Running a hotel isn’t always an easy job, even if you’ve done it before. So, that’s why it’s essential to stay on top of things and keep learning. Learning to run one well doesn’t take long if you have a little help. Here are a few ideas to help you make this year the best one ever.
1. Make Sure to Get a Comprehensive Insurance Policy
One of the first things you have to do as a hotel owner is to find somewhere to get insurance. A small accident could put you out of business until you have a comprehensive policy. Since they cover anything that might happen, it’s worth the peace of mind.
Hotel insurance isn’t something you’ll never use, either. If one of the guests had an issue in their room, it would cover the cost of damage. That way, you’re not stuck without one of your rooms for too long.
2. Pick Somewhere Attractive as a Location
Nothing has a bigger impact on a hotel’s success than its location. If you’ve already opened for business, then you may not have much control over this now. But, if there’s still time to choose where you’ll open, do plenty of research.
When choosing a location, consider whether it’ll be busy all year. If it has slow times, make sure to prepare for them. But, you should find somewhere there will always be business if you look hard.
3. Only Keep Effective Members of Your Staff
After a hotel has opened to the public, they’re limited on what they can do. One of the most important things has always been getting rid of ineffective staff. If you have them on your payroll, you’re wasting money.
So, keep an eye on who has performed up to expectations and reward them appropriately. It’ll encourage them to keep performing well if they’ve earned it.
But, if someone has fallen behind, don’t keep them around. Letting them get away with doing less than their fair share is a horrible example.
4. Give Patrons a Referral Bonus
How have you been getting patrons to refer new customers after they’ve stayed the night? If you aren’t asking them for referrals, then you’ve been letting business go out the door.
Simply requesting a list of them is usually enough to make them comply. Plus, you can offer them something for free if they’ve given you a few of them. Offering an incentive for each one has proven effective for many owners.
5. Always Pay Attention to Reviews
Once somebody has left a bad review, there’s no time to waste. You have to address it immediately, or the consequences will linger for years. So, go online and ask them what happened to warrant a bad review.
Usually, you can get them to remove it if they need something. Just give them whatever they’re asking for and be done with it. As long as they’ll take down the bad review, losing a little money won’t hurt.
6. Offer Something Nowhere Else Has
Seeing what others have to offer can be enlightening, especially if you’ve never seen them. If you can offer something they haven’t, you’ll have a leg up on them.
So, spend a few nights at other hotels nearby. Then, ask what they’ve done that your hotel hasn’t. After you’ve figured out how they’re doing it, it shouldn’t be hard to emulate them.
7. Maintain Reliable Communications
Everyone has seen a customer service rep that is less than helpful at some point. But, you never want to see that happening at your hotel. One of the easiest ways to enhance things is by improving your communications. As soon as somebody tries to get ahold of you, be there for them.
If they don’t have to wait long for a response, they’ll feel like they’re being treated well.
How to Run a Hotel Well
Managing a hotel is all about learning the ropes at first. Once you’ve figured out how it’s done, nothing seems that complicated anymore, either. So, get started and don’t stop. It might take a bit for you to master this craft, but the results are always worthwhile.
