American Hotel Blog

Serving up the hottest bar trends

April 9, 2014

Word on the street is the old-fashioned hotel mini-bar is a thing of the past. Teeny refrigerators across the country are ending up in the dumpster – and it isn’t hard to see why.

Humans are social creatures. When we’re traveling we generally spend all day doing one of two things – sitting in a conference room or running about town taking in the city and sights. At the end of the day, guests want to relax with a cocktail, but not typically alone with only the room television for company.

Cue the in-house bar. Bars are re-entering the hotel scene and coming on strong. Boutiques and high-end hotels nationwide are embracing the trend, transforming boring-but-functional bars into jazz era speakeasies or full on nightclubs. It’s not just the big dogs that are picking up on the trend, either. Plenty of small to mid-size venues are ditching the mini-bars and joining in.

If you’re hoping to cash in on the trend, you don’t need to spring for a total re-design. All that really matters is a good mixologist, the right equipment and a few solid signature drinks. Craft beers and ciders are trending right now and old classics like Pisco Sours and the Old Fashioned are making a comeback.

Of course, not every venue has a liquor license – or even wine and beer – and that’s perfectly ok. You can still offer something unique like old-fashioned sodas or locally made juices. Paired with some nice seating, and space to mingle, that could be plenty to keep your guests happy (and keep the reservations coming in).

Hotel guests love having a convenient place to socialize, and a popular bar can bring in local traffic as well. Who wouldn’t be tempted to pop in for a quick drink and unwind a bit knowing that their comfy sleeping quarters are just a few steps away? Happy guests, and more money spent in your venue. We’ll go ahead and call that a win-win. Cheers!

The Hotelier’s Guide to Guest Satisfaction

March 25, 2014

The Hotelier’s Guide to Guest Satisfaction

Guest satisfaction. As a hotelier or hospitality professional, you know that this is the pillar of a successful business. Every hotel strives to meet guest demands and desires, but it’s not always easy to decipher what they’re asking for. This quick guide helps explain some of the biggest must-haves (and must-not’s) for happy guests in 2014.

Yes, Please Do.

Wi-Fi – It’s a digital world. Therefore, Wi-Fi remains the number one guest request. According to recent polls, 89% of hotel guests expect free Wi-Fi, with only 11% reporting that paid access to the Internet is an acceptable cost.

Free Stuff – Ok, we know this is a little vague, but that’s on purpose. Think about it, breakfast is good, but free breakfast is just so much tastier, isn’t it? The same goes for parking, personal care items, and a bottle or two of complimentary water in-room. Basically, hotel guests want as many freebies as possible – but they don’t necessarily care what those freebies are.

A High-End Coffee Maker – In order to get down to the lobby for that free breakfast, you have to have something to get you out of bed. Cue the coffee maker! You don’t need to put out $10 for an ounce beans, but guests expect a decent cup of coffee, and they don’t want to have to buy it at your hotel restaurant.

Seasonal Activities & Experiences – The experiences a hotel can offer are the difference between a pleasant stay, and a memorable vacation. You want to aim for the latter of the two. That doesn’t mean you have to prepare elaborate vacation packages, but with summer right around the bend, it shouldn’t be too difficult to add some outdoor activities and adventures. Venues with plentiful outdoor space could add outdoor fire pits or grills, outdoor yoga, or a free-view movie on the lawn.

No, Thank You.

Over Sharing – Loudly announcing your guests’ room numbers and billing can make guests feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. They do not want the entire lobby knowing what room they’re staying in. The same goes for check out. Use discretion when reviewing bill details and amounts. Your guests will appreciate the privacy.

Dim Lighting – Don’t try to play it off as ‘mood lighting’. Guests want to be able to read easily, navigate their messy room littered with luggage and, you know, see their face in the mirror. Besides, dull light bulbs make rooms look dingy, and your guests may wonder if the darkness is hiding dusty furniture.

Tip Envelopes – Your staff works hard and they deserve to be compensated. However, the tip envelope is a slippery slope. To some, asking for a tip looks tacky. Guests that have already spent a small fortune on vacation may feel guilty if they can’t afford a few extra bucks, which can leave a bad taste in their mouth come checkout time.

We hope these tips help you increase your guests’ delight. What else would you add to this list? Use the comment box below to share your thoughts.

Create the perfect sleep environment

March 13, 2014

Create the perfect sleep environment

Give your guests a good night’s sleep. Whether traveling or on an extended stay, everyone wants to sleep well. Here are some smart tips to help you create a great sleep environment.

Quality vs. Quantity
It’s a widely held misconception that, when it comes to sheets, thread count matters most. In some cases, a 600-thread count set of sheets may not be as good as 400 thread count sheets. What really matters is fabric. High quality Egyptian cotton with a lower thread count may be just as good, if not better, than high thread count in a lower-quality fabric. The fabrics to look for are Egyptian cotton or pima cotton – also referred to as Supima.
Shut the Light Out
It can be tough to promise a soundless sleep in a hotel given the nature of the business. People are up and down halls all the time, elevators are moving, ice machines churning out cubes. But, you can encourage sleep by outfitting your rooms with “black-out” curtains. The heavy material shuts out light, creating a dark, snuggly sleep den with a simple pull of the drapes.
Consider Scent
If you really want to go the extra mile to ensure your guests are getting sound restful sleep, invest in some sleepy scents. Lavender is often associated with relaxation and sleep, but best of all is jasmine. A study revealed that a whiff of the fragrant flower reduces anxiety and has a calming effect. If the thought of placing living flowers in each room regularly makes your wallet shudder with fear, try a jasmine scented air freshener or linen spray.
Drown Out Sounds
As we mentioned, it can be tough to guarantee a noise free stay, even if you place sleep troubled guests in optimal rooms. The simplest answer is a white noise machine. The devices can help drown outside noise and create a more soothing sleep environment for your guests. They come at a relatively inexpensive price. But, if you’re not up for equipping all rooms with one, try adding them as a service available upon request.

Well-rested guests are sure to be happier guests. Now that we’ve given you the tools to better sleep, it’s just a matter of which ones you’ll implement at your venue, and perhaps even in your own home. As mentioned, everybody wants to catch some quality Zs, not just travelers. Help them rest up and you will make a lasting impression.

Spa Bathrooms: Not Just for Luxury Hotels

March 4, 2014

Spa Bathrooms: Not Just for Luxury Hotels

The bathroom is an often overlooked space of the hospitality industry. It’s equipped with necessities, stocked with supplies and given mild attention in terms of décor. Unless you were visiting a luxury hotel – one of the ritzy high-end venues that people dream of being married in – this bathroom setup was the staple. Jacuzzi tubs and luxe products were reserved for the posh venues. In recent years, that’s all begun to change. Luxurious, spa-like bathrooms are becoming the new normal for mid-level to luxury-level hotels.

It’s not surprising that this fad is catching on. It’s a great alternative for hotels that don’t have an in-house spa. All that’s required is a few product upgrades, and wham, just like that you’ve elevated your guest experience toward the realm of luxury. Just think about how many guests will appreciate spa-like features right in their room. After a long day of travel, when the body is achy and you’re far from home, all you want is a bit of relaxation. A spa bathroom is just what the doctor ordered.

Here are a few tips to help make your bathrooms more luxurious.

Start with a Good Tub
If you’re currently working with a shower tub combo but have the space to do separates, it is worth considering. A bathtub is the prominent feature in a bathroom and a nice one whispers “luxury.” It doesn’t have to be a high-tech, top of the line Jacuzzi tub, even just one that is a bit oversized with a sloping back will do the trick. If you can’t make the tub happen, then upgrade your shower head. A waterfall shower or massage feature will put a smile on guests’ faces.
Swaddle Your Guests in Plush Fabrics
After enjoying all of the lovely amenities of their personal spa bathroom, guests want to wrap themselves in something soft and snuggly. Plush towels and bathrobes are like the cherry on top.
Pleasing Products
Guests staying in your hotel are often far from home, and all of the comforts that go along with it. Make them feel like they’re not settling for second best while on the road by stocking products that feel luxurious.
Keep it Organized
Far too often, bath amenities are cluttering the counters, or lined up on the edge of the tub, waiting to be tripped over. A simple caddy fixes that problem, and looks nice.

If you’re unsure about the scale of your upgrades, start slow. Revamp the bathrooms in suites, if nothing else. A fair cross-section of guests will likely be willing to spend a bit more to receive a luxurious personal spa. You can rest easy knowing that they’ll check out feeling rejuvenated and happy. After all, a happy guest is a repeat guest.

Does pet friendly = guest friendly?

February 18, 2014

Does pet friendly = guest friendly?

Not every hotel is willing to embrace their guests’ furry and feathered counterparts. While that’s perfectly fine, those that do make room for pets may soon see an increase in booking.

Today, pets are a huge part of the average family dynamic. The thought of leaving Fido or Fifi at home or in a kennel while owners hit the road can evoke a pang of sadness. So much so that many pet owners opt to stay in a different hotel than originally intended just so their beloved pets can tag along. As of 2013, an estimated 61% of properties welcomed pets into their hotel.

In fact, hoteliers, both domestic and abroad, have gone so bananas over the influx of guests thanks to an open pet policy that they’ve started crafting elaborate packages tailored to the truly pampered pet. One Paris hotel offers a ‘Posh Dog’ menu complete with chopped filet of beef and a side of basmati rice. Stateside, some hotels offer exercise classes for both owner and dog to participate in, called ‘doga’, as well as spa treatments such as ‘pet-icures’. If this all sounds a little over the top to you, don’t worry – pet owners say there are really just a few key things they’re looking for when booking a pet-friendly hotel.

Pets-Accepted vs. Pet-Friendly
Pet parents tend to show allegiance with a particular hotel or chain once they’ve found one that they like. If you’re going to advertise as ‘pet-friendly,’ it is important that you actually are pet friendly – meaning you don’t just accept animals if your guest happens to have one, but you welcome them.
Competitive Prices
This, again, tends to relate back to ‘pet-accepting’ vs. ‘pet-friendly’. An elevated fee for a pet-friendly room is expected and completely fine with pet owners, but sky rocketing pet fees will not make for happy guests. This is seen as false advertising, in a sense. The high prices signify tolerance of pets rather than happily accommodating pets, so be sure to look at what other hotels are charging and keep your fees as competitive as you can afford.
Location, Location, Location
Yes, this has to do with physical location. Pet-friendly hotels on grassy lots avoid the fear that pups will be left in desperate need of a grassy relief. Make sure your hotel has a suitable dog walk area, even if it’s just a grassy strip circling the building. Cooped up pups are no fun for anyone. Be sure to place pet waste stands throughout the walk space to encourage responsible pet-ownership.

Even if you are not an animal person, your guests may be, and it’s all about their experience. The more fun that they’re having at your venue, the more apt they are to remember it, spread the word, and return with Fido on their next trip.

Offer a great, affordable Valentine’s Day Package

February 5, 2014

Offer a great, affordable Valentine’s Day Package

With so many couples looking for a romantic weekend getaway, every hotel is upping their game to lure them in. What’s your plan?

On a grand scale, one growing Valentine trend in hospitality is luxury vacation packages. A Fort Lauderdale hotel offers a $13,000 package that includes a night on a private chartered yacht. Another south Florida hotel has put together a package that includes round-trip helicopter transportation, a Ferrari California loaner car, a seaplane tour, a helicopter tour, and a cruise, all for the cost of $55,000!

Some V-Day packages are even more extravagant. No time to pick out a ring? No problem, just roll it into the cost of your Valentine’s Day hotel package. These are no small baubles either – one D.C. hotel’s engagement ring boasts a whopping 5.01-karat diamond!

If you feel like keeping a stock of diamonds on hand for your soon-to-be-newlyweds, more power to you. In the midst of the madness over Valentine’s Day, we find ourselves reminiscing on an old saying, “You can’t buy love.” Instead of sending your guests out of your hotel in search of luxury, why not invite them in? Here are a few ideas to consider:

Stock up on some champagne and chocolates for your guests or create a romantic menu and ambiance
Create a package of scented soaps and massage oils to give your Valentine’s couples a romantic gift that won’t require a security team
Make sure you supply luxury linens to help your guests feel like they’re truly on the perfect vacation – this could make the decision to check out in search of more luxurious digs a lot more difficult.

Although shiny gemstones and decadent luxury are certainly awe-inspiring, when you’re in love simple is just as beautiful. Make your property a Valentine’s Day destination.

Picturing more guests

January 21, 2014

Are you a user of Pinterest or Instagram? Chances are you have at least heard of these popular social media platforms. It’s also likely that you’ll be hearing much more because, in hospitality, Pinterest and Instagram could lead to thousands of new guests.

For the most part, users of Pinterest and Instagram share and tag photos. In the hotel industry, photo sharing social channels are trending and experts don’t anticipate that to change any time soon. In fact, experts from both Conde Nast Traveler and Cox & Kings predict that geolocating mediums, such as Instagram, will play an increasingly larger role in 2014.

One Sydney hotel, the 1888, has already banked on this idea and has even claimed the title as the first “Instagram Hotel.” In fact, the hotel recently offered a free night stay to any Instagram user with over 10,000 connections. Why would its leaders make such an offer? When you have a guest snapping photos of his or her hotel stay to a network of 10,000+ people instantly, you are gaining some serious exposure.

If you are curious how social media could help your business, there are many how-to strategies on the Web. The tips below are excerpted from a best-practice guide to getting the most out of your Pinterest and Instagram efforts.

Use your brand logo as your profile picture. Be sure it’s the same logo that is being used on other social platforms – cohesion presents a more organized, professional decorum and means less confusion for consumers.
Give potential guests a sneak peek of your hotel. Take photos of different types of rooms and any sort of specialty accommodations or amenities. This satisfies consumer curiosity about what they have to look forward to if they choose to book a room.
Go beyond your building. Make boards or posts about activities on your grounds or nearby. Highlight unique events, destinations or landmarks in the surrounding city or town.
People love food. Consider dedicating a picture board to the food you’re known for. Get your audience hungry to plan a visit.

While it may take some time to see the fruits of your labor, a dedicated effort and careful monitoring can lead to an expansive audience and more guests at your doorstep.

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Using the box below, tell us if your business has benefitted from a specific social media strategy.

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.

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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.

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