature private bathrooms, high-quality linens, satellite TV, and high-speed
wireless internet. Our apartments are equally luxurious and include fully
equipped kitchens.
Q. How do you promote your property?
LY: Our rooms are available to book on multiple
channels such as Expedia, Booking.com, VRBO, and Airbnb. We encourage guests to
book directly, but understand that people have many ways to make travel
arrangements. We also advertise with Google and Bing, send monthly newsletters,
and are active on social media.
Q. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to buying
products?
LY: Because I am a smaller property, buying in
bulk is not always the best choice. However, we’ve been able to partner
successfully with American Hotel Register to find the right products for our
property and in the right quantity. I can buy just one hair dryer if needed
– that’s pretty amazing!
Q. What are some other roadblocks you face as an independent
hotel? How do you overcome these challenges?
LY: Business travelers are not always the final
decision-makers on where to stay, and loyalty points play a large role in
booking accommodations. As an independent hotel, I have to price competitively
and offer free amenities to appeal to this market. Because we are a boutique
property, many guests choose to stay with us over a big chain hotel. We also
offer corporate rates and repeat guest discounts to attract and retain guests.
Also, because we are a boutique property with fewer than 10 rooms,
I started to market the Wicker Park Inn as an all-inclusive property for group
accommodations, including corporate retreats, weddings, family reunions, and
school trips. Our property appeals to groups who want full-service, elevated
accommodations in a private setting. Group reservations have been very
successful for us.
Q: What advice would you give to those new to owning or managing
an independent hotel?
LY: Offer a unique experience that appeals to your
ideal guest. Market yourself on what sets you apart, and follow up with your
guests to ensure they stay with you again and again.
At American Hotel, we deliver all you need, when you need it
… so you can focus on what matters most. Explore our
vast product assortment at americanhotel.com.
It doesn’t need to be cold and flu season to know the importance
of keeping your property clean and free of harmful viruses. But that’s easier
said than done, especially when you’re dealing with high occupancy and high
turnover.
The first step is to train your staff on how best to clean rooms
and common areas to ensure they’re germ free. This includes everything from
making sure they clean often-missed items, like remote controls and shower
curtains, to reminding them about the importance of washing their hands
properly and using a mask if they have any cold symptoms.
Yet your staff can only do so much if they aren’t armed with
products that work effectively. Traditional sanitization and disinfection
products may clean and/or disinfect, but they don’t necessarily keep working
after initial contact. This leaves surfaces vulnerable to re-contamination in a
matter of seconds after the application is applied.
Powerful products that protect
Hotels that want to fight germs – and win – should choose products
from P&G Professional. P&G Professional has partnered with Microban®–
the global leader in antimicrobial, odor control, and surface modification
technologies – to deliver new sanitization/disinfection products that address
the re-contamination of surfaces.
The Microban® ready-to-use lineup
consists of three items to clean, disinfect/sanitize, and deodorize:
Microban® technology works long beyond the initial contact – it
protects the surface from organism growth for up to 24 hours. In fact, it is
the ONLY professional-use product that can make this claim. After the product
is initially sprayed, has needed contact time, and is wiped away, a residual
semi-permanent polymer is left behind to protect the surface from 99.9% of
organisms.
All three products have a light citrus scent and sanitize in as
little as 10 seconds. With Microban® Professional products, you and your staff
will feel confident you’re making your property safe for guests.
In this new series, we spotlight independent hotels to learn more about the everyday challenges, rewards, and opportunities of running an independent property.
Surrounded by large oak trees and southern mansions along Bayou Lafourche, the Carmel Inn and Suites is a Louisiana landmark known for its family-run hospitality, which includes complimentary morning breakfast. We chatted with operations manager Rhonda R. Gaubert to learn more about running a successful independent property in the heart of Cajun country.
Tell us a little bit about your property – its history and what makes it unique.
Rhonda: Well, this area and this property is filled with history. In fact, we’re a historic landmark hotel. In 1855 it was a convent and then a catholic high school. My husband’s family – the Gaubert family – bought the building and in 1973 transformed it into a Holiday Inn. It operated under other flags as well but, in 2009, the hotel was restored to reflect its history and was renamed the Carmel Inn & Suites. My husband, Greg Gaubert, is managing partner and owner and our family has been running it since then. Today, it’s ranked the #1 hotel in Thibodaux by TripAdvisor.
How do you advertise/promote your property – through Trip Advisor? Word of mouth?
Rhonda: We definitely depend on online reviews and bookings through TripAdvisor and Expedia. We also have a great relationship with Nichols State University, which is located in Thibodaux, so word of mouth is very important to us. We treat our guests like family, whether they are parents visiting their college student or visitors who are part of the medical tourism and eco-tourism in the area.
A view of the pool area at Carmel Inn & Suites.
Do you cater to a certain type of demographic? (family friendly vs more catered toward adults/honeymooners, etc.)
Rhonda: You might be surprised but we have hosted people from all over the world. We even have a translator available at the desk who can translate in 10 different languages. It’s not just the university drawing them. There are others who visit our part of the bayou system, and all the historic plantations nearby. We also have had many movies filmed in and around Thibodaux, like the Ray Charles story, “The Haunting,” and “The Butler.” We’ve had more than a few Hollywood actors stay here at the hotel.
What are some of the pain points you have when it comes to buying products/supplying your hotel with products?
Rhonda: We are a mom and pop operation, so our budget is tight, and we don’t have the storage to buy supplies in bulk. That can be challenging when there are purchase minimums on certain items. So we have to be very strategic about ordering what we need for the property. But we also try to offer a local feel. Our bath soap is from a local organic distributor, and our coffee is from a Louisiana brewer. People notice when you use eco-friendly products that are unique to your community.
What advice would you give to those new to owning/managing an indy hotel?
Rhonda: Well, you have to understand that it’s a life commitment. You have to be fully involved to make it work. We treat our 24 employees like family, so they are also invested in our success. It does take time and effort. We are not New Orleans, Baton Rouge or Lafayette, so it has taken some time for more people to know about us and know about the different activities and attractions in our area. Every year, we welcome more guests.
At American Hotel, we deliver all you need, when you need it … so you can focus on what matters most. Explore our vast product assortment at americanhotel.com.
In this new series, we spotlight independent hotels to
learn more about the everyday challenges, rewards, and opportunities of running
an independent property.
Location: Beverly, Massachusetts Occupancy: 13 rooms Open: Year round
The Cabot Lodge truly embodies the saying, “good things come
in small packages.” Its petite, cozy guest rooms are inspired by the West
Indies as well as the sleeping quarters of historic New England Clipper Ships,
offering guests both historical charm and modern amenities.
Having just opened its doors in late October 2019, The Cabot Lodge may be new to Beverly, but it’s already creating a lot of buzz. We chatted with Head of House Annie Brown Coe to learn more about opening, and running, a successful independent property.
Q.Tell us a little bit about your property – its
history and what makes it unique.
Annie: The concept is built around the local history of Beverly. The founding families of the city were in the shipping and trading industry in the 18th century. They did a lot of trading in the West Indies. So, our property is influenced by the West Indies as well as colonial New England. The furniture design is bright and fun, and it’s something that draws the eye, especially for people coming off the street or viewing our property on the website. It’s a fun, different experience.
Q. How do you promote your property?
Annie: Before we opened, we didn’t have a product, or guests, so we were relying on word of mouth. Since we’re near Salem, Halloween is a huge draw, so opening in October was our target. Guests had to book early and take a risk booking a hotel that wasn’t even open yet.
Now that we’ve had guests, we have glowing reviews that help
drive awareness and visits. My true belief is the guests should tell the
experience – their words will set the expectation for the next guests. If they
evangelize, then that’s the best marketing we can ask for.
Q. Do you cater to a certain type of demographic?
Annie: We are learning as we go. So far, we’ve had a mix of business travelers, couples, and families. Around Halloween, especially, we had a lot of tourists who traveled here from all over the world. It’s still a little too early to tell what our sweet spot is, but we’re tracking with data so we can learn and evolve.
Q. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes
to buying products?
Annie: In a boutique space, you want it to be customizable and genuinely unique. Buying in small quantities and sampling products can be a challenge. Compared to a 100-room hotel, a 13-room hotel is hard to purchase for, because we don’t need the large case quantities.
That’s why I really appreciate the level of service I receive from my rep at American Hotel. It’s clear that American Hotel cares about boutique hotels because of how accommodating they are even for a small purchase.
It’s also important to be scrappy and do your research to
find the best products at the best prices. All in all, it’s about finding the
right partner to help you navigate purchasing issues and find solutions.
Q. Are there certain amenities that are unique to your
hotel?
Annie: A lot of what we feature is local, and our guests notice and appreciate that. We source everything from soaps and shampoos to coffee and chocolate locally.
Anything that the guests are touching or consuming needs to be of the highest quality – whether it’s sheets, mattresses, or consumables. So those are the things we spend the most time vetting. We also continuously survey guests and provide that constructive feedback to the vendor.
A view inside The Cabot Lodge lobby
Q. What are some other roadblocks you face as an
independent hotel? How do you overcome these challenges?
Annie: One of the biggest challenges is having brand power over bigger brands or legacy names. Some of the local hotels have been here a long time, and customers may have loyalty points with a certain chain, so they’ll go with them. I’m working hard with my team to get positive reviews so we can overcompensate for some of those challenges with really happy guests. If people spread the word, they become our ambassadors.
Q. What are some general trends you’re seeing for
independent hotels?
Annie: Overall, guests are more involved in their hotel selection. It’s so easily accessible these days to learn about a property – there is amazing transparency.
Another trend I’m seeing is that guests are traveling more
efficiently, because they are traveling more often and don’t necessarily stay
in one place for a long time. For example, hotels are doing away with dressers
as a space-saving method. It’s a very Millennial, business travel-driven trend.
We’re also trying to stay on the cutting edge when it comes
to technology. The challenge is finding balance between using technology to
make things like checking in and out more convenient for guests, while also
providing that personal touch.
Q. Since you just opened your property, you are in the
thick of it, but what advice would you give to those new to owning or managing
an independent hotel?
Annie: What stands out the most is listening to your guests. While you need to have a good gut instinct to make decisions, it’s also important to take guests’ needs into consideration. You also need to budget appropriately and think ahead about what you’re going to need in the future.
Lastly, you must stay on top of hotel trends and make sure
your property doesn’t get outdated or shabby. Things are changing, and if you
don’t face the facts, you’ll fall behind.
Trash can liners is another one of those hotel essentials you never want to run low on. And it’s not a one-size-fits-all assignment. Size matters, and so does liner type. Let’s take a careful closer look because we all know haste makes waste.
You know your outdoor pool areas will soon be crowded with sunny guests. Whether they’re lounging on a stylish recliner or drying off after a morning swim, be sure their experience is complemented by a quality pool towel. To help you stock up and stay ready, we offer competitive prices on our most popular collections.
