Whether you’re running a boutique hotel, a B&B, or any kind of temporary accommodation for travellers, you want your hospitality business to be a success. However, there are different schools of thought as to what, exactly, matters most in hospitality and where your focus should be. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common answers below and how they can help you find success.
Your Location
Choosing the right location for your accommodation is one of the strongest drivers of success as it plays a huge role in demand, as well as pricing flexibility. If you have already chosen your location, you might not be able to move, but you can make sure that you help guests make the most of where you are, providing easy access to transportation services, or guides on local events and sights that you can provide information on, or use as part of your marketing.
Exceptional Customer Service
Customer service is practically in the name of the hospitality industry, so it should be no surprise that it’s considered such an important part of success in the sector, either. Guests remember how staff treated them more than anything about the rooms or even how much they paid. Warm, consistent, and proactive service builds trust and loyalty, turning first-time visitors into repeat customers and brand advocates. Well-trained staff who listen, anticipate needs, and resolve issues quickly can help ensure guest satisfaction even if there are a few hiccups along the way.
A Great Night’s Sleep
Of course, even if you treat guests with all the care they deserve, if they’re unable to sleep in their room, it’s going to make it difficult for them to recommend you. Good rooms should offer excellent soundproofing and light control, not to mention climate control for guests. The bedding is extra important, too, so include high-quality hotel duvets and fresh sheets, alongside comfortable mattresses for each and every guest. Cleanliness and hygiene must be primary priorities for your staff, as no clutter nor scent should get in the way of a guest’s ability to settle down for the evening.
Good Food And Drink
Food is just as much of a core part of the guest experience as how they sleep. Whatever you offer for food, be it a full-service restaurant, a simple breakfast offering, or otherwise, ensure the quality of your food on a real basis. Fresh ingredients, consistent preparation standards and choices such as catering to dietary needs can satisfy the emotional needs of a hungry guest, not just their wish for some grub. Partnering with good local providers can help you focus on the flavour of the region, as well.
The truth is that the most successful hospitality businesses don’t just choose one of the above factors to focus on: they satisfy them all. You need to make sure there are no gaps in your own services and that you’re making the best use of your location to stand out to the travellers you’re trying to win over.
