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Prepare for the hottest hotel trends in 2014

January 7, 2014

Prepare for the hottest hotel trends in 2014

Goodbye 2013, hello 2014! As with every New Year, it’s out with the old and in with the new. Here are the hotel trends to look out for in 2014.

Generation Y is Taking Over

Generation Y will be taking the stage as the hospitality industry’s core customer base over the next few years. In the age of foodies and techies, the typical GenY traveler is searching for a more unique experience. One easy way to satisfy that desire is by introducing more high end food products and services at your hospitality venue.

Digital ‘Word of Mouth’

Websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp can be your best friend, or your central concern. The modern traveler not only uses such sites to determine where they’ll book, but also to post a review of their guest experience. Be sure to monitor your digital reviews – they can have an astounding impact on your business.

Customers Expect Speedy Service

We’re not just talking personal attention here. From Wi-Fi service to online booking and web check-in/out, guests are expecting immediacy. After all, we are talking about the digital generation here. And, be ware, they have no problem making their satisfaction with your services known to both your business and potential future customers.

Warm Up to This Mantra: Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle

It’s become more and more expected that businesses enact some form of eco-friendly practice. The hospitality industry is at the top of that list because of its tendency to use large amounts of water, electricity, paper products and so forth. That doesn’t mean you have to completely change the way your venue runs. Simple substitutions like recycled paper products and energy efficient light bulbs are a great place to start. Making an effort to reduce your carbon footprint pleases your customers, and generally saves you money in the long haul.

International Increase

This year, as well as in the next few years to follow, it’s expected that the American hotel industry will see an increase in the amount of international travelers. Brush up on your Cantonese and Mandarin because the greatest amount of international travelers is expected to come out of China, although we can certainly expect travelers from all corners of the world.

Now that you know what to expect from the hotel industry in 2014, you’ll have all of the information you need to get your venue prepared. And remember, for any of your hospitality product needs, American Hotel is your one-stop shop to stay in tune with the times.

Tips on hosting over the holidays

December 18, 2013

Tips on hosting over the holidays

In the hotel and hospitality world, the holiday season is often one of the busiest times of the year. Here are six tips to help fill your guests with the holiday spirit.

  1. Tempt with holiday packages
    Between gifts, gas, airfare and everything else that comes along with travelling during the season, holiday travel is expensive. In order to lure more patrons to your hospitality venue, you may need to offer unique packages. Think a pre-decorated room, discounted tickets for local holiday events like ice-skating or sleigh rides, and vouchers to your dining establishment or a local restaurant.
  2. Deck the halls
    Nothing says “holidays” like some festive décor. It’s easy enough to string up a few strands of lights and place some poinsettias around your venue. The charming, inviting feel it will invoke is bound to make guests feel welcome and full of holiday spirit!
  3. Spa your way to happiness
    Of course, not all hospitality properties have a spa, but if you do, creating some holiday themed spa options is a great opportunity to get guests spending and feeling full of holiday joy.
  4. Keep stress levels low
    Holidays can be stressful and holidays away from the usual comforts of home even more so. Offering easy adjustments for the holiday season, such as a late check out and concierge-type services available to all guests, can turn otherwise stressed guests into happier and grateful patrons.
  5. Warm hearts with warm drinks
    When it’s cold outside all of your guests will be craving something warm. Make them feel cozy and at-home with a variety of hot drink offerings, whether it’s complimentary in the lobby or individual packages in-room.
  6. Fun and family bonding
    During the holidays, there is an emphasis on family bonding. Give your guests the opportunity to spend some fun quality time together by offering a few family-friendly activities. If you have an outdoor area, offering complimentary s’mores to roast over a fire could be a fun option. If your venue is entirely indoors or more pressed for space, something as simple as providing a selection of board games is a great alternative.

By enacting just a few of these simple tips, you’ll keep your hospitality venue buzzing with business and cheerful guests all through out the holiday season. It’s a happy relationship for both host and patron and, after all, ‘tis the season to be jolly!

Uniquely fun hotel services your guests will remember

December 3, 2013

Uniquely fun hotel services your guests will remember

An uncommon addition to your hospitality venue’s services can go a long way in creating a memorable guest experience.

In this blog, we have looked at items every hotel room should be equipped with and bathroom upgrades your guests will love. This time we consider services that go the extra step. Let’s explore some special ideas that any venue can start doing today.

Go portable by the pool

What hospitality business today isn’t doing more with new technology? A hotel by the beach or with a pool can feature portable power chargers for guests to recharge their iPads or any other portable electronic devices.

But don’t stop there. Include cloth and a spray to clean those easily smudged screens (might as well clean those sunglasses too). Speaking of wireless devices, make sure the Wi-Fi signal is available anywhere and everywhere on your property.

Give your guests activities and options

If you’re really looking to impress, consider including a bicycle in every room. Give guests the chance to bike on nearby nature paths or to smoothly get from lobby to beach club to restaurants and more.

How about offering your guests the luxury of setting up a movie screen in their room or on their terrace? Complimentary popcorn will only sweeten the deal.

Add to the fun by trying to capture these moments in creative ways. Give your employees — and perhaps even your guests — a camera or iPhone. Encourage them to snap photos of the fun. Share them through Twitter and your Facebook and Instagram pages to remind your followers that your venue is one of their favorites.

Do you have a fun, uncommon, or perhaps quirky hotel service you think we should know about? Please share it with us in a comment.

Get to know your international guests

November 18, 2013

Get to know your international guests

Thinking globally means thinking locally. Ponder this notion and it starts to make sense — especially when it comes to the hospitality industry. A recent study helps support the case.

First, consider one primary aspect of our work here at American Hotel. As the premier source in global hospitality, we help high-profile brands ensure that their properties around the world reflect their distinct standards of quality, comfort and style. In essence, we help them take their local “look and feel” global. Though these brands also integrate a truly local flavor from country to country, their established brand standards promise returning guests that familiar comforts await them — no matter the location.

While this consistency is the key to building brand loyalty, thinking globally also means you recognize that hotel guests from different countries have different expectations and different levels of satisfaction.

Sure, for most people around the world, location and price are their priorities when choosing where to stay. But the study, which focused on the structural differences in guest satisfaction in eight different nations, strongly suggests that hotels would be wise to learn more about the people from each market they serve.

Examine distinct interests and expectations

For example, according to the study, guests from Italy put reputation ahead of price when selecting accommodations. Those from Spain tend to be driven by previous experience. Package deals are important to hotel guests in Japan, but not for those from other nations.

Is it a surprise that the study indicates guests from the United States are less patient than others? It’s true. Take check-in times as an example. In the study, satisfaction levels for U.S. guests dropped noticeably after a wait time of just five minutes, while guests from Japan allowed an average of 30 minutes before expressing considerable reduced satisfaction.

Though not quite a breakthrough, this study is a powerful reminder that taking a deeper dive into the cultural characteristics of your target markets can help you appeal to their unique interests and deliver on their distinct expectations.

Keep in mind, however, that online reviews are quickly becoming the trump card in any market. In fact, new research shows that reviews edge out price as a deciding factor, and hotels with predominantly negative reviews get dropped from consideration. Knowing more about your guests is certainly one measure to help prevent negative reviews.

We’d like to hear what you think about accommodating international guests? Please share your thoughts or experiences in the comment box below.

Catching up with social media

November 5, 2013

Catching up with social media

Only a decade ago social media wasn’t much more than an abstract idea. Today, it’s considered imprudent to run a business without a social media presence.

Think about it. In 2003 there was no Facebook or Twitter. There was no easy way to create your own website.

Now, more than one billion people around the world use Facebook and another 500 million are registered on Twitter. With sites like Priceline, TripAdvisor and others catering specifically to travel and hospitality, social media has become an everyday aspect of communication for lodging businesses of all types.

Develop a plan

There’s no standard How To guide for an effective social media plan. Like most new concepts, experimentation is the key to discovering what works best for your unique business.

A smart place to start is by listening to guests and anticipating their needs. Social media helps you be in contact with guests and inquire about special needs before they arrive. Use attentive opportunities and guest suggestions to build a customer-centered social strategy.

For any hotel, a Facebook page or Twitter account must be actively managed — adding content and responding to those who access such accounts. Social media strategies should be persistently tweaked and adjusted to be effective.

Drive the conversation

Your social media dialogue can be fueled by the events and activities of your business and the nearby opportunities you offer guests. With vehicles like Twitter, Facebook or a hotel blog, you can bring enthusiasm and inspiration to messages that keep guests informed.

Remember, social media gives anyone the ability to express views and opinions on review websites and their own private social media pages. Be aware of how guests view your business.

When you use social media consistently, guests feel more connected and comfortable with your business. It becomes personal, and shows you care. That type of relationship building spurs guests to promote their experience with your business.

Satisfied guests are returning guests and, through effective social media, they help you spread the word.

Want to share a social media tip with us? Just use the comment box below to tell us what has worked for you.

Give your guests 100% with Enverde

October 4, 2013

Give your guests 100% with Enverde

Today, most hospitality businesses are looking to strengthen their sustainability practices. With the introduction of Enverde™, a line of bath and facial tissue that’s 100% eco-friendly and 100% sourced in North America, your business can take another sustainable step forward.

Eco-smart practices and products can help hotels save money and attract new business. Consider that IBM doesn’t book a meeting or conference without first assessing a hotel’s green initiatives.1 With that, more travelers now recognize the symbols of independent certification bodies such as Green Seal and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Enverde reflects our commitment to developing and distributing products that meet the industry’s highest environmental standards. With three quality offerings — Essentials, Naturals, and Ultra — Enverde is part of our private Registry® brand portfolio of products and the latest addition to our Living Green collection of environmentally sensitive products.

Essentials and Naturals are manufactured with 100% recycled paper. Enverde Naturals bath and facial tissue (flat box) have received Green Seal certification. Enverde Ultra is manufactured with 100% virgin fiber and has received FSC certification. Packaging for this eco-friendly line also uses 100% recycled materials.

Smart products like Enverde can help you preserve natural resources, reduce operational costs and gain competitive advantages in the marketplace. To learn more about Enverde and place an order, visit americanhotel.com/enverde.

Help Your Guests Warm Up To Fall

September 10, 2013

Help your guests warm up to fall

The heat of summer has made way for the crisp air of fall. What does that mean for your guests? Giving your guests a little extra is a consistent theme in our blog posts, so let’s explore the possibilities.

One way to encourage repeat business in your hospitality venue is to provide guests with fun activities throughout the year. When it comes to fall, we have some exciting recommendations.

  • Hiking trails and nature walks
  • Swimming
  • Beach outings
  • Garden tours
  • Par course fitness trail jog/walk
  • Board games and chess
  • Bocce ball
  • Croquet
  • In-room electronic games
  • Arts & Crafts activities for kids and/or adults
  • Junior golf camp
  • Private golf lessons
  • Bird watching tours
  • Horseback riding
  • Canoe/kayak tours
  • Pedal boat rentals
  • Tennis (indoor/outdoor)
  • Tennis instruction
  • Fitness programs (indoor/outdoor)
  • Tween spa activities
  • Carriage rides
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Hot-air ballooning
  • Fishing
  • Jeep, Hummer & ATV Tours
  • Mountain biking and road cycling
  • Rock climbing
  • Paragliding
  • Cooking classes
  • Historic Tours
  • Art shows

Not every suggestion above will be a fit for your geographical location, but these ideas might help you add your own creative activity to the list. Is there a fun fall activity we should have included on our list? Please share it with us in a comment below.

Items Every Hotel Room Should Be Equipped With

August 13, 2013

The elements that produce maximum happiness in your guests – a happiness that guarantees return service and excellent online reviews – is a science in and of itself.

As you have probably already gathered, we are devoted to exploring these “scientific” questions so you can employ them in your hospitality services.

One of these happiness-producing elements is providing guests with a well-stocked room.

In this post, we will explore some of the most common and requested items in a hotel room. By equipping your guests with the items they want and need, you ensure that they are not consumed by worry. Instead, they can relax comfortably and without anxieties.

So, let’s give guests what they are asking for! Here are some of the most common requested hotel room items:

This concludes our list of items every hotel room should have. Providing each and every one of these items can be costly for some hospitality business, and this is list is by no means a baseline to strive for. Instead, this list serves as an ideal to reach after to ensure guests are comfortable and well taken care of so they can enjoy their stay.

Is there something you would add to this list? Please share it with us in a comment.

Supporting Jobs and Local Communities: The Story of 1888 Mills

July 1, 2013

1888 mills

Do you ever wonder where the various products that go into a hotel room are made at?  Although we have become accustomed to purchasing products that are made overseas, we frequently hear stories in the news of poor product construction or unsafe and even potentially dangerous working conditions.

More businesses are turning their attention back to US made goods, and for good reason.  The benefits of purchasing products that are made in the US are considerable:

  • Great quality products that are made in safe and ethical working conditions.
  • Substantially shorter delivery times to aid in sudden outage situations.
  • Supports local communites and the US economy as a whole

One company which has thrived on producing US-made products is 1888 Mills.  Tracing deep roots back to the heritage of textile manufacturing in the United States, 1888 Mills’ Griffin, Georgia towel facilities were started by a group of textile veterans with a goal of making US production a part of global strategy.

While their competitors decided to go “off shore”, 1888 Mills chose to make US manufacturing an integral part of its global plan and they now operate one of the last remaining towel manufacturing plants in the US.

1888 Mills is proud to have over 200 manufacturing jobs at its facilies in Griffin, many of whom have worked in their Griffin, GA plant for decades.  These jobs support families, build schools, provide leadership for the local community, and provide purchasing power needed to fuel the US economy.

In additon to providing quality towels to major retailors, 1888 Mills also manufactures many of the towels used in the hospitality industry.  Their Crown Touch® and Magnificence® towel collections are popular choices among many different hotels.

Please contact us to learn more about the 1888 Mills story!

Get connected: why every hotel should be using social media

May 13, 2013

social media marketing hotels

Last March, we reminded you that, “…with the heightened popularity of social media and hotel review websites, people are talking, leaving reviews, and influencing potential guests. People talk, so give them something to talk about: your incredible service.”

Clearly then, social media has its impact. But how else can you harness the power of social media and why should you? That is what we will be exploring in this post.

Hospitality venues need to understand consumers’ attitudes toward social media, and find ways to access and use the bank of information available on social media sites. Too often, many people – whether those in the hospitality industry or not – may not understand the full value of having an active, engaging social media presence, while those who do know prosper.

However, simply having an online social presence is never enough. The goal is to actively engage with fans and followers in fun ways. Develop real, genuine, and long-lasting relationships with them.

For example, Facebook holds an immense amount of potential for hotels because guests can not just share ideas and ask questions on the page, they must “check-in” to the hotel – not literally, however. Whoever checks-in to your hotel on Facebook will be voluntarily telling their friends and family where they have decided to book their reservations – with you.

But as mentioned, guests have the opportunity to spend time on your page and the more they are being engaged, the more time they are spending on your page seeing your name.

Use this opportunity to remain transparent so that complaints and concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Most people are aware that all places can have problems or make mistakes, but they want to know how well you find solutions. Social media proves it to potential guests.

Also, remember that people regularly look into the surrounding area when choosing a hotel. From nearby restaurants to upcoming events, guests look for places to go and things to do.

Use your page to showcase events, travel adventures, opportunities, and just about anything else going on in the area. Work with area companies, restaurants, etc., to offer guests discounts.

Additionally, social media can help you reward loyal customers, fans, and followers. For example, some hospitality services offer special rates for those that ‘like’ them on Facebook. You can also create engagement on social networks by giving out special rewards, such as discounts or prizes, to your most active users. Encourage past guests to write reviews about your venue on sites such as Yelp and Foursquare. Keep track of who your most engaged social media connections are and reward them. When others see how your business values loyalty and engagement, there is a good chance new people will choose to interact with your hotel more.

This post only explores the tip of the social media iceberg. Opportunities for those in the hospitality industry are vast and much of it is still unexplored territory. How will you use social media to boost your business?