4 ways to improve guest stays

August 29, 2019
successful guest stay

Guest satisfaction is the ultimate goal of any hotel, and satisfied guests lead to positive reviews, increased customer loyalty, and continued success as a brand. Luckily, there are some simple ways to ensure your guests have the best stay – and that your business grows.

1. Be tech savvy

The first step to having happy guests is investing in a well-designed and mobile-friendly website. Guests’ experiences with your website will shape their opinion of your brand, so creating a platform that makes it easy to book rooms and includes the answers to all of their questions will foster a positive relationship for a positive stay. Also consider including a place where customers can leave feedback or opt in to receive a newsletter – all features guests will appreciate.

2. Foster satisfaction through food

The way to many people’s hearts is through food, so having unique and accessible culinary options are sure to score points. If budget allows, consider including complimentary breakfast every morning. Choose selections from a local bakery, regional cheeses, and locally sourced produce. Supporting local businesses is a great way to show guests you care – and it’s also a great way to make guests feel immersed in local culture.

3. Promote events and local activities

While it’s important to make guests feel at home in your guest rooms, travelers are also looking for things to do and memories to make. Keep brochures for local businesses, family friendly activities, and unique places for a night out easily accessible in the lobby or with a concierge. By promoting the area around your property, you invite travelers to choose you as their home away from home.

4. Pamper and personalize

It’s the little things that make a difference in any hotel experience, for large chain hotels as well as independent properties. Creating a simple and seamless process of booking, check-in and check-out, and housekeeping requests will ensure guests are never frustrated. Don’t be afraid to spend a little extra on items like premium mattresses, plush towels, and exclusive amenities to make guests feel pampered.

By adding extra touches and going above and beyond with your service, you’ll ensure guests will want to come back – and share their love of your property with future guests. 

Learn how to create the perfect poolside experience

3 small ways your property can make a big environmental impact

July 31, 2019

Sustainability has become a priority for hotels in recent years – not only because of its importance, but also because travelers are demanding it. According to the Booking.com 2019 Sustainable Travel Report, almost two thirds of U.S. travelers intend to stay at least once in an eco-friendly or green accommodation when looking at the year ahead.

Yet becoming more eco-friendly can be a long, complicated and costly process, especially for larger hotel chains. However, there are some easy changes properties can make to go green.

1. Replace plastic straws with paper ones

Many organizations are taking steps to remove plastic straws from their properties and replace them with paper ones. In fact, some cities and states across the country have started implementing their own plastic straw bans, which can impact the hotels that do business there. To make a change like this one more attainable, start slowly and set a long-term goal for their removal.

2. Encourage recycling

Recycling is a practice that has been around for a long time, yet not all properties have fully embraced it. Start by simply adding recycling receptacles to common areas, making it easy for guests to recycle. Also, encourage employees to be more eco-friendly by giving them a quick training on what can and can’t be recycled.

3. Use compostable can liners

Even if you succeed in setting up a recycling program at your property, it won’t mean as much if your can liners aren’t compostable. Consider investing in the Pitt Plastics BioStar compostable can liner, which is made with a Star Sealed compostable plastic that can help keep your facility eco-friendly and support your mission to protect the environment. The liners are made with 1.0 millimeter fiber content that prevents leaks and ensures durability, and are perforated with 150 bags per case to keep supplies well stocked. They come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs, including:

While it may not be easy to completely overhaul your current practices and replace them with greener ones, by making these small changes, you’ll help the environment and also attract sustainable-minded guests.

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.

How to create the perfect poolside experience

June 14, 2019

As temperatures heat up, you know the pool is the place to be. Equipping your indoor or outdoor pool area with quality towels will ensure that guests have a great experience, whether they’re lying on a lounge chair or drying off after a morning swim.

The power of the Fibertone™ process

It may be tempting to stay away from colored or designed towels because of their tendency to fade, but with ultra-durable Fibertone™ Towels by 1888 Mills®, you don’t have to worry about washed-out fabrics. Fibertone, a patented color technology, is a revolutionary process that produces stable colors that don’t fade or bleed. What’s more, their color holds up to harsh chemicals and sunlight, making them the ideal poolside companion.

Comfort is key

While color-stay power is important, guests truly appreciate a comfortable, absorbent towel post-swim. Fibertone Towels are made from a ring-spun cotton blend, which combines ultimate softness with maximum absorbency and wear, so guests can wrap up in a cozy towel after a long day at the pool.

Choose style and substance

Fibertone Towels come in a range of patterns and colors, from Seafoam Stripe to Sandstone. This way, you can match your pool towels to your décor and create a cohesive setting. They are also available in different dimensions – 24″ x 48″, 24″ x 50″, 24″ x 52″, 24″ x 54″, 30″ x 60″, 30″ x 70″, 35″ x 70″, and 36″ x 70″ – to suit any size need.

A selection of Fibertone Towels are on sale thru June 23, making them good for your guests, and your bottom line. Stock up now and save on these swimming essentials.

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.

Are you ready to boost your clean?

May 17, 2019

Give your housekeeping staff the power of productivity with the new QUICKBOOST™ Cordless Upright Vacuum from Sanitaire. The QUICKBOOST’s cordless technology combines portable cleaning with powerful suction and innovative features to increase productivity while conquering even tricky and demanding last-minute jobs.

The benefits of going cordless

Cordless vacuums are easy to use which can optimize productivity and help you save on labor costs. Also, by eliminating the typical time-consuming cord and outlet restraints, your facility can actually be made safer with less potential tripping hazards.

Perfect for your property needs

The QUICKBOOST Cordless Upright Vacuum is ideal for those tough jobs, such as elevators and stairs; in and around areas requiring fast, consistent touchups, like bellman or valet stands; as well as efficient, around-the-clock cleaning to meet the rigorous standards of hotels, bars and restaurants.

And this vacuum is loaded with these great features to unleash an exceptional clean:

  • Cord-free technology – offers speed and efficiency
  • Up to 47 minutes of power* – starts powerful and stays powerful for more effective cleaning
  • Recharge time of 2.5 hours – minimal downtime for maximum productivity
  • Lightweight design – at just 12.5 pounds, your staff can grab and go with comfort and ease
  • LED-powered night vision – helps to easily spot dirt and debris in dark areas
  • Multi-surface cleaning capability – reach every square foot in hard surface or carpeted areas
  • LEED-qualified cleaning 24/7 – less than 70 dBA keeps disturbances at a minimum all the time

*Results based on hard surface testing

Shop today and give your housekeeping staff a powerful boost in productivity.

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.

Discover a better way to sanitize

March 25, 2019

It’s true. In just 20 minutes, the number of microbes on a surface can double. That’s why it’s important to have a coordinated and consistent plan of attack.

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.

Well, P&G Professional has taken action to deliver a powerful solution. By partnering with Microban®– the global leader in antimicrobial, odor control, and surface modification technologies – P&G has introduced three new sanitization/disinfection products to address the re-contamination of surfaces.

P&G Professional believes that investing in a cleaning and sanitization program is a pillar of delivering a great guest experience. It partners with professionals who aim to make every experience count.

Microban 24-hour sanitizers deliver new benefits that include:

  • 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.
  • 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.

What makes Microban apart from traditional disinfectants?

Microban 24 provides continuous antibacterial sanitizing for up to 24 hours. It is the ONLY product for professional use that makes this claim!

Available now

The new Microban® ready-to-use lineup consists of three items to clean, disinfect/sanitize, and deodorize:

All three products have a light citrus scent and sanitize in as little as 10 seconds, killing 99.9% of organisms and keeping surfaces sanitized between cleanings for up to 24 hours.

With Microban, you have the ability to clean, disinfect, and protect against key organisms. Please click here for more information on task areas and usage.

To create the best impression, change ironing board covers seasonally

March 18, 2019

Spring is here – have you checked the condition of your guest room ironing board covers and pads? If not, it’s time to add this to your spring and seasonal cleaning checklists.

Since guests use ironing boards for more than just ironing – as an extra table, working or eating space – it’s not surprising to find dirt, spills and food residue on them, in addition to the general wear and tear that comes from being used in a busy hospitality environment. Let’s face it – guests want to look their best, and they don’t want to put their clean clothes on a dirty cover.

We recommend changing ironing board covers every three months or seasonally to provide the most positive guest room experience.

Registry® replacement covers offer value and quality

Look to Registry, our personal brand, for replacement covers and pads to suit your property needs. Available in a wide variety of styles and colors, each features:

  • One-piece construction that’s scorch- and stain-resistant
  • Durable fiber padding
  • A smooth, snug fit with choice of drawcord or elastic binding

Shop all Registry replacement covers now and save thru April 1.

Sustainability Beyond Manufacturing Martex®

March 11, 2019


Green Bedding & Towels from WestPoint Hospitality™

As part of American Hotel’s commitment to helping you meet your business sustainability goals, we offer a broad selection of environmentally sensitive Living Green products from a host of distinguished suppliers, like WestPoint Hospitality and its premier Martex brand.

Martex Green products are engineered to perform to the highest standards and boast an extended lifecycle without compromising the quality of the guest experience. WestPoint Hospitality utilizes earth-friendly fibers and certified sustainable processing techniques to create these products, which require less water, energy, and less chemical production and maintenance.

All Martex Green fabrics feature DryFast® technology, a proprietary process that makes an incredible performance impact on any cotton or cotton-blended fabric. It reduces drying time and increases stain resistance which ultimately reduces the carbon footprint. In addition, the fabrics are Oeko-Tex certified for textile purity and safety.

Martex Green Bedding

This eco-friendly collection is made of certified organic cotton and blended with recycled polyester. Flat and fitted sheets are equipped with TrueFit colored hem threads for easy size identification. Duvets, pillow shams, mattress pads, blankets, bedskirts, and pillows are also available. Shop Martex Green bedding now.

Martex Green Towels

These responsibly manufactured, cloud-soft towels feature single-ply, ring-spun organic cotton loops for superior absorbency, and  the 75% organic cotton/25% recycled polyester under-weave enhances the towels’ durability. Martex Green Towels are Fresh & Ready™ – cured in hot water and ready to use from the package without initial laundering, which reduces money and energy costs. Shop Martex Green towels now.

Shop all Martex Green products now and save thru March 24.