Navigating the Holidays: Top Qualities to Look for When Selecting a Hotel

Hotel Room Hacks: Making the Most of Your Stay Away from Home
The holiday season is here! As you gear up for this busy time of the year, it’s crucial to find the right “home away from home.” Choosing the right hotel can make or break your experience, so let’s explore the top qualities that you should be looking for when making this important decision.

Location, Location, Location!
The first rule of hotel selection– consider the location. A close proximity to your desired activities and events can help make your stay easy and stress-free. Save on transport costs after you arrive, skip the holiday traffic, and make the most of your time away when you prioritize location!

Comfort and Amenities
Whether you’re traveling for business, family, or fun, it’s important to remember the value of comfort and amenities. Some universal perks include spacious rooms, free WIFI and parking, and flexible arrival and departure times. It’s also important to prioritize amenities that match the intentions of your trip. Are you looking for relaxation? A hotel that offers perks such as hot tubs, room service, and an on-site spa may be the one for you! Looking to explore the area? A hotel that offers concierge services and discounts to local businesses may be the best fit! It’s beneficial to weigh the pros and cons in order to find the perfect hotel that fit’s your needs.

Safety and Cleanliness
Nobody likes getting sick, especially around the holidays. This is why it’s important to prioritize safety and cleanliness when selecting a hotel. Research the hotel’s hygiene protocols, read up on reviews from recent guests, and call if you have specific questions. This will allow you to make an informed decision, keeping you and your loved ones healthy and safe this holiday season.

Local Cuisine and Dining Options
Holidays are a time for indulgence, and a hotel with exceptional dining options can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your stay. Explore hotels with on-site restaurants that offer a diverse menu, or ones that speak to your personal tastes and preferences. If you’d enjoy exploring the local cuisine, try taking a look at the near-by restaurants that peak your interest. Be sure to take note of their reservation policies, as local businesses may prefer you book ahead during the holidays.

Customer Reviews
Don’t underestimate the power of customer reviews. Platforms like Trip Advisor and Google Reviews can provide valuable insights into the true guest experience of a particular hotel. Pay attention to both negative and positive reviews in order to make an informed decision. Topics like cleanliness, friendliness of staff, ease of check-in/check-out process, and overall presentation are the most important to look for. It’s also important to take into account when the reviews were posted. Depending on how recently the feedback was uploaded, the hotel may have implemented changes in order to improve overall guest experience.

As you gear up for the holidays, keep these qualities and tools in mind to ensure a wonderful experience. A well-chosen hotel becomes more than just a place to stay–it becomes a place where holiday memories are made.

Happy holidays and safe travels from the Hospitality experts at Exertis Almo!

Hotel Room Hacks: Making the Most of Your Stay Away from Home

Hotel Room Hacks: Making the Most of Your Stay Away from Home

It’s time to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Traveling means hotels, which can sometimes feel a bit impersonal. Here’s a list of hotel room “hacks” that will transform your temporary abode into a cozy and efficient space, ensuring your stay is nothing short of delightful.  

Aromatherapy
  • Hotels usually smell fresh and clean, but sometimes a familiar scent from home is what you need after a long day. By bringing a travel-sized essential oil diffuser, you can elevate and personalize your temporary space with comforting scents. Lavender can be particularly soothing after a long day of travel.
Turn Standard into Stylish
  • One way to make a standard hotel room more comfortable is by bringing your favorite blanket, pillow, or night light. It’s a simple way to personalize your space and make it feel more like home. Never underestimate the power of a few cozy touches!
Create a Charging Station
  • Running out of outlets for your devices? Plug a power strip into one outlet and transform it into a charging station for all your gadgets. No more difficult choices between charging your phone or laptop!
DIY Blackout Curtains 
  • If you need complete darkness to sleep, here’s a hack for you. Not all hotels have blackout curtains available for guests, but all you really need is a pant hanger. Use the clips to pinch the curtains together, ensuring no light can peep through the gaps. If you still need it darker in the room, you can always ask for an extra blanket. Just clip it to the curtains for an extra layer of coverage and enjoy your full nights sleep!
Self-Care Spa
    • Turn your hotel bathroom into a make-shift spa by packing a skincare mask, your favorite bath bomb or shower steamer, and anything else that makes you feel fully relaxed! Dim the lights, run a warm bath, and let the stress melt away. After, you can utilize the complimentary robes (or bring your own!), grab some fuzzy socks, and treat yourself to a well-deserved night in.
    Be Resourceful
    • Hotel rooms often have limited living space, so be sure make the most of it. Use the ironing board as an extra desk, nightstand, or elevated luggage rack. Pull the desk chair over to the window for a cozy reading nook with a view. You may have to pack lightly while traveling, but you don’t need to worry! Use complimentary items to DIY the items you didn’t pack. For example, you can use the provided paper cups to create a toothbrush holder; simply flip the cup, stick your toothbrush through the bottom, and you’re all set! There are endless possibilities in utilizing your hotel room’s space, so think outside the box and have fun with it.
    Your hotel room is more than just a place to rest your head, so make it work for you! With these simple hacks, you can transform any hotel room into a home away from home. Happy travels!

    Maximizing Off-Season Travel: Essential Tips for Hospitality Professionals

    off season travel - hospitality industry

    When you work in the hospitality industry, you may feel like every season is a “busy season.” From the summer rush of tourists to the winter rush of the holidays, there’s always a reason for people to travel. But what about the off-season? Many hotels, resorts, and other hospitality venues experience a decline in business during certain times of the year. Instead of seeing this as a negative, hospitality professionals can turn this time into an opportunity to optimize and prepare for the next peak-season. In this blog post, we’ll explore some valuable tips to help you make the most of your off-season. 

    Maintenance Matters:

    • The off-season is an ideal time to tackle any maintenance projects that might be challenging to accomplish during peak times. You can ensure that all appliances and equipment are in top-notch condition by conducting thorough inspections, repairs, and replacements as needed. This proactive approach will help prevent unexpected issues when the crowds return, and save you stress in the long run.
    Renovation and Redesign:
    • If your property is in need of an update, consider scheduling renovations or redesigning during the off-season. This not only enhances the guest experience but allows you to showcase a fresh look when the next wave of travelers arrive. Exertis Almo can be your trusted partner for sourcing high-quality appliances and furniture to give your property a modern, appealing makeover.
    Training and Skill Development:
    • Invest in your staff during the off-season by offering training and skill-development programs. Equip your team with the latest industry knowledge, customer service techniques, and technological advancements to ensure they provide exceptional service when the property gets busy again.
    Marketing Strategy:
    • Use the off-season to refine and plan your marketing strategy. Analyze past campaigns, gather guest feedback, and identify opportunities for improvement. Consider developing special promotions or packages that would persuade travelers to book during slower periods. Collaborate with Exertis Almo to explore innovative ways to showcase your property’s amenities through professional audio-visual equipment.
    Diversify Services:
    • Explore the possibility of diversifying your services during the off-season. For example, if you run a beachfront resort, consider offering winter sports packages or hosting corporate events. By expanding your offerings, you can tap into new markets and generate revenue year-round.
    Networking and Partnerships:
    • Connect with local businesses and form partnerships that can benefit both parties. Collaborations with nearby restaurants, tour operators, or other event venues can lead to cross-promotion opportunities, providing added value to your guests and your own venue.
    Review and Optimize Operations:
    • Take a deep dive into your property’s operations. Are there any inefficiencies that need to be addressed? Can you streamline processes to enhance guest satisfaction? Use this time to review and optimize all aspects of your business, from check-in procedures to housekeeping protocols.
    Environmental Initiatives:
    • Consider implementing eco-friendly initiatives during the off-season. Installing energy-efficient appliances, reducing waste, and adopting sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also appeal to eco-conscious travelers, giving your property a competitive edge.
    Enhance Online Presence:
    • Invest in your online presence by updating your website, refreshing your social media profiles, and actively engaging with past and potential guests on review platforms. A strong online presence can attract more bookings when travel demand picks up again.
    Financial Planning:
    • Finally, use the off-season to review your past financial performance. Plan for the year ahead by budgeting, forecasting, and securing financing (if necessary). This can help ensure your property is financially prepared for the upcoming season.

    Don’t hibernate this off-season — plan, update, and incorporate! It’s your opportunity to lay the foundation for a successful peak season. By focusing on maintenance, renovation, training, marketing, and strategic planning, you can emerge stronger and more prepared to meet the demands of travelers. And when it comes to sourcing appliances, electronics, furniture, and housewares, we provide top-quality products that enhance your property’s appeal. Invest in your off-season and watch your hospitality venue thrive year-round! 

    Hotel Maze? Help your guests navigate the space with kiosks, wayfinding, and more

    Hotel Maze - hospitality Blog Feature

    When it comes to creating a memorable guest experience at your hotel, smooth navigation is key.  If guests can effortlessly find their way around your facilities, it makes their stay easier and more enjoyable.  To achieve this, many hotels are turning to modern technology like digital kiosks and advanced wayfinding systems. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can leverage these tools to improve guest satisfaction.

     

    1. Interactive Kiosks
      • Hotels are embracing interactive kiosks as a central part of their guest-experience strategy. These kiosks, often strategically placed in the lobby or common areas, serve as a digital concierge. They provide a wealth of information at guests’ fingertips and ensure that help is never hard to find.
    2. User-Friendly Interface
      • An intuitive and user-friendly interface is crucial. Clear icons and straightforward instructions make navigating the kiosk a breeze, even for those who are not so “tech-savvy”.
    3. Digital Maps at Your Fingertips
      • One of the standout features of these kiosks is their integration with digital maps. Guests can easily view maps of the entire hotel, including all floors and facilities.
    4. Search Functionality
      • Make it easy for guests to search for specific destinations within your hotel. Whether they’re looking for a particular room, restaurant, or amenity, a kiosk can quickly provide the information they need, when they need it.
    5. Customized Directions
      • Guests love personalized experiences. Provide step-by-step directions from their current location to their desired destination within the hotel. Visual and text instructions are a must to ensure guest satisfaction.
    6. Multilingual Support
      • In today’s globalized world, multilingual support is essential. Ensure that guests from different parts of the world can use your wayfinding system comfortably and effectively.
    7. Real-Time Updates
      • Keep the information on the kiosks up to date. This includes room availability, event schedules, and any changes in facility status. When plans change, guests can turn to the digital kiosks to answer any question and clear up any confusion.
    8. Emergency Information
      • Safety is paramount. Include emergency exit routes and contact information for hotel staff in case of emergencies.
    Peerless-AV kiosks for hotel wayfinding signage

    Incorporating kiosks and advanced wayfinding into your hotel’s infrastructure is a smart investment. It not only enhances the guest experience but also sets your establishment apart as a tech-savvy and guest-centric destination. The result? Satisfied guests who are more likely to return and recommend your hotel to others.

    Don’t let your guests get lost in the maze, invest in digital kiosks and advanced wayfinding.

    Did you find this blog helpful?
    Connect with Hospitality at Exertis Almo on LinkedIn, or visit Hospitality.ExertisAlmo.com

    Ashley Parent, BDM
    About the Author

    Ashley Parrent

    LG Hospitality BDM

    Exertis Almo – Hospitality

    Improvements Outside of the Guestroom

    Upgrades-outside-guest-room-hosp Blog

    With fall around the corner and summer travel wrapping up, it’s a great time to consider improvements or upgrades that can be made outside the guestroom of your property. Including video walls, audio, connectivity, outdoor furniture, commercial appliances, and much more, there are a variety of products that can be upgraded to improve the guest experience, increase revenue, or save costs for you.

    One big way to add a wow-factor to your hotel public space is to install a video wall. You can create stunning displays to impress the guests or use them to advertise new features and places around your property or local areas. If this is something you had quoted in the past, there are now multiple out-of-the-box, all-in-one solutions from companies like Absen and LG, along with several others. In addition to an easier install process, dvLED costs have come down considerably. With these two factors, it’s a great time to revisit them – or consider for the first time. If you don’t have the space for a video wall, a single new digital signage panel with an easier to use content management system is another option for advertising or interesting digital displays.

    hospitality solutions for pro av and appliances
    If you’re a property with conference rooms or event spaces, it’s important to ensure that all your audio, display, and connectivity is up to date, as this can really increase the appeal to visitors and encourage return visits. Many companies have lots of remote places, so they are looking to rent or have places to stay to host big company events. There are lots of items from Barco and Legrand that make connecting laptops and pairing phones to a display much easier for your guests. Having current technology in these spaces makes for a much more appealing experience for the guest.

    With many people who travel in groups, they like to spend time together in the public space. With appealing, eye-catching outdoor furniture, you can create a fun environment for them to spend time together and create memories, leading them to talk highly of your property about their trip. Besides creating nice areas to gather, you can take these spaces further with outdoor TVs and great audio, so your guests can enjoy a big event together, as well.

    One last thing to consider is the appliances in the back of house, and even the front of house. New merchandisers with colorful LEDs and features can create displays to showcase products in the lobby or restaurant areas. The BOH appliances should be looked at, as well, if they haven’t been upgraded in a while. Having newer commercial appliances which meet NSF standards, control temperature, and are energy efficient will help you meet codes, control energy costs, and prevent untimely breakdowns in a busy situation.

    All of these items are carried and in-stock at Exertis Almo, so I encourage you to reach out to your representative to learn more about how we can help you improve spaces outside of the guestroom.

    Want to know more about Hospitality at Exertis Almo?
    Connect with us on LinkedIn or visit Hospitality.ExertisAlmo.com

    Steve Dowsett
    About the Author

    Steve Dowsett

    FF&E Coordinator

    Exertis Almo – Hospitality

    Elevating the Guest Experience: Samsung Hospitality TVs

    Samsung Hospitality TV blog feature image

    In the fast-paced and ever-evolving hospitality industry, providing an exceptional guest experience is paramount. Every element of a guest’s stay contributes to their overall satisfaction, and one crucial aspect is the in-room entertainment. Samsung, a global leader in consumer electronics, recognizes the importance of this and offers a range of cutting-edge hospitality televisions designed to elevate the guest experience to new heights.

    Samsung’s hospitality televisions combine advanced technology, stunning visual displays, and smart features to deliver an immersive and personalized in-room entertainment experience. Let’s delve into some key features that make Samsung Hospitality Televisions stand out:

    1. Superior Visual Quality: Samsung’s hospitality televisions feature state-of-the-art display technologies, including 4K UHD resolution and HDR (High Dynamic Range). These features ensure vivid colors, sharp details, and enhanced contrast, providing guests with a cinematic viewing experience in the comfort of their rooms. Whether guests are enjoying their favorite shows, movies, or gaming, the exceptional visual quality enhances their overall enjoyment.
    2. Smart TV Capabilities: Samsung Hospitality Televisions are equipped with smart TV functionality, allowing guests to access a wide range of content and services. Built-in Wi-Fi and easy-to-navigate interfaces enable guests to stream their favorite online platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube, directly on the television. Additionally, guests can explore personalized recommendations, browse the internet, or access hotel services, creating a seamless and interactive in-room experience.
    3. Customizable User Interface: Hotels have the flexibility to customize the user interface of Samsung Hospitality Televisions, enabling them to showcase their branding and tailor the in-room experience to their specific requirements. Customizable welcome messages, hotel information, and branded backgrounds create a cohesive and immersive environment, reinforcing the hotel’s identity and enhancing the guest’s connection with the property.
    4. Interactive Guest Services: Samsung’s hospitality televisions integrate with hotel guest service platforms, enabling guests to access a range of hotel services directly from their room. Whether it’s ordering room service, requesting housekeeping, or exploring local attractions, guests can easily navigate and interact with hotel services through the television. This streamlined approach not only enhances convenience but also improves operational efficiency for hotel staff.
    5. Energy Efficiency and Durability: Samsung is committed to sustainability, and their hospitality televisions are designed with energy efficiency in mind. With features like automatic power-off and energy-saving modes, these televisions help hotels reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on guest satisfaction. Additionally, Samsung’s televisions undergo rigorous testing to ensure durability, reliability, and a longer lifespan, providing hotels with a cost-effective and sustainable solution.
    6. Seamless Integration: Samsung Hospitality Televisions seamlessly integrate with existing hotel systems, making installation and management hassle-free. The televisions can be easily integrated with property management systems, content management systems, and other in-room control systems, allowing hotels to streamline operations and enhance the guest experience.

    Samsung’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made them a trusted provider of hospitality televisions worldwide. Their extensive product lineup caters to a range of hotel sizes and requirements, ensuring that each property can find a tailored solution to meet their unique needs.

    Samsung Hospitality Televisions offer a compelling combination of cutting-edge technology, superior visual quality, smart features, and seamless integration, all designed to enhance the guest experience. By providing a personalized and immersive in-room entertainment experience, hotels can delight their guests, differentiate themselves from the competition, and build long-lasting customer loyalty. With Samsung Hospitality Televisions, hotels can truly take their guest experience to the next level.

    Angelo-Dimillo-frame

    Angelo DiMillo

    Account Manager

    Exertis Almo – Hospitality

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