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Why using commercial grade makes a difference

October 17, 2019
commercial grade

When buying products for your hotel, motel, or B&B, it may not seem to matter whether you buy something specifically designed for commercial use versus standard products designed for the average consumer. This is often the case if you work at a small or independent property. Why not just buy any hair dryer, especially if it’s less expensive?

The truth is, the quality and grade of products DO matter, no matter the size or occupancy. Here are some of the reasons to consider buying commercial-grade products for your property whenever you can.

Durability and quality

Commercial-grade products are specifically made for long-term use and can manage the wear and tear caused by frequent handling. So, while you may save money in the short term by buying a consumer product, if you have to replace it more frequently because it breaks or malfunctions, you’ll end up spending more in the long run.

Liability

Liability goes hand in hand with durability and quality. Since commercial-grade products are built to withstand constant use and abuse, you have less risk of the item causing a problem. For instance, if your furniture isn’t made to withstand frequent usage or different weights, what happens when a guest falls through the chair and injures him or herself? Avoid such an issue by investing in products that are built just for your property’s needs.

Design

Commercial-grade products are designed with the target audience in mind – the manufacturer knows these items will be used at a hotel or other property where guest experience and comfort are key. So, they design their products to have features that cater to guests, such as smart technology or lighter weight. Your guests will notice and appreciate that you stock your property with thoughtful products. 

Customer support

When buying consumer products, you usually have the option to tack on a warranty. However, you’re basically on your own if you have problems, or it takes a ton of legwork to find someone who will help you. Not true with commercial-grade products. When buying commercial A/V products, for example, you’ll likely receive long-term, dedicated support. This means you’ll get personal, on-site help with setting up your electronics, training your staff, and dealing with any future issues you may encounter.  

The next time you’re debating whether to go with the standard product versus the commercial one, remember that when in doubt, commercial is usually the way to go.

Embrace the cleaning power of cordless

February 18, 2019

With increasing competition, rising labor costs and pressure on capital expenditures, hotels are expected to provide a better guest experience with the same or fewer resources. And, as expectations rise, guests are looking toward the experience of others to help inform their choice of where to stay – in fact, 77.9% of consumers think online reviews are extremely or very important for deciding where to stay.1

On a more granular level, a recent survey of hotel decision makers revealed cleanliness was rated higher than any other factor likely to influence guest experience. 2 One way to meet your guests’ expectations of cleanliness, despite all of the labor and cost pressures, is by increasing the productivity of your core cleaning tasks – starting with vacuuming.

Cut the cord and clean 5x faster

Your team can clean up to five times faster with the Hoover Commercial HUSHTONE™ Cordless Upright.3 Unlike traditional corded uprights, the HUSHTONE™ Cordless Upright powered by M-PWR™ 40V technology helps increase productivity while minimizing risk of exposed cords, which is especially important considering falls, slips, and trips accounted for 32% of non-fatal workplace injuries involving days away from work in hotels.4

When you consider that 57% of hotel executives surveyed noticed a decrease in bookings after a negative online guest review,2 it’s vital that every property put its best face forward. With its cordless collection, Hoover offers you a solution designed to discreetly enhance the way you clean – and, in turn, improve the way your property presents to others.

  1. net https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4078144.html
  2. The Power of the Online Review: Mining feedback for impactful guest experience investments. Rentokil-Steritech │Ambius
  3. *In a Class A office building compared to a corded upright vacuum based on ISSA’s 612 Cleaning Times & Tasks (2014), according to a time and motion study conducted by the American Institute for Cleaning Sciences, available at HooverCommercial.com.
  4. National Safety Council; BLS, 2016

4 hospitality trends for 2018 you need to know about

January 26, 2018

The only constant in the hospitality industry is the fact that it’s always changing. In the past few years alone, the industry has seen a major shift in how guests are booking, where they are booking and why. The competition has grown from other hotels to home share companies like Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO, thanks to the growth (and spending) of millennial travelers. Beyond that, though, guests of all ages are seeking more from their hotel experience. They’re no longer just satisfied with a pillow to sleep on. From mobile check in to locally sourced artwork to more conversational marketing, hotels are having to constantly stay on the edge of the digital hospitality movement. Whether it’s adding in-room iPads or upgrading the way you clean, these are trends you need to adapt to in order to keep your business relevant and successful in 2018.

Mobile is everything

Travelers are connected to their cell phones now more than ever, and most aren’t just using it for Instagram. According to Adweek and Opera Mediaworks, over 85% of people book hotels, tours and even flights directly from their phones. Thanks to apps like Trips, Google’s Travel Assistant, guests are able to organize their hotels (and keep track of which ones they rated the highest), flag restaurants, book ubers and even get boarding passes right in their email. More than that, mobile integration is taking hospitality up a notch – by even offering mobile check in with the hotel’s app as well as the ability to customize everything in their room directly from their phones, from dimming the lights to ordering room service. To keep mobile savvy customers booking, ensure your hotel app is clean, useful, intuitive and innovative. In addition, ensure every room is outfitted with smart plugs that include USB chargers or all-purpose docking stations.

Smart rooms are key

It’s no longer just having the right plugs, it’s all about having a room that’s intuitive to the guest that’s in it. As most hotels program their TV’s to welcome you (with your name) and offer a customized itinerary based on your preferences, many are upping the game more. East Hong Kong offers guests the use of pre-programmed mobile phones complete with a data and calling plan so they can navigate the city, as well as restaurant recommendations, deals on attractions and even public transportation tips. Hilton, for example, is beta testing its first mobile-centric room, where everything is controlled with the tap of their finger on their phones. Marriott is capitalizing on the Internet of Things by offering mirrors with yoga tutorials. One thing is clear, AI (artificial intelligence) and virtual reality are going to play a big part in room design, and have the potential to make or break a hotel’s rating. According to Forbes and Ayush Sharma of Northwestern University, AI going to change the entire hospitality industry – from guest check-in to even employee management and security.

Keep it local

Millennials weren’t always the key demographic for hotels, but with this generation traveling more than any other, the need to keep up with their likes, dislikes and passions is becoming a key focus for many of the big, and smaller, brands. According to Jacob Marek, who spoke to the Boston Globe, millennials are a more curious traveler, and are always seeking experiences that go beyond the standard tour or typical hotel room. They’re looking for a connection to the destination, whether it’s a new country or city, and look for hotels that offer that local time in. Many hotels, like the Hilton in downtown Cleveland, work with local artists to commission pieces to display throughout the hotel. In addition, hotels – like Mr. C in Beverly Hills – offer customized itineraries completely related to the city, whether they be Hollywood tours or hikes up Runyon Canyon Park. Beyond just decor and the concierge, many hotels are focusing only on local food in their flagship restaurants. Millennial travelers are focused on keeping their money into the local community, which is why so many hotels are offering specialty menus based on seasonal produce in the area (like artisanal cheeses and wines in Northern California or fresh seafood in Miami). This farm to table movement, which has been a trend for years, is still a big focus many travelers look for when dining inside the hotel.  Valerie Chen, a travel writer for Travel Age West, wrote “Authenticity of the locale is paramount, as well as environmental sustainability and collaboration with the local community. Accor Hotels also extended this to non-guests, by allowing people living in the area (which is computed through their AccorLocal app) to use the hotel’s amenities.

Focus on the experiential

The next generation of hospitality and hotel design is going to focus more on experiential journeys and less on bulky and closed off spaces. Lobbies are going to offer more interactivity – from touch screens in the walls to furniture that inspires mingling and creativity. The conference rooms will no longer be just rooms, but will offer more ways to stay productive – whether that’s with the use of smart TVs, tech-forward podiums or even AI incorporation. The experiential aspect goes beyond just design, too. Guests want to feel like their decisions matter, and that they’re apart of where they stay. According to Travel Age West, keeping guests in the know about food waste, the hotel’s focus on environmental protection and sustainability, make the experience more impactful. Tying in with the focus on local, guests want to experience more with their stay – whether that’s an included activity in the destination, a meet and greet with the chef or even included Wi-Fi to keep them connected. Although the experiential component is easier for remote resorts, city and even airport hotels can adapt to the trend by giving the guest more to enjoy.

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.

Advancing hospitality in the digital age

May 8, 2014

Advancing hospitality in the digital age

Living in the digital age means travelers have more resources (and distractions) than ever before. How can you draw their attention when they’re making plans? It’s simple. Just learn how to leverage the technology they’re already using. Get started by going social.

  1. Show Off Your Rooms
    Posting photos of your rooms and grounds is one of the most popular, and most important, ways to leverage social media. It allows potential guests to see what you have to offer before making the commitment to book at your venue. If they can see a photo and picture a perfect stay, then your chances of securing a booking have just skyrocketed. Think it’s too much work? Think about this: If you don’t show off some recent photos, your potential guests might assume you have something to hide. So get snapping.
  2. Add Another Booking Option
    Take a cue from Loews Hotel Group, which implemented its Tweet & Book late last year. This innovation allows guests to book their room by direct messaging the hotel on Twitter. A live representative then contacts the messager to secure their reservation. Genius! Sounds like the perfect task for desk clerks when they run out of things to do.
  3. Discover Your Guests’ Opinions
    It’s just a fact of the industry; not every review you see is going to be positive. You can’t please everyone. The good news: An active social presence means you can find out about those negative reviews before your future guests do. In a bit of a controversial stand, hotel guru and host of Travel Channel’s Hotel Impossible, Anthony Melchiorri, cautions against responding to negative comments on social. Instead, digest the information gathered from social media and address the issue more personally. In laymen’s terms, don’t just type up a little blurb saying you’re going to fix the problem. Act on the complaint and your venue will be better off for it.

The wonderful thing about the age we live in is that with all of the tools modern technology offers to hoteliers, simply having a bit of knowledge can open up windows of opportunity that never existed before. So take what you’ve learned here, open up a computer and start making the most of it.

Do you have any suggestions on ways that social media can benefit the hotel industry? Tell us in the comment box below!

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!

Introducing The Exclusive American Hotel iHome Bluetooth Keyboard

June 11, 2012
Iphome

Did you know that in 2011, Apple sold over 30 million iPads and 70 million iPhones? And that’s just ONE year! The smartphone business is booming – and chances are that the majority of your guests will have one of these devices.

It’s no secret that the iPhone/iPad/tablet keyboards aren’t ideal for typing emails. iHome has just introduced an American Hotel exclusive solution that will streamline your guests’ work while they are away from the office.

The American Hotel Exclusive Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with Speakerphone is the ultimate solution for business travelers. The wireless keyboard allows guests to enjoy the convenience of their tablet without forfeiting the ergonomic ease of a full QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard can connect with any Bluetooth capable device (iPad, iPhone, tablet, Blackberry, Android, etc.).

The keyboard is just the tip of the iceberg. Powerful Reson8 speakers allow guests to wirelessly stream their music from across the room. An MP3 line-in is included to connect to non-Bluetooth capable devices. Two USB ports turn the keyboard into a charging haven. A built-in microphone and speakerphone make video conferences crystal clear. Instructions are printed on the unit itself. A security tether ensures that the keyboard will stay put, and a volume limiter will ensure other guests aren’t disturbed. It is rare to find all of these features in one unit, but American Hotel and iHome have put the total solution together to make your guests’ stay more productive.

It’s time to take advantage of technology and put your hotel above competitors, and this is just one small way to make a big difference. Impressing your guests with the high quality of amenities offered will keep them coming back and referring others.

If your hotel caters to guests who are on business trips, the American Hotel Exclusive Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard with Speakerphone is a must-have. Every day, more people are making the switch from laptops to the iPad.

American Hotel has an excellent selection of iHomes at competitive prices. Check it out!

Don’t Throw Out Those Old Televisions!

January 17, 2012

television recyclingAs many hotels, extended stay properties, and other hospitality venues strive to meet the growing demands of travelers by furnishing rooms with flat-panel televisions, the disposal of old televisions is posing a great risk to the environment.

Many of the components inside a television are toxic, including mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, and other harmful substances. In a landfill, these toxins seep into the ground and eventually into the water supply. While one or two televisions may not cause irreparable harm, discarding dozens or possibly even hundreds at a time could make a severe impact. Multiply that number by the total number of hotels that are making the switch and you can imagine the effects that may take place.

John Shegerian, CEO of Electronic Recyclers, Inc., estimates that there are currently 268 million televisions in the United States. 80 million of those will be thrown away in the next two years.

If you are ready to toss away those old televisions, what are your options? First, for non-functioning televisions, many communities have drop-off locations for electronic waste, also known as e-waste. Watch for announcements from local government offices. Another reliable source for finding drop-off sites is ElectronicRecyclers.com, which includes a search engine for drop-off locations and agencies that might take used televisions.

Even though the digital broadcast signal changed in February 2009, older functioning televisions can still be useful. To generate some additional cashflow for your property, try reselling them on websites like eBay, Craigslist, or LiquidationConnect.

Schools, after-school programs, shelters, and nonprofit organizations may be interested in your TVs. Other avenues for donating include Freecycle.org, a website that allows users to donate or locate unwanted equipment. The Computer Recycling Center in California is a third-party company that will take donations, make any needed repairs, and find new homes for televisions.

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Join the HD Revolution

December 11, 2011

Advantages of High-Definitionjvc

  • Digital Signal Reception. As of June 2009, the FCC has shut down the analog signal for television broadcast. Outdated televisions that don’t receivelg digital broadcast signals need to be replaced. We suggest 26″ and 32″ LCD HD televisions to replace 27″ and 32″ CRTs.
  • Energy-Efficiency. Most HD displays consume less power than traditional CRT televisions.
  • Picture Quality. HD displays are known for superbphilips picture quality, vivid colors, and bold contrast.
  • Lightweight Versatility. Incredibly thin and light, LCD and plasma televisions can mount on the wall or be placed on furniture tops.sansui

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