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!

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.

• 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!

• 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!

• 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!

• 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.

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. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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!