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Global Hospitality Expo showcases products and innovation

February 17, 2016

 

You know the heartbeat of hospitality is customer service. Trends come and go, but repeat business is driven by the baseline of a hotel’s cleanliness, attention to detail and going above and beyond. Although authentic customer service remains de rigeur, innovation keeps the industry fresh – after all, an evolving industry is a profitable industry.

Expo-nential momentum

Reflecting this philosophy, American Hotel hosted its annual Global Hospitality Expo in late January. The one-of-a-kind industry event – branded with a “Seize the Momentum” theme – brought more than 900 leaders together to listen, learn, interact and discover.

The five-day event was once again capped with a festive awards dinner honoring the achievements of our suppliers and associates, but the big takeaways were found in its daily agenda of activities. Customers, suppliers and American Hotel associates explored innovative products, attended inspirational breakout and hot topics sessions and celebrated the launch of The Gallery, a curated luxury collection that strengthens American Hotel’s commitment to this growing market.

Momentum was at the center of the event’s topics and presentations. In fact, one hot topic speaker, Rohit Bhargava, outlined ways non-obvious momentum is curated rather than spotted. A Georgetown University marketing professor and bestselling author of Non-Obvious: How to Think Different, Curate Ideas & Predict the Future, Rohit enthusiastically explained how anyone can identify trends and leverage where a market is heading.

“Everyday Stardom” is one trend useful in the hospitality industry. According to Rohit, the growth of personalization leads more hotel guests to higher expectations. They want to be part of an unforgettable experience where they are stars of the show. As he put it, everyone wants to be recognized, noticed and celebrated.

Simply irresistible

Another Expo speaker, bestselling author Jeremy Gutsche, promoted the ingredients of a great guest experience when he encouraged his audience to be irresistible in business.

An award-winning innovation expert and the CEO of Trend Hunter, a popular trends and innovation Web site, Gutsche’s keynote address also illuminated the ways trends occur and opportunities arise. For example, Facebook’s founding opened the door to a social media industry of Facebook cohorts and competitors. And, of course, social media and related technology have already begun to reshape the hospitality experience.

Looking beyond hotels, consider the way Disney has put technology to work with its MagicBand and MyMagic+ initiative. The waterproof wristband is a theme park ticket, mobile payment device and room key – the visitor data it collects allows characters to address guests by name and helps staff manage traffic flow.

At our 2016 Expo, the full week of activities trumpeted the belief that this year’s momentum is all about keeping an eye on the future and seizing new opportunities. What bold plan will you put into action in 2016?

Banish bedbugs with Live Free powered by KiltronX™

January 11, 2016

Biting hotel owners’ wallets

It’s no surprise to anyone in the hospitality industry that bedbugs are a huge concern. Since travelers today often choose their accommodations online, they are heavily influenced by fellow travelers’ reviews. Online reviews can harm a hotel’s business and reputation if even the slightest hint of a bedbug infestation exists. Signs of bedbugs are more likely than other common hotel issues (odors, unclean bathrooms, dirty sheets) to prompt guests to leave a property.

A recent survey found that even a single mention of bedbugs on travel and social media sites drops the value of a hotel room by an average of almost $30/night.

Prevention

While bedbugs are challenging to eliminate, they’re easy to avoid – if you know how and use the right products. You may think cleanliness affects whether bedbugs will infiltrate your property. In fact, cleanliness is not the issue. Bedbugs hide in miniscule crevices and because they usually come out after dark, are harder to detect. To solve the problem once and for all, American Hotel recommends Live Free powered by KiltronX™ bedbug barrier system. This proven system actively kills bedbugs, protects the entire room (not just the mattress), prevents future infestations, and its organic solution is safe for guests.

Peace of mind

There’s no doubt bedbugs are a pain in more ways than one. Treating a minor infestation is inconvenient, but far less costly than treating the same problem after it spreads. The Live Free system, powered by KiltronX, is designed to protect an entire property, not just a room or two. The active compound that kills bedbugs was developed based on organic farming pest control technology. This green compound is in the system’s mattress covers, cushion liners, box spring wraps and all other kit components.

Sweet dreams

As the single-source solution for your property, American Hotel invites you to save up to 20% on KiltronX products through January 31.

We bid you good night, and, whatever you do, don’t let the bedbugs bite!

Eliminate odor at the source

October 7, 2015

In hospitality, you know that presenting a clean and comfortable property is an everyday pursuit. In high-use areas, odors can quickly become a problem when not properly addressed. Cover-ups that simply mask the scent are not the solution. What’s an attentive staffer to do?

In many cases, the answer is to turn to a brand you know and trust. With Febreze® odor eliminators, from P&G, unpleasant smells are gone for good. Its proprietary cleaning system goes to the source of odors and eliminates rather than disguises them.

When you keep it handy, Febreze Ready to Use spray couldn’t be any easier to use. You spray directly on a fabric until it is slightly damp. As it dries, odors disappear.

When something stinky gets in the way, you can also reach for Febreze Air Effects. Using patented technology, Febreze Air Effects as well as Febreze Fabric Refreshers lock onto odors and eliminate them. With Febreze Air Effects, you can kick odors out and invite freshness in. From pet and bathroom smells to stubborn smoke or lingering food aromas, a simple spray sweeps odors away.

Take a look at all of your Febreze options, including a variety of fresh scents and sizes, at americanhotel.com

Unlocking keyless entry

September 14, 2015

Everywhere we turn, technology influences our lives. The hospitality industry is no exception.

Chances are you’ve already stayed at a hotel using keyless entry technology, which is beginning to alter how travelers check in to hotels and enter their guest rooms.

Here’s how it works: Once you reserve a room, the hotel’s system looks for you to arrive via your location-enabled smartphone. Upon arrival, instead of waiting in line at the front desk, you receive a room number and code enabling the phone to unlock the room’s door. Voilà: Hold the code up to the door lock, and sensors securely detect and verify the phone using technology such as Bluetooth®.

ROI opportunities

Digital tools offer a high return on investment (ROI) potential through increased brand loyalty and revenue from push notifications. According to Chip Rosales, Marketing Lead for y!kes, another reason for hotels to make the switch is a customer engagement boost. By allowing guests to check in through their mobile devices, hotels can seamlessly communicate with them. For instance, they can transmit messages asking guests about their room preferences or send information about discounts or events at the property.

Open to change

Major brands such as Starwood Hotels will retrofit 30,000 doors at 150 hotels worldwide by the end of the year. Hilton expects to offer keyless entry at all Conrad Hotels, Hilton, Waldorf Astoria and Canopy U.S. properties, expanding to 11 brands globally in 2016. And Kaba recently announced a partnership with OpenKey to develop and implement a full-property mobile access system, now live at a major Ashford property.

Striking a balance

One downside of keyless is the high up-front cost of retrofitting a large number of rooms (approximately $150 per door, from changing locks to replacing doors), especially at a franchise property, where upgrade costs are the individual owner’s responsibility. This is offset by the unlimited potential of interacting with guests through a mobile app. Another keyless concern is privacy and security, which involves rigorous testing of encryption technology.

Going beyond keyless

Of course, this isn’t the only technology making waves in hospitality. Take the ButlerPad, for example. This new cloud-hosted concierge application offers reputable locally curated activities and real-time customer service to guests. Accessible from a mobile device or computer, and integrated with the guest’s end-to-end travel experience, ButlerPad amplifies the guest experience. Slated to be the next Wi-Fi, many top hotels are expected to roll out the virtual concierge within the next five years.

 

Rest easy and save with eco-friendly linens

August 4, 2015

Every hotel’s director of housekeeping knows how important linens are to meeting guest expectations. Today, it’s also increasingly meaningful that properties demonstrate a sustainable approach to business. How do you manage this delicate two-step?

Well, the fashion-forward professionals at WestPoint Hospitality have delivered a solution with Martex® Ultra Touch microfiber linens. While touting an unrivaled softness that promises comfort every guest desires, WestPoint emphasizes the cost advantages that come with the environmentally responsible makeup of these sheets.

Take microfiber, for example. Did you know these microfiber sheets dry 30% faster than cotton, saving your property energy, labor and money? So, the Ultra Touch experience goes hand-in-hand with its advantages: superior wrinkle and stain resistance, minimal shrinkage and vibrant whiteness.

Here’s an added advantage. As a one-stop source for your linen needs, American Hotel invites you to save up to 10% on these remarkable linens through August 23. In fact, Ultra Touch microfiber linens are part of our eco-friendly Living Green collection.

Take action today, and promote your sustainability in the most comfortable way.

More to choose from with Hamilton Beach®

July 22, 2015

When you think Hamilton Beach, its full assortment of high-quality irons and coffeemakers likely comes first to mind. Think again, because this trusted American brand has recently added to its portfolio.

With additions to its line of hair dryers and clock radios, Hamilton Beach gives you a complete selection across product categories so you can find the best fit for your guests. Its new clock radio option is a small footprint model that’s big on modern features. Its new full-size and mid-size hair dryers round out a selection that delivers on ease and durability.

More variety, at competitive pricing, means more value for you and your property. Explore the complete Hamilton Beach collection {inks to Hamilton Beach landing page}, and choose the items that meet guest expectations.

Go discreet and efficient Rubbermaid’s Executive Series™ carts deliver

July 13, 2015

Collapsible X-Cart engineered for versatility

Do you want to give your property a smarter image? One way to improve its look is by upgrading to the Executive Series Quick Carts and X-Carts from Rubbermaid Commercial Products®. The stylish Executive Series is specifically designed to blend into your environment with quiet sophistication to ensure a positive impression

Quick Cart…the industry’s most durable cart solution

Supporting your premium guest experience, Quick Cart empowers staff to maintain areas discreetly and efficiently. It keeps the cleaning process hidden from view of guests and allows staff to easily move throughout the property. Featuring lightweight and compact, yet durable construction, the Quick Cart delivers a flexible solution, which can be customized for the unique needs of your property.

Quick Cart features include…

  • Double-stitched ballistic nylon treated with Teflon® fabric protector
  • Aluminum telescoping handle
  • Robust ball-bearing wheels designed for quiet operation
  • Removable Teflon-treated liner for easy cleaning

Depend on the Collapsible X-Cart for efficient performance without compromising image. These easy-to-maneuver basket trucks efficiently transport a wide variety of materials and then conveniently collapse for efficient storage. This best-in-class product features unmatched durability with industry-leading weight-load capacities to increase worker productivity.

Collapsible X-Cart features include…

  • Robust stainless steel, powder-coated frame
  • Supports loads up to 220 lbs.
  • Cart collapses to just 4-1/2″ W for easy storage
  • Easy-clean detachable bag
  • Premium, quiet casters

To learn more about this innovative line or place an order, visit us online at americanhotel.com/Rubbermaid.

Source: rubbermaidcommercial.com

Iron out your budget by saving on in-room essentials

July 8, 2015

If you are a fan of the Travel Channel show “Hotel Impossible,” you might have caught an episode or two where expert host Anthony Melchiorri makes clear that no guest room should be without an iron. For many in hospitality, an iron and ironing board is an in-room essential.

At American Hotel, we are more than on board with that sentiment. That’s why our current promotion offers you great savings from two brands you know and trust. With special pricing until July 20 on Made in the USA Homz® ironing boards and select irons from Sunbeam® Hospitality, we invite you to take advantage of great deals on a smooth ironing combination.

Through its Greensense™ products, Sunbeam has also made a commitment to supporting sustainability efforts. Greensense is a line of eco-conscious items for the socially responsible, cost-conservative hotelier. Every Greensense product has been designed to save energy or water, or both. With Greensense, you are saving money while saving the planet.

As you know, Sunbeam’s wide variety of product offerings includes hair dryers, coffeemakers, clock radios and more. You can also shop for these quality products at americanhotel.com, or by calling your sales representative at 1-800-323-5686.

Improve your online reservations
Keep it simple and make it fast

July 1, 2015

There’s just no question about it, anymore. Winning reservations is an online game. Huge online travel sites like Booking.com and Expedia are taking up massive amounts of search traffic. But, are online reservation tools doing everything they can to increase hotel bookings?

A recent interview with Triptease’s Charlie Osmond reveals some frightening statistics on these booking sites, and how often hotels may be losing business to their competitors.

Osmond says consumers will book direct on a hotel website, but only if the experience is easy and intuitive. “There are some great hotel websites that provide a fabulous experience for the guest. The future is here but it is just unevenly distributed,” said Osmond. “By surfacing what the guest wants we are helping to level the playing field for hoteliers.”

It’s probably not as simple as that, of course, with mega-brands such as Priceline-owned Booking.com and Expedia doing their level best to attract consumers early in the consumer purchase funnel with heavy spend on Google advertising.

What does that mean?

Hotels with well-built, easy-to-use websites may end up getting more traffic than those that rely on outdated booking systems or well-known booking powerhouses like Expedia. Tnooz reports that 94% of people have abandoned an online booking, and that 29% of those cited a difficult booking form as the cause. They have put together a list of demands that most consumers are looking for in an online booking experience.

The best way to increase your digital reservations? Keep it simple, make it fast and load up on extra features (view tnooz’s complete list).

For more ways to keep it simple, visit americanhotel.com – the best way to stock up on your everyday needs in one convenient place.

Get Social This Summer: Tips for Hoteliers

May 29, 2015

Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that social media is here to stay. In the social world in which we now live, it’s important that your venue find its home on the Internet. More than that, it’s important that your hotel knows how to get that social audience interested and engaged.

So, let’s look at the start of summer as the start of your new social presence. After all, this summer promises to be a prosperous season. Check out the five social tips below and begin to spruce up your summer social plan.

Community Management is Key

Your venue’s social pages aren’t just a place to plunk photos and information anymore. These days, hordes of past and potential customers take to social sites to read reviews, get a “sneak peak” at the venue, ask questions and share their experiences.

It’s important that a representative of your venue is always on to respond in a timely manner – whether that’s with information or, more importantly, in sticky situations – to help quell a disgruntled patron.

Get Writing

If your venue doesn’t already have a blog, now is the time. Get writing about things happening on the property, interesting events, shining a spotlight on an employee, anything really! You don’t have to produce a lot – maybe just a post or two per month – but once you start your blog, you want to keep it fresh so that followers will keep wanting to come back!

Break Out the Video Camera

Video is the new “it” content variety on many social networking sites. As it continues to gain momentum, you should be considering how your venue can hop on the bandwagon. Consider posting videos of property “sneak peeks,” a tour of whatever it is that makes your venue unique, promotional videos, or guest testimonials. Just remember, whatever you post, be sure to keep it short and eye-catching.

Put Some Money Behind It

If you’re really looking to make the most impact in the least amount of time, you may want to think about setting aside a portion of your marketing budget for paid social advertisements. With the ability to target a very specific audience, you can ensure that your content is being seen by the people you most want to attract. If major social impact is your game, paid ads are the name of the game.

Get Guests Talking

Encourage your guests to take to social media and share their thoughts and experiences. Consider posting post-stay surveys online and setting up “selfie” or “braggie” photo spots on the property. Creating an environment in which sharing guest experiences are openly encouraged strengthens your venue’s appearance of an honest business. It also allows you to hear, straight from the mouth of your customers, what your venue’s high and low points are so you can constantly improve.