Share Best Practices on Engaging the “high-touch” side of our business #2

(I studied under John, he was a great instructor)



Keys to Success Hospitality Tip



The full title of the previous blog reinforced the emphasis of this series: Engaging the "high-touch" side of our business by instilling passion in our people and I appreciate reader response and feedback. Segment 1 introduced an understanding of a genuine need for the hospitality industry to provide a unique experience or face the potential consequences of our hotel, restaurant, retail service or attraction being viewed as very ordinary or in other words, a commodity.


This second segment of the series further defines the experience of today, whether you are an independent hotel or brand affiliated. In segment one, I shared some insights from Tennessee hotelier Johnny Walker of Nashville. He has been actively engaged in the hospitality industry for more than 35 years and is one of the region's most experienced tour operators. As a hotel owner/operator with numerous brands, he offered a number of ideas he felt were important for hotel managers today, including the message that "every room rental/stay must be viewed as an experience"

In a number of interactive workshops over the past two years, I have focused on identifying ways to encourage hotel general managers and their staffs to think about the "guest experience" and how we might build that commitment of "high touch" into the mindset of every employee for every guest.

Recognizing the danger of becoming a "Commodity", and seeking specific ways to avoid becoming ordinary, I focused on three areas in these workshops and am pleased to share some best practices from managers and owners of both branded and independent properties.

The first topic discussed is one that every guest experiences, regardless of hotel location, room rate or level of service: SLEEPING

These workshops were held across North America and participants had wonderful ideas and best practices of how to make the "sleeping" experience positive, memorable and unique. The best ideas I heard included addressing all five of the human senses



1.Sight -- the guest room and the bed must be inviting. This means neatly prepared beds, using pillows as décor and a sense of freshness to the eye as one enters the room.

2.Smell -- the fragrance discussion in hospitality is not new. We all likely have fond memories of entering a bakery or a certain restaurant, yet too many hotels do not address this sensation. Care must be taken in cleaning products used, and there are packaged scents available that can be subtly present in the guest room, which enhances the overnight experience of sleep.

3.Sound -- Rooms must be reasonably constructed or designed to block out street noise or external sound, as well as addressing the sounds of ice machines and elevators. Suggestions by attendees included ways to identify and then deal with those noises. A number of properties today include a CD player (with brand or hotel provided CDs) and/or a higher quality radio that offers additional calming effects conducive for sleeping

4.Taste -- the general manager's reception, fresh popcorn in the lobby, homemade cookies or other treats can be positive interactions for guests as they retire to their rooms. These can reinforce situations they have at home, and therefore find positive when traveling.

5.Touch -- as in #1 Sight above, the guest room and bedding must be inviting. Well maintained, comfortable bed coverings with quality linens complete the five senses for a guest who is on the road every week or for those who travel only on vacations.

Participants who shared these observations also commented that the entire housekeeping and front office teams must be part of understanding that delivery of a good's night's sleep means each member of the staff contributing their own personal touches, smiles and appreciation of the individual guest staying at their hotel.