A hotel business can be a great business to own. You get to host new and interesting people, and you get to guide them as they explore your town. But many mistakenly think it to be easy. After all, there should be nothing too difficult about providing people with a place to stay since we all know what we look for in a hotel room. But that is, in fact, very far from the truth.
According to IBISWorld, there are 184,596 hotels operating in the US alone. While you may think you know what guests want, so do the other hosts.
In this article, we will go over some amenities that we know the guests want. Some easy upgrades to your rooms that instantly make them more interesting to the people staying there.
Luxury Bedding & Linen
After a long day of travel or sightseeing, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a bed that feels like a cloud. That’s why investing in high-quality bedding and linens is so important for hotels that want to make a lasting impression on their guests.
The right sheets and pillows can truly transform a sleeping experience, making it more restful, comfortable, and rejuvenating. Opt for soft, breathable materials like Egyptian cotton or bamboo, and consider investing in high thread count sheets that feel silky to the touch.
For pillows, offer a variety of firmness levels to accommodate different preferences, and consider including a body pillow or bolster for extra comfort. Adding a cozy throw blanket or plush comforter to the bed can also create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
By prioritizing luxurious bedding and linens in your hotel rooms, you’ll help guests feel pampered and well-rested, making them more likely to return in the future.
Smart Home Technology
Gone are the days of fumbling with remote controls and struggling to figure out the thermostat in a hotel room. Today’s travelers are increasingly tech-savvy and expect their accommodations to be as well.
That’s where smart home technology comes in. From voice-activated assistants to smart thermostats and lighting, hotels can now offer guests a more seamless and convenient experience.
Imagine walking into your hotel room and being able to adjust the temperature, turn on the lights, and play your favorite music, all with a few voice commands. Or being able to use your smartphone to control the TV, room service, and other amenities.
Smart technology not only enhances the guest experience, but it can also save hotels money on energy costs and improve overall efficiency. New York Times reports that Americans spend around $130 billion on wasted energy annually. By embracing the energy-efficient, smart technology of the future, you can soon make that a thing of the past.
High-Speed Internet and Entertainment Systems
In today’s digital age, staying connected is more important than ever. That’s why offering high-speed internet access and top-notch entertainment systems is a must for hotels looking to keep guests happy and engaged during their stay.
Guests expect to be able to connect to the internet easily and quickly, whether they’re streaming movies, checking emails, or video calling loved ones. Slow or spotty internet is a major turn-off, so make sure your hotel offers reliable and fast Wi-Fi.
In addition to high-speed internet, consider investing in smart TVs, soundbars, and other entertainment systems. Offering a variety of streaming services can also add value and make guests feel more at home. However, guests might feel hesitant to log into their accounts from a public device. Therefore, arranging for a hotel casting system is a great way to get around this issue and satisfy your guests.
Casting will allow guests to connect their phones to your smart TV. That way, they can securely log into a streaming platform on their phone and watch the video on the TV screen. It eases their mind and saves you from having to subscribe to various streaming platforms on their behalf.
In-Room Coffee & Tea Service
For many travelers, a good cup of coffee or tea is an essential part of their morning routine. That’s why offering in-room coffee and tea service is a simple but effective way to make guests feel welcome and comfortable during their stay.
Provide a coffee maker or electric kettle, along with a selection of quality coffee and tea, creamer, sugar, and other essentials. Consider including different types of coffee, such as decaf, flavored, and organic, as well as a variety of teas like black, green, herbal, and fruit-infused.
It’s also important to make sure that the coffee and tea-making equipment is clean and easy to use. Providing instructions or even a quick tutorial on how to use the equipment can be helpful for guests who are unfamiliar with the setup.
PR Newswire reports that according to a survey, 60% of Americans state that the ability to get a good cup of coffee in their hotel room is important to them. When you provide this service, you not only impress these guests, but you also increase their value for money as they won’t have to go out for a simple cup of joe.
Personalized Touches
Traveling can be a stressful and impersonal experience, but hotels have the power to make guests feel special and appreciated by offering personalized touches in their rooms. Whether it’s a handwritten note welcoming guests to the hotel or customized decorations inspired by the local culture, these small gestures can go a long way in creating a memorable and positive guest experience.
You can start by coming up with ideas for a welcome gift. They don’t have to be expensive. They just have to show care. You can maybe offer them chocolates if they are traveling with children or put roses in their room if they are a couple. You can also consider incorporating the local culture in your decor.
According to a survey by Hilton Hotels, 49% of respondents say they want to be immersed in local culture and products while traveling. Therefore if you can offer a local drink or decorate the room with locally crafted lampshades, it will go a long way in terms of impressing your guests.
Incorporating these amenities can make a significant impact on a guest’s hotel experience. A good hotel is simply one that offers guests a cozy and comfortable place to stay. By meeting guest expectations and anticipating their needs, hotels can create a more welcoming and memorable stay for their guests.
