How often do you think about how to “WOW Your Customers”? If you have customers say WOW about your property and its service every day, then you are the right track and you don't need to read this post. If not, then I have 14 Ways to WOW Your Customers so they want to return. The essence of being a great host is showing your guests you care, great customer service and that they are your number one concern. I have [...]
Most of the Keystone HDC posts have been geared towards current Independent Hotel and Bed & Breakfast owners. But what if you are new to this concept? What if you are dreaming of becoming a self-sufficient, want to learn how to start a hotel but are not quite sure where to start. You need a plan. You need a plan and put it into action before you ever consider opening your doors to guests. Some of you might be thinking [...]
Are you a good example for your Bed & Breakfast or Hotel Employees? If you have a organisational strategy in place, are relaxed with all your guests and also have taken time to employ great employees, your work ethic will reflect on your Bed & Breakfast or Hotel Employees and your day-to-day operation. If you're disorderly, always late or feel lackluster at the workplace, it will also reflect on your staff and your day-to-day operation. So, exactly what does this suggest? The work [...]
Do you know what I find interesting? How many independent hotel and bed & breakfast owners continue to have and enforce bad policies. It’s 2015 and I have met many hospitality property owners who manage their staff like it is the 1960’s. The arguments varied but many I have spoken with have told me they treat their employees exactly the same way they were treated when they began their work careers. If you remember back to the 50’s, 60’ and [...]
Are you a proprietor of an Independent Hotel or Bed & Breakfast? Do you have a problem finding great employees? Do you feel like you would need to clone yourself to get everything done the way you like? Unfortunately, we do not reside in a perfect world; cloning isn't a scientific option and usually there's not sufficient time in a day for you to handle all aspects of your property. There are times you will require help. [...]
When starting a business is setting up an Organizational Structure a priority? So, you'd made a conscious decision in the past to open an Independent Hotel or Bed & Breakfast. The very thought of being your own boss, spending the days chatting with your guests, sharing stories, being known all over as The Friendly Innkeeper sounded extremely appealing. It was a delightful and romantic vision. Now, returning to reality. Occasionally, it's likely you have days like that but most of [...]
This article was originally posted on and is an interesting study of online booking and the way guest consider their Bed & Breakfast or Hotel Selections. June 17 2015 By Samantha Worgull Associate Editor, Reader Engagement sworgull@hotelnewsnow.com Studying eye tracking during the online booking process could help revenue managers better understand consumers’ hotel selections. Highlights People have high and low price thresholds. Images can change a prospective guest’s mind. People don’t look at properties with less than 3 stars. REPORT [...]
A look at the future hotel room. Written by Patrick Landman @ Xotels on 21 May 2015. Originally Posted in Xotels At Xotels we are very fortunate to have been working with various exceptional and innovative hotel concepts over the years. The key to success, as we see it, is breaking paradigms and challenging the status quo. And so does our latest partner, Zoku. They have just launched their brand, announcing The End of the Hotel Room ... When I [...]
Three Ways Hotels Can Create Modern Experiences, and It's Not Just with Robot Bellhops Millennials hearts By Anthony Perez. Published on April 03, 2015. Conversion marketing isn’t just a trend or tactic. It’s a fundamentally new way to approach marketing -- yet it’s based on the most timeless of principles: that the key to success in business is to drive sales today, while building stronger brands for tomorrow. Brought to you by Catapult. Millennials travel differently than previous generations -- both for leisure and [...]
What do you do if a branded hotel moves near your Independent hotel or inn? These 7 steps will ensure your property will continue to get your fair share of the business. By Shawn A. Turner HNN contributor REPORT FROM THE U.S.—Independent hoteliers need not panic if a branded hotel anchors itself nearby, according to owners and operators of independents properties. These seven steps will ensure independents continue to get their fair share of demand by developing the Best Hotel [...]
