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Hotel Guest Room

Check in on hotel-quality hangers

January 18, 2023

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.

More hotels moving to bulk amenities

October 20, 2022

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.

3 quick tips to deliver on guest expectations

March 12, 2020

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 at americanhotel.com.

Tips for powerfully sanitizing your property

March 2, 2020
microban

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.

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.

Embracing the impact of more green moves

October 3, 2019
living green

You’ve likely seen the headlines. Last month Marriott International announced that it’s moving away from single-use bath amenities in its hotel properties around the world. Since these plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and bath gel often end up in landfills, Marriott instead will equip its guest baths with larger, pump-topped bottles – also known as bulk dispensers.

It’s big news in our industry for a couple of reasons: First, according to the company’s August 28 announcement, this environmental stance is expected to prevent about 500 million tiny bottles annually from going to landfills. That’s about 1.7 million pounds of plastic, a 30 percent annual reduction from the iconic brand’s current amenity plastic usage. Secondly, Marriott’s not the only hospitality leader to launch bold sustainability plans.

Building on environmental momentum

In fact, IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group) made a similar pledge earlier this summer. IHG will switch to bulk-size bathroom amenities in all of its properties by the end of 2021. And earlier in the summer, the Radisson Hotel Group™ introduced a series of environmentally and socially responsible initiatives at its beachfront resorts in Asia.

Radisson’s steps included replacing plastic straws as well as plastic bottles. Marriott began phasing out disposable plastic straws and stirrers in its properties last year, and IHG promises to remove plastic straws from its hotels by the end of 2019. Hilton has also made paper straws a brand standard in its properties.

“As a product supplier to Marriott, IHG and Hilton, we absolutely support and celebrate these major initiatives,” said Deidre Schwartz, Director of Design & Sustainability at American Hotel. “But we also view their announcements as a call to action to the industry as a whole. For us, that means strengthening our ability to identify and offer more environmentally responsible products to help our customers be true stewards of sustainability.”

A rallying cry for sustainable practices

To that end, our Living Green collection of eco-friendly products has grown to more than 4,600 items in a variety of categories. This includes bulk amenity dispensers. As a product manager at American Hotel, Katie Schultz works closely with hotel customers who happen to share IHG and Marriott’s renewed focus on bath amenities.

“Yes, we are seeing more interest in our bulk dispensers, but we have also helped customers choose amenities that are made of natural ingredients, are paraben free, and use recyclable packaging,” said Schultz. “By partnering with our suppliers as well as customers, we are offering more alternatives every year that support new sustainability goals.”

As a hospitality source with more than 150 years of industry expertise, American Hotel has always guided its hotel customers through the challenges and opportunities of change. Being a partner in support of environmental change is no different.

“There is no question the way all of us operate is changing forever,” said Schwartz. “And there is no question we, as a hospitality supplier, are positioned to make a dramatic difference for our customers and for our communities. This is a call to action we embrace, because it’s our collective responsibility to make sure future generations are afforded the same opportunities we have.”

3 tips for cleaning guest rooms with ease

September 27, 2019
cleaning tips

Housekeeping staff have a challenging task – they need to clean guest rooms quickly and efficiently, while also ensuring rooms are left in pristine shape. With guests’ expectations high, any slip up could lead to a bad review, which can negatively impact your hotel brand.

So, how do housekeepers keep up with demand while keeping rooms clean and tidy? Here are some tips for going above and beyond when cleaning guest rooms.

1. Start with a clean slate

When working against the clock, it can be tempting for housekeepers to clean around guests’ items, instead of under them. But doing so can look sloppy and unprofessional. Instead, advise cleaning staff to remove all of the clutter from an area before cleaning it, so that way they are sure to cleanse the space thoroughly and not miss a spot.

2. Choose a versatile cart

The right housekeeping cart can make a huge difference in the preparedness and efficiency of your staff. That’s why it’s important to invest in quality carts such as the new Xduty Xpress Cart from Hospitality 1 Source. The Xpress Cart is compact in design, yet includes a bag with multiple storage options to meet the needs of any guest room. 

Additional features include:

  • A durable, hammertone powder-coated finish
  • A sturdy, multi-purpose bag with numerous pockets and storage areas
  • Easy assembly with no tools required
  • Four swivel wheels that easily attach to the bottom of the cart

3. Add a special touch

While it may seem trivial, adding a small touch to the room after cleaning – a note from the housekeeper, a uniquely folded towel, a small chocolate on the pillow – can make a big impression. It shows that your staff – and ultimately your property – go the extra mile to make your guests feel special.

Learn more about the Xduty Xpress Cart, and get ready for a better cleaning experience.  

Say goodbye to bed bugs with this pro tip

July 3, 2019
mattress protection

Bed bugs are some of the most difficult and expensive pests to get rid of – and they are a real problem for properties. Since 2006, The Bedbug Registry has reported over 20,000 bed bug incidents covering 12,000 locations. That’s why investing in bed bug prevention should be a top priority for hotels.  

The toughest protection against bed bugs

If you want to prevent bed bugs from infiltrating your property, consider investing in high-quality mattress protection, like the CleanRest PRO Max encasement. This innovative product protects against bed bugs, spills, mold and dust mites – and it’s machine washable.

Here are just some of the reasons why CleanRest PRO Max is a great choice for protecting your guests – and your reputation:

A better night’s sleep: CleanRest PRO Max has a clever design with four sides of waterproofing (top, bottom, left, and right sides), which make this encasement perfect for the flippable mattress. The purpose of this waterproof design is to allow warmed air to escape the mattress encasement at the head and foot of the bed to regulate the mattress temperature. It’s important to know that waterproof fabrics are not air permeable, meaning, air cannot pass through. Other mattress encasement brands with six sides of waterproofing (every panel) will trap warm air, which increases the mattress temperature and makes for a hot and sweaty sleep.

All being said, CleanRest PRO Max is perfectly designed for maximum protection while supporting a cool, comfortable night’s sleep.

Easy installation: The encasement’s air permeable fabric at the head and foot makes the product easy to install. Your housekeepers won’t need to wrestle with the encasement to push the air out as they attempt to install it – saving time and energy.

Extra protection: CleanRest offers an extra layer of protection against bed bugs with patented Zip-N-Click closure. Zip-N-Click is the only fully integrated and self-locking zipper device that defends the zipper pull area from escaping or invading bed bugs. No Velcro or zip ties are needed to keep this encasement closed. The encasement is fully zippered, making it easy to install, and it’s fully protected with double stitched zipper tape.

To learn more about CleanRest encasements, visit the new americanhotel.com.

Spotlighting a pioneer in amenities

May 23, 2019

For over 35 years, Hunter Amenities has pioneered a remarkable array of superior personal care products, from distinctive hotel amenities to luxurious spa and retail collections.

As one of the world’s leading formulators and amenity producers, Hunter is committed to positively impact the environment through ethical, sustainable sourcing and manufacture. From incorporating recycled materials and water-based inks in production, to using solar panels in facilities and offering take-back programs to strengthen recycling efforts, Hunter’s dedication to sustainability is relentless, as they focus on making our world a better place.

A collection inspired by sustainability

EcoLOGICAL amenities are created from the ground up to be the logical choice for discerning, environmentally conscious guests. Simple and natural, these premium paraben-free formulas will leave them feeling refreshed with a revitalizing scent of crisp cucumber and fresh. The attractive, sustainable packaging is made from distinctive biodegradable plastics and recyclable materials.

Choose from an array of bottled products – shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, and lotion – plus a bar of gentle cleansing soap in two popular guest sizes.

Offer the amenities guests really notice

May 9, 2019

When travelers talk of hotel amenities, they’re often referring to such property accoutrements as an infinity-edge pool, luxurious spa facility, or even exclusive concierge extras. But, as those of us on the service side of hospitality know, one of the most important elements of a pleasant guest stay is the essential amenities of the guest bath.

Yes, there are the all-important bath and body collections – guests definitely arrive with a defined set of expectations. But, consider the items that are only noticed when they are not in place. For example, a tabletop mirror that helps guests get ready for a day of business or an evening of pleasure. If it’s not there, it’s likely that you’ll hear about it.

It’s these types of amenities, or accessories, that our product experts make sure you remember. And, as your trusted guides, we offer suitable options from trusted brands like Sunbeam. In fact, the Sunbeam Lighted Tabletop Mirror  is all about style and convenience. It includes a nine-minute auto off feature, 1x and 3x magnification, and Halo perimeter lighting that provides enhanced visibility. It’s also easy to clean and won’t pit or tarnish.

Of course, Sunbeam also offers top-notch hair dryer options for the guest bath. Its Folding Retractable Handheld Hair Dryer is compact, powerful and retractable. At 1875 watts, it comes with a concentrator and offers three heat and speed settings, a cool-shot button for styling, and a three-year limited warranty.

Then there’s the Sunbeam 1875W Folding Handheld Hair Dryer, which provides styling power with two heat and speed options and a cool-shot button. Its compact design with folding handle includes a convenient six-foot power cord.