Hotel competition is getting more serious with the rise of travel apps like Airbnb. There is an increase in the desire that travelers have for an experience. Hotels are scrambling to keep their services and amenities top-notch because honestly, you can’t beat great service, amazing food and a beautiful and clean place to stay. Here are some tips to help you run the best hotel in Canada.
Location Is Everything
This is one of the hard truths about running a hotel. Having an amazing staff, set-up, and service is important, but location can make or break your business. Think about what your hotel is close to and capitalize on the events and potential clients. If there are annual festivities or celebrations held nearby, put marketing efforts in action to make sure the people going to these events consider your hotel first. It’s not about having a good or bad location, but rather about taking advantage of the location that your hotel is in. Another idea is to pair up with nearby restaurants and have fliers for your hotel in their lobby and vice versa.
It also has been proven for business travelers that location is extremely important. This is why you must strategize and keep clients who aren’t traveling for pleasure in mind, as well. If there are some conferences going on, get a sponsored ad in the email list or conference fliers. It also could be beneficial to send nearby businesses a gift basket with a note saying that if visitors need a hotel, you can be of service. This is often a way to build loyalty and gain recognition as a reliable hotel service.
Be Prepared
In the hotel business, you should be prepared for anything. This means having a few different shampoos in storage for that customer who ran out of their favorite, or keeping a dozen travel-size toothpaste tubes on hand for those who may have forgotten to pack some. These gestures will go a long way in making guests feel special and that they are being thought of. Small details like this can keep people coming back, which is why it is best to be one step ahead and note things that can make a customer’s stay more convenient.
Also, it is crucial to be prepared in a practical sense. Think of running a hotel as literally hosting guests in your home. You want them to feel that you are prepared and anticipating their visit. You’ll also need to maintain a sizeable inventory of everything from glassware to bathroom essentials in case you’re overbooked. It’s best to source potential vendors online because you can browse their entire catalogs on your own time and keep a constant flow of supplies coming in. Just remember to always look for local Canadian hotel supply outlets because having a trusted domestic partner can help keep costs down.
Stay and Informed and on Your Toes
One of the most important parts of running a hotel in 2018 is staying on top of trends and noting what your competitors are doing. Check out accommodation prices in the area, whether it be Airbnbs or other hotels. Look at what others are doing and think of your hotel in relation to that competition. Price might not be too much of a factor if you are in a high-end area, but what amenities are competitors offering that you are not? How do you compensate for that? What makes your hotel stand out? These are questions you need to be asking to retain customers and stay on top of the competition.
Oftentimes, hotel owners and managers go wrong by assuming their clients will stay loyal regardless of industry changes. This is not always true, especially with the rise of Airbnb and other housing alternatives. Be conscious of ways that your hotel stands out and market these accommodations accordingly, to secure a reservation from your target traveler.
Being on top of the hotel industry in Canada means taking advantage of your location, being prepared for anything, and staying knowledgeable on the changes in the industry. Whether on a business trip or business getaway, travelers look for a place they can be comfortable in, so it’s up to you to provide that service as best as you can to remain at the top of the hotel game.
