Integrating smart, sophisticated amenities into hotels is an easy and effective way for a business to gain a competitive advantage.
What amenities and services can help improve the guest experience?
There are services that are consistently effective and popular. Apart from the basics of room, bathroom and a tidy, safe environment, anything extra can be considered comfort. For example, in a typical hotel room there are:
- smart tv,
- mini bar,
- wardrobe with hangers,
- safe,
- office,
- kettle/coffee machine,
- towels,
- stationery, and
- care items.
Toiletries, minibars and stationery are some of the hotel’s room amenities that can be used or consumed by guests. The rest, however, are only for use during the stay and cannot be taken with them. These are essentially two different types of hotel amenities, which can be categorized as complementary and paid services. Of course, there are many other categories for example, luxury amenities, which include spas, golf courses, theater rooms or private pools in suites. Apart from these, the hotel may include special amenities such as welcome and departure souvenirs, fruit baskets in the rooms, cookies or chocolates on the pillows, books to read in the rooms, etc.
The importance of hotel amenities
A guest’s experience can be enhanced as a result of hotel amenities or “ruined” if no provision has been made. It can also influence the decision of whether to book the hotel in the end or whether to write a positive review after staying.
Free Wi-Fi or a complimentary breakfast can be important factors to consider when choosing a hotel.
However, specific hotel amenities are vital for business travelers who prioritize comfort and efficiency. In addition, travelers know that there are thousands of hotels available to them, with modern and luxurious amenities, and that if they don’t like a hotel, they can simply choose another. That is why it is important for the hotelier to choose wisely the amenities in the rooms or in other areas of the hotel, at the same time determining which amenities are chargeable and which are free or additional.
What amenities should be included to enhance the guest experience?
Offering special, basic and luxury hotel amenities is a great way for the owner to ensure that guests are relaxed and cared for during their stay at the unit. However, careful selection of amenities is crucial, taking into account your financial situation and the ability of your business to operate profitably. A hotelier can also increase their chances of appearing higher in search results or booking sites by offering accurate and attractive content about hotel amenities in listings.
The following facilities were once a “weapon” for hotels, but today they are standard. Simply put, when guests stay at a hotel, they expect the following amenities to be easily accessible and free of charge:
- Personal care items such as hair brush, body lotion, shaving cream, razor, shower cap, hair dryer, etc.
- Toiletries such as soaps, shampoos, facials, etc.
- Coffee kit including coffee machine, coffee, sugar and milk/cream.
- Bathrobe and slippers,
- Box of tissues
However, to gain a competitive advantage, a hotel should consider including, if it has not already done so, the following services:
1. Free Wi-Fi access
Free WiFi quickly became a basic amenity, similar to toiletries or stationery. Visitors expect it, but they don’t want to pay for it. The lack of free WiFi could deter some guests from booking. It will also work positively for hotels to allow guests to watch their favorite TV shows on hotel TVs using online streaming services such as Netflix.
2. Free breakfast
Guests want to save money while still being comfortable, whether they prepare their own breakfast in the room or enjoy it in the hotel restaurant. Offering free breakfast is one of the hotel’s best perks and a great way to attract potential guests.
3. Multiple pillow options
Providing feather, foam, and hypoallergenic pillows can make hotels feel more like home because many guests have sensitivities or specific preferences for certain types of pillows.
4. Premium Coffee
Replacing cheap non-branded bagged coffees with freshly ground beans from a local coffee shop or providing a fancy espresso machine will upgrade room service. If upgrading to in-room coffee services is not viable for the business, installing a cappuccino and latte machine in the lobby can be considered. A custom cocktail station is another way to enhance in-room beverage service.
5. Gym
Now, guests don’t want to sacrifice their fitness, even when traveling. Guests will appreciate discounted rates or free classes at a local gym, even if the property doesn’t have its own gym.
6. Contactless check-in
Although there is a lot of talk about hotel technology and sustainability in the hospitality sector, these innovations go beyond the room context. In addition, the reception can be made more environmentally friendly and speed up the check-in process.
7. Chocolate or traditional sweet
Chocolate placed on or under the pillow during housekeeping or turndown service is a nice option, but a local touch can also be given to the provision. Partnering with a local chocolatier or patisserie, either to create an exclusive flavor or to incorporate your brand, is a great way to enhance your sweet treat offering.
8. Relaxing items
When guests are in a hotel room, they want to relax after a long day of meetings, a long flight, or the suffering of jet lag, or both. That is why a special offer that can help guests relax is important. It is ideal to adapt some elements of the spa atmosphere (relaxing music, pleasant aromas, etc.) Soothing eye masks, aroma diffusers and white noise machines are also affordable options and easy to install. Therefore, placing relaxation equipment in the comforts of the room is not something that is expensive.
9. VIP shopping at local businesses
When staying at a hotel, guests usually shop for local products from nearby shops or dine at nearby restaurants. Therefore, they will definitely appreciate a small discount or some local goods. It is not necessary that the effort be made only by the hotel. A block of coupons offering discounts at local stores, free fitness classes and restaurant specials can be done in partnership with neighborhood businesses. This cooperation is beneficial for the customers, the hotel business and the other local businessmen.
So if the hotelier provides personalized service and amenities in a sophisticated, guest-friendly technological room environment, it will contribute to their satisfaction, thereby gaining their trust. With a little more planning, amenities can be added that offer unique local experiences, functionality and personalization, elements that will entice guests to book the hotel again.
