Running a hotel is no easy task. It requires a lot of skill and patience. If you have managerial responsibilities at a hotel and you want to keep everything ticking over effectively, there are a few pointers you’ll need to take into account.
Cater to your target market
The success of the hotel relies on the owner knowing which customers they are aiming to get through the door. If you decide early on who your ideal client is and ensure you take the right steps to attract them, you’ll find it easier to forward-plan. There are a plethora of areas that will be easier to forecast, such as ROI and profits.
Using a strategy called hotel target market segmentation, determine what features your hotel has (or could have installed) and what type of market it will attract. For example, a city hotel near a conference centre may attract business travellers. Research the amenities your target customer values and consider tailoring your facilities accordingly.
Have the right management
Knowing who will manage the hotel and how they intend to do it is also key to successfully running a hotel. Ensure all your management staff members are appropriate hires by training them fully and hosting regular performance reviews with them.
And you might want to consider taking out dedicated insurance for your hotel. If any issues crop up, this could potentially protect you and your staff.
Manage your bookings well
A well-managed hotel needs to have an up-to-date, accurate booking system that makes sure the number of guests and rooms are at the correct level of capacity.
There are many hotel booking software packages available online. Consider the features you’re looking for in a booking system carefully.
Ideally, you’ll have a booking and invoicing software system that operates on a 24/7 basis, allowing customers to place a booking at any time of day or night. You may find it helpful to find a booking system that allows managers to use their own passwords to gain access and keep track of all the bookings. A cloud-based booking system can be especially handy because it can be accessed from any device – even when you’re on the go, you’ll be able to log in and check your bookings.
It’s also a good idea to get a booking platform that allows customers to pay in a way that you’re happy with. For example, if you’d like to offer customers the option to spread the cost over several months, find a booking system that accommodates this.
If you have a clear target audience in mind and design an experience they’ll love at a reasonable price, you’ve already taken the first steps toward success. The way the hotel is managed is crucial in maintaining a top-quality service, so make sure you review this regularly to stay on track!
