What is a service in the hospitality industry?
A service in the hospitality industry refers to any activity, type of assistance, or amenity your hotel offers to enhance the guest experience, increase comfort, and provide added convenience. Services can be intangible like customer service or ambiance, or tangible, like amenities in the room, a full-time concierge or even transportation to and from the airport.
Hotelier services are crafted to deliver personalized touches that turn guest stays into unforgettable experiences, helping your hotel stand out from the crowd. While many services are considered standard, finding ways to offer something truly distinctive can make all the difference. Unique offerings not only enhance guest satisfaction but also give your property a competitive edge.
The best 10 services in the hotel industry that your property can offer
As a hotelier, you’re always looking for ways to elevate the guest experience at your hotel. Below you will find 10 services that your property can offer to drive satisfaction and boost loyalty.
1. Concierge services
Offering personalized concierge services is a great way to cater to guest needs. When someone is traveling, they need basic information like what activities to do, what local attractions to visit, and where to go for dinner. They also need to be able to easily make reservations, request tailored recommendations, and get transportation assistance, and a concierge can help them do just this.
Having a concierge on staff is an excellent way to add a personal touch and ensure guests enjoy the best possible experience during their stay. To enhance this service, consider integrating virtual concierge software. It lightens the load for your staff while providing guests with instant answers to their questions, helping them book services, and managing service requests anytime, all from the palm of their hand.
2. Wellness and spa services
Wellness is the buzzword that is here to stay, so the sooner that hoteliers start to incorporate it, the better. This could be anything from an on-site gym to daily yoga classes, smoothie bars and spa treatments. You could consider going the extra mile by providing amenities like yoga mats in the room, essential oils or a jacuzzi with candles and incense to create a relaxing atmosphere.
3. Seamless check-in and check-out
Reducing wait times by enabling mobile check-in and check-out is a great way to boost guest satisfaction. The faster guests can get to their rooms upon arrival, the happier they will be. You can also create digital keys that can be accessed from smartphones, allowing them to have a fully contactless experience should they want one, and reducing the risk of lost keycards.
With the right hotel management software, you can create a seamless check-in and check-out experience that significantly boosts guest satisfaction. It’s an essential service in today’s world, as smartphones have become the one device everyone carries with them on a trip.
4. Smart room technology
Smart room features are another service or amenity that can offer a great impression, showing guests that you are not only technology-forward, but sustainable, too. You can install smart room controls for lighting, temperature and entertainment, including streaming services and voice assistants that can all help to personalize the in-room experience.
5. In-room amenities
In-room amenities like luxury bedding, pillow menus, unique products, aromatherapy, and mood lighting are fantastic ways to “wow” your guests. Offering local treats and welcome gifts can also make their stay feel extra special. These thoughtful touches create the comfort guests need to truly relax and unwind in their rooms. After all, the relaxation and sense of disconnection from daily life is exactly what people are looking for when they book a hotel stay.
6. Shuttle service
Whether you offer pick-up service from the airport, drop-offs downtown, or a driver service that helps guests get where they need to go quickly and easily, a shuttle or transportation option is a fantastic added convenience. You could even partner with local taxi drivers to provide guests with an effortless way to explore the area, enhancing their overall experience and making their stay more enjoyable.
7. Work from anywhere
Work from anywhere services are another, newer element that modern guests have come to love. This means finding space in your hotel to dedicate to setting up a working area with desks, comfortable chairs and high-speed internet, or even a dedicated co-working area. This will instantly make your property more appealing to the likes of digital nomads and business travelers.
8. Adapt your housekeeping
Providing exceptional housekeeping is a powerful way to enhance the guest experience. You can offer a turn-down service with a sweet treat on their pillow, or give guests the option to personalize their cleaning schedules or opt out of daily housekeeping altogether. For those focused on sustainability, consider offering eco-friendly choices like towel changes only upon request.
Housekeeping is not just about pampering guests; it’s about offering them flexibility to adapt the service to their needs. The way your staff treats guests and responds to their unique requests can truly make a lasting impact on their stay.
9. Offer activities
To boost upsells and keep guests engaged, create interactive experiences that encourage them to enjoy your property to the fullest. This could include offering a cooking class, a workshop, a wine tasting, or a pairing event. You can also provide family-friendly options like kids’ clubs or babysitting services, so parents can relax and participate in these unique activities.
10. Unique dining options
Unique dining options are another fantastic way to delight guests. At your hotel restaurant or bar, you could offer special menus crafted by guest chefs or feature a tasting menu to impress your guests. Specialty cocktails can also boost bar sales, and you might even host a cooking class where guests prepare and enjoy their own meals.
For added convenience and luxury, offer guests the option to enjoy exceptional food at any time by providing unique minibar selections. This allows guests to indulge in their favorite treats right in the comfort of their rooms.
Conclusion
Hotelier services are a powerful way to set your property apart from the competition and make a lasting first impression that keeps guests engaged throughout their stay. The more you can meet your guests’ needs and exceed their expectations, the more likely they are to become repeat clients. Offering exceptional services is a key factor in building loyalty and turning one-time visitors into long-term guests.
