According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, there are over 54,000 hotel properties in the US for a total of over 5 million guestrooms.
If you’re new to the hotel industry, these numbers can seem overwhelming. With the sheer number of options available, how do you make sure your business rises to the top? How do you manage a hotel that attracts more guests?
Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a new manager or an industry veteran, here are a few crucial tips on how to run a hotel.
Know Your Stuff
As a manager, it’s important to know the ins and outs of day-to-day work at your hotel, especially if you’re coming in as a new manager. Take the time to understand what the people in each department of your hotel does. Shadow your front desk staff, spend time with your cook and maintenance manager and gather hands-on knowledge that helps you understand and manage your team.
Reward Your Team
Your staff is the lifeblood of your business, and they’re key to offering a comfortable stay. Make sure they know you value them by developing a reward system that offers benefits for top performers. Even small offerings can motivate them to go above and beyond.
Delegate Appropriately
Delegation is key to any management position, but it’s crucial in hotel companies. Let your department heads take care of their own departments without resorting to micromanagement. Don’t hesitate to find capable employees to take on new tasks, and reward them when they offer results.
Use the Latest Hospitality Technology
Today’s hotels need to be tech-savvy to keep up with modern guests. From mobile payment systems to software to make reservations a breeze to tools that help you make data-driven decisions, it pays to make the most of new technology.
Build Your Brand
When you manage a hotel, it’s a good idea to think about what sets your business apart from all others. Though it takes effort, building your brand can help you stand out in a crowd. Work to cultivate a unique atmosphere, make the most of your social media presence, consider the benefits you offer, and more.
Market Your Hotel Business
Successful marketing may require planning several months in advance, but the effort is well worth it. Team up with nearby venues and services to offer extra discounts and amenities, and create promotional deals during local special events. Don’t forget to polish your website and online presence through hotel SEO.
Undergo Ongoing Training
Whether you’re new to hotel management or you’ve been running a hotel for years, it’s important to make sure you and your team stay on top of the latest industry developments. Read industry publications, look for mentorship opportunities for you and your staff, and offer job-appropriate training opportunities.
Know-How to Run a Hotel the Right Way
The tips above can help you learn how to run a hotel the right way, shedding the practices that drag you down and adopting more of the ones that work. Though these steps will demand your time and effort, the results are well worth it! Reconsider your management strategy today to attract more customers and grow your business.
Looking for more of the business tips you need to succeed? Check out other posts at Techdee for more insights.