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Triple Sheet Your Beds in 6 Easy Steps

May 20, 2016

Triple sheeting is a luxurious, cost-effective and efficient bedding solution. It guarantees a clean, crisp bed that is easily managed by the housekeeping staff, ultimately saving considerable time and money.

CLEAN AND FRESH
Sheeting components can be laundered after each guest visit to ensure a sanitary environment.

REDUCES COSTS
Bedspreads can cost $100-$250 per piece, and up to $25 per piece in off-site laundering. By replacing a bedspread with one additional sheet, the Triple Sheeting technique can significantly reduce overall operational costs.

SAVES TIME
Duvet covers cause housekeeping to spend three times longer to make the bed. Triple Sheeting is an easy step-by-step process that can greatly increase housekeeping efficiency.

ITEMS NEEDED: flat or fitted sheet to cover mattress, basic flat sheet, lightweight blanket and decorative top sheet

sheetfullSTEP 1: BUILD YOUR FOUNDATION (BOTTOM SHEET)
Option 1: Lay a flat sheet on the mattress and tuck all the way around the bed. Option 2: Use a fitted sheet to cover the mattress.

STEP 2: ADD NEXT LAYER (MIDDLE SHEET)
Place the top hem of flat sheet so it is even with the top of the mattress. The sheet should be even on all sides and smooth.

STEP 3: ADD FILLING
Place a lightweight blanket on top of the middle sheet starting about six inches below the top of the mattress.

STEP 4: ADD DECORATIVE TOP SHEET
Place remaining flat sheet on top of the blanket. The top hem should be even with the top of the mattress.

STEP 5: FOLD
Fold 1: Take the top of both flat sheets and fold down together about six inches (blanket should not be included in this fold). Fold 2: Then fold down the two flat sheets and the blanket another six inches. The sheets should now be folded twice and the blanket folded once.

STEP 6: FINISHING TOUCHES
Tuck in both flat sheets along with the blanket beneath the foot of the mattress. The hanging fabric at the sides of the foot will have made a short U-shape. Turn back the U-shape along the length of the bed then pull towards the headboard, parallel to the mattress. Tuck the hanging corners of the sheet and blanket together under the mattress.

HYGEN™-ic is more becoming to your staff and guests

May 20, 2016

The Rubbermaid HYGEN™ Disposable Microfiber System is the solution for optimizing infection prevention, ensuring environmental hygiene, and improving productivity. The innovative technology knits microfiber yarn into a nonwoven substrate, creating unique, disposable microfiber with microbe-removing scrubbing power.1027244#W_1_300x300

99.9% Microbe Removal, Including C. diff*

  • Proven 99.9% microbe removal claim
  • Helps stop the chain of infection
  • Eliminates food sources for live pathogens

Superior Cleaning Performance

  • Microfiber cleaning with built-in scrubbing power
  • Streak-free cleaning for mirrors, glass, and stainless steel
  • Effectively removes dirt without smearing

Versatile Cleaning

  • Compatible with bleach and quat**
  • Ideal for dusting and wet cleaning
  • Convenient charging system and compatible with existing tools

STOP THE CHAIN OF INFECTION
Microbe removal is a critical step in preventing infection. Removing dead microbes eliminates the food source for live pathogens.

*Based on third-party testing with water only. The product can be used with a wide array of cleaning solutions.
EPA EST. 90650-NC-001

**Compatible with quat (cloth); bleach-safe (cloth and mop)

Bedspread & Comforter TLC

May 20, 2016

While you no doubt follow strict laundering procedures for your sheets and pillowcases, what about other items like comforters and bedspreads? Most of these items are washable, but some may require special attention to ensure they are not damaged.

Here are some tips on the best way to clean these products…

 

Comforting care

The first step is to read the care instructions on the label. If specific instructions about hand-washing or washing temperature are listed, don’t deviate from them. If the instructions say “dry clean only”, don’t try washing the items in a machine as it may ruin them. If your comforters are washable, it’s best to wash them in a large-capacity front-loading machine. Comforters can hold a lot of water and may damage a standard top-loading washing machine. Paying a little more to wash your comforters is better than paying a lot more to replace your washer. When washing, use a gentle detergent, and avoid those with bleach as they can damage the comforter’s outer fabric and filling.

Make sure to dry comforters thoroughly. If they can be dried in a clothes dryer, use a lower heat setting, then run them through two drying cycles. Ideally, they should be taken out often to reposition them so they dry evenly and don’t develop hot spots that can scorch. Adding a few clean tennis balls to the dryer can help fluff them.

 

Special TLC for down bedding

While down products are often dry cleaned, the process can strip the natural protective oils from the down and many manufacturers caution against it. Small stains can be spot cleaned with a mild detergent.

If you decide to wash a down comforter, use soap made specifically for down products and wash it in a large front-loading washer. Don’t use bleach, bleach alternatives, or fabric softeners. Wash in cold water and rinse twice in cold water to remove all soap residue.

Drying down bedding products can be time consuming, but it is important that they are dried properly before storing to prevent mildew. For best results, use large front-loading commercial dryers set at medium heat. Do not hang dry or dry on a flat surface. Reposition the items often for even drying and use tennis balls to help with fluffing.

 

The End

Decorative comforters can last several years with proper care, but should be replaced when they become flat or begin to leak bits of the fill, or when the stitching comes loose. For comforters, the twisting and turning of a sleeper gradually degrades the fill and produces bare spots, typically in the “shoulder” area. When buying new comforters, make sure to look for double stitching or baffle box construction, which helps prevent leaking or bunching of the filling.

Smartphones and the Hospitality Industry

October 12, 2012

smartphones and hospitality

The New York Times estimated that by 2016, over one billion people will own a smartphone. It seems that every few months a sleeker, better phone is released – while older models get less expensive and more accessible. We are no doubt experiencing the beginning of a smartphone boom – and what does that mean for the future of the hotel and hospitality industry?

From researching, booking and reviewing hotels – smartphones play a vital role. Today’s on-the-go lifestyle means that your hotel’s website, Facebook account and competitive prices will be accessed via smartphone more than ever before. When a guest arrives at your property, a large percentage of them will “check-in” via Foursquare, Facebook or another social site – making your page then visible to all of their friends and followers.  Hotels seeking a competitive edge definitely need to ensure their online channels and search engine marketing are in top shape.

The number of mobile bookings in the travel space has accelerated from $20 million in 2008 to over $200 million in 2010 – and that number continues to grow. Whether for business trips, last-minute vacations or when people just quite can’t get to a computer at the minute, mobile booking is a convenient solution. And evidence suggests that even investing in a mobile booking app may be worth it. Some hotels are even using smartphone apps internally to help with food and beverage operations, and even as a room keys. 

Reputation management is a new buzzword in the marketing world. Google reviews and other rating services offer the convenience of rating a room and hotel experience on the guests’ plane or car ride home while it’s still fresh in their mind. Just the simple technology of being able to take a photo of your special anniversary hotel room, a neat display in the lobby, or another unique aspect of your hotel and instantly text it to your friend is word-of-mouth marketing at its finest.

As we continue to see how technology enhances the hospitality industry, we encourage you to stay on top of trends. And for that extra boost – we suggest browsing our in-room smartphone products to really impress your tech-savvy guests!

Top of Bed Options

September 20, 2012

top of bed options

The bed is one of the first things guests look at when entering a room. It has the potential to set the tone for their entire stay and tie the whole room together. And if your bed is stylish, comfortable and clean, it is sure to bring repeat business.

When was the last time your hotel updated its bedding? Do you use accents and pillows for a polished look? If you have to think about it too long, then it’s time to take a look at our Registry ® Triple Sheeting options.

Forget the bedspread and bed scarf. Triple sheeting is a simple technique many hotels use to save time and money. Traditional bedspreads can cost between $100-$250 per piece, and duvet covers cause housekeeping staff to spend up to three times longer making each bed. With triple sheeting, the bed scarf is printed directly onto the top sheet, creating a great looking, easy to care for bed.

By replacing a bedspread or duvet cover with one additional sheet, the triple sheeting technique can reduce overall operational costs. And triple-sheeting components can be laundered after each guest to ensure a sanitary environment. It’s the perfect technique to ensure cleanliness, style and efficiency.

American Hotel also offers multiple options for pillow shams, top sheets and accent pillows for that final polished, top-of-bed look and comfort. Available in multiple colors for every season and décor style, our bedding products guarantee plush, luxurious comfort and top quality.

Glancing at photos of the Best Hotel Beds, many of them are simple, elegant and use accents to bring the entire room together. Please browse our selection or consult one of our staff to achieve the exact look you’re hoping for.

Celebrate International Housekeeping Week

September 12, 2012

housekeeping week

If you’ve never been directly involved with hotel housekeeping staff, it may seem unnecessary to dedicate an entire week to thanking them. However, let us assure you that housekeeping is one of the most vital departments in all hotels. Not only do housekeepers make guests feel comfortable in a clean, organized room, they also perform extensive amounts of behind-the-scenes jobs such as flipping mattresses, doing hundreds of pounds of laundry per day, and dealing with harsh chemicals.

According to the Les Roches School of Hospitality Management, the hotel industry is expected to grow 4 percent per year through 2019. That’s over a 24 percent growth from right now! Competition and the number of housekeeping departments will expand as well, making the need to create and keep a quality housekeeping staff a top priority for hotels.

A typical housekeeper cleans up to 16 rooms per day at an estimated 20-30 minutes per room. And opening the door to each new room is a complete surprise – there’s no telling what shape guests have left it in. That’s over six hours of squatting, bending, kneeling, lifting, etc. The job requires training, dedication and loyalty – and your entire hotel’s reputation can lie with one staff member.

Through proper morale, education and training, fair pay and a little bit of understanding, hotel management can ensure they get the most from their housekeeping department. Rotate jobs that do not have to be performed every day accordingly, assign help when needed for heavy-duty jobs and provide quality supplies. Spend the few extra dollars to get lighter vacuum cleaners, greener chemicals, and easy-push housekeeping carts. Have monthly luncheons and recognize superior staff members. But most importantly – do not treat the staff as insignificant. They are the foundation of your business, ensuring that guests are satisfied, and are an imperative part of keeping rooms in lasting, tip-top shape.

So, how will YOU celebrate International Housekeeping Week this September 9-15?

Introducing – Dream Water

August 16, 2012

introducing dream water american hotel register company

What if you could offer your guests the gift of sleep?

Whether it’s stress from business travel, unfamiliar sleeping surroundings, or a change in schedule, many guests experience difficulty falling asleep. Why not offer your guests Dream Water® – a natural, zero-calorie, sleep and relaxation aid?

This convenient, TSA-compliant lightly-flavored shot of water features the unique SleepStat Natural Blend: a proprietary formula of GABA, which helps reduce anxiety; Melatonin, which helps induce sleep; and 5-HTP, which helps improve sleep quality. Scientifically formulated and drug free, Dream Water’s key ingredients work together to help guests relax, fall asleep naturally, and wake up refreshed.

With proper placement in hotel gift shops, on night stands, and in mini bars, Dream Water can provide significant incremental revenue. Please contact us for additional information and strategies on how to seamlessly integrate Dream Water into your hotel.

Go Green For Comfort

August 14, 2012

Hospitality Insights publication Ernst & Young published in 2008 that “organizations, corporations and consumers are increasingly focusing on the need to exist in harmony with their surroundings and reduce their environmental footprints. The hospitality industry is no exception, and finally, the concept of sustainability has begun to gain momentum in this sector.”

The report was spot-on.  Going green has certainly become a standard in the hospitality industry and something guests are almost expecting to see during their stay. From energy saving appliances to cleaning supplies and bedding – there are so many ways to boost your sustainability efforts.

It’s a trend that is only growing stronger and if your hotel is falling behind, it’s time to start making changes. The American Hotel Register Living Green program is offering up to 40% off on 1888 Mills Green Threads linen and terry through December 2012. These linens offer a pure, plush, organic comfort with the assurance of 100% organic cotton that is grown free of pesticides and processed in a factory free of any harmful substances in production of the product, making it Oeko-Tex certified. This product is also top quality with long-lasting exceptional softness and anti-pill bed superiority over traditional linens.

Not only will your guests appreciate that you are showing respect for the environment, they will also notice a difference in their comfort level. The Habitat Suites in Austin, TX has seen evidence of guests experiencing better sleep in their hotel than in hotels that use pesticides and toxic cleaning chemicals.

Check out this extensive database of other hotels that are increasing sustainability on the EcoGreenHotel website. If you could use some additional tips on Living Green, check out our wide selection of products or contact one of our representatives for energy saving ideas and tips.

Going green not only appeals to guests, it can help save you money. It’s a complete win-win situation!

When Conferences Require Privacy

July 25, 2012

Let’s say you’ve just booked a quarterly Town Hall Meeting for one of the largest corporations in town. They ask you what measures your hotel has in place to ensure the privacy of the event.  What do you say?

Hopefully your customer service representative is able to respond that you offer code or key card access to the meeting hall and possibly even options to hire security guards. Depending on the company, this could make or break a deal.  After all, you should realistically assess how easy it would be for someone to walk inside your hotel and enter the meeting room without passing any sort of security.

American Hotel Register offers a variety of lock pads to ensure you are able to book conferences that require privacy safeguards. From typical electronic key card access, to a code system that is given out to attendees prior to the meeting, American Hotel has you covered!

You’d be surprised how many organizations would be glad to find out that you have measures in place to keep their proprietary information secure. And these measures are not just for companies – what about conferences or events that require a purchased ticket for entry?  Putting a simple code on the invitation would ensure that guests could come and go as they please without hassle of a check-in table. It’s a simple and cost-effective solution to ensure your events go as smoothly as possible.