Hotel Operations

🗞 Hotel General Managers often fall into the "Rearview Mirror" trap, managing by looking backward, focusing on past data such as month-end Profit & Loss statements. This reactive approach can result in delayed decisions and missed opportunities. A more effective "Front Window GM" management style is proactive, using real-time data and forward indicators to predict future demands, optimize operations, and drive revenue. To become a "Front Window GM," hotel leaders should focus on creating detailed forecasts, planning operations based on these forecasts, monitoring performance in real-time, and making strategic adjustments accordingly. Empowering the team with forward-looking data ensures better financial performance, operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and a strategic advantage in the competitive hospitality industry.

🍴 Lightspeed data reveals a 13% rise in restaurant transactions in the weeks following daylight saving time compared to the two weeks prior, signaling increased diner activity. Restaurants prepare by enhancing internal systems, streamlining workflows, and employing innovative POS technology to improve operations and guest experience. Optimal guest experience requires comfortable seating, seasonal menus, ambiance, and value, with a focus on internal coordination and efficiency. Efficient reservation management and POS systems are key in handling increased bookings and maintaining service quality.

🏩 CEO Josh Wyatt of Avant Gardner discusses hospitality leadership and peak performance in a podcast episode released on April 20, 2025. Wyatt shares insights on thriving beyond the traditional 9-5 work schedule. Listeners can find more episodes and resources, and can benefit their business by implementing ideas from the show. Music for the episode is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound.

🏩 Josh Wyatt, CEO of Avant Gardner, shares insights on leadership in hospitality on April 19, 2025. The podcast episode is featured on Hospitality Daily Podcast, emphasizing strategies for leading teams to deliver exceptional experiences.

📖 GuestRevu helps hospitality businesses improve staff performance using guest feedback for training, motivation, and recognition. Positive comments boost confidence, while complaints provide opportunities for improvement. Tips include sharing comments in team meetings and rewarding consistent performance. The Royal St Andrews Hotel's General Manager, Difford Louw, shares reviews with his team for motivation. GuestRevu's tools track reviews over time, aiding in management decisions for promotions and training. Negative reviews serve as teaching moments, with trends identified to prevent escalation. Setting SMART goals and encouraging friendly competition among staff fosters a culture of continuous improvement and employee engagement. Feedback-driven strategies lead to better guest experiences and business outcomes.

📌 Word of mouth marketing, touted for leveraging genuine trust, mandates an exceptional guest experience. Delighting the first 20 guests is critical as they become your marketing team. Early feedback is invaluable; even constructive criticism should be embraced. Documenting everything from the build journey to daily operations builds trust and engagement. Turning guests into evangelists happens by creating unique, memorable experiences. Reinvesting in the property, as demonstrated by an $80k shipping container swimming pool and premium hot tub additions, fuels the marketing flywheel. Finally, a successful guest experience strategy transforms properties into brands with their own gravity, evidenced by guests returning up to 3-4 times within the first year.

🏥 Suzie Thompson, Vice President of Commercial at Red Carnation Hotels, discussed hospitality careers on April 12, 2025, revealing the company's commitment to excellence.

📌 U.S. layoffs reached their highest level since the pandemic over the past month. Anna Blue, a seasoned hospitality leader, shared her experience navigating career transition during this time. She underscores the privilege of having time to explore options and acknowledges the difficult reality for many who have lost their jobs. Anna reflects on determining her next steps, seeking opportunities to make an impact and the "three things" career advice from her father: money, people, and work. She also emphasizes the importance of knowing what you want to do next, nurturing relationships, and being open about being in a time of exploration. Anna is open to connecting with others on LinkedIn or via email during her period of "fun employment.

📝 Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) are critical documents ensuring flawless event execution by outlining every detail, often deemed essential for complex or high-stakes events like conferences, weddings, or corporate functions. BEOs include event details, contact information, schedules, menus, beverages, layouts, floor plans, and staffing requirements. For efficient BEO management, solutions like Thynk cater to diverse event needs, Tripleseat targets mid-sized venues and catering, and Perfect Venue offers an accessible option for smaller properties. Despite potential challenges such as last-minute changes and miscommunication, correctly crafted BEOs utilizing the right tools can dramatically enhance operational efficiency and client satisfaction.