Tips of the Week | December 22, 2023

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Hotel Best Practices from a Family-Owned, Third-Party Hotel Management Company

Motivational Quote of the Week
​"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." -Jimmy Johnson

• Hotel team application: Teach your employees the importance of attention to detail and going the extra mile to exceed guest expectations. Providing personalized touches and exceptional service can turn an ordinary stay into an extraordinary one.

Click 'Read More" (below, if necessary) to view the rest of this week's digest of tips and best practices for hotel maintenance, management, housekeeping/laundry, and front desk from the team at Jackson Hotel Management company in Virginia. Click here to learn more about our hotel management services. ​

Maintenance Tip of the Week
Regular Exterior Painting

• Explanation: Scheduled painting maintains the property's appearance and protects against wear.
• Impact: Positive guest impressions, enhanced curb appeal, and potential for higher occupancy rates.

Steps:

• Establish a painting schedule for the hotel's exterior surfaces, including walls, trim, and fences.
• Select high-quality paint and finishes that can withstand weather and wear.
• Prepare surfaces by cleaning and repairing any damage before painting.
• Contract experienced painters or train in-house staff for exterior painting projects.
• Monitor the condition of painted surfaces and schedule repainting as needed to maintain aesthetics and protection.

Management Tip of the Week
Accountability and Ownership

• Explanation: Holding individuals accountable fosters responsibility and reliability.
• Impact: Improved task completion, reduced errors, and potential for positive guest interactions.

Steps:

• Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each team member.
• Establish metrics and performance indicators for accountability.
• Conduct regular check-ins to ensure individuals are meeting their responsibilities.
• Provide feedback and coaching to employees who may need support.
• Celebrate achievements and milestones as a team.

Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week
LAUNDRY - Use of Water-Saving Laundry Practices

• Explanation: Implementing water-saving techniques reduces operating costs and environmental impact.
• Impact: Cost savings, reduced water usage, and potential for eco-conscious guest appeal.

Steps:

• Invest in high-efficiency washing machines.
• Implement water-saving settings on laundry equipment.
• Train staff on water-efficient laundry techniques.
• Monitor water consumption during laundry cycles.
• Set specific water-saving goals and targets.
• Regularly maintain and calibrate laundry machines.
• Optimize laundry load sizes for water efficiency.
• Evaluate and adjust detergent dosage for water savings.
• Monitor utility bills for water cost reductions.
• Communicate water-saving efforts to staff and guests.

Front Desk Tip of the Week
Cross-Training Staff

• Explanation: Familiarizing staff with various roles allows for better teamwork and smoother operations.
• Impact: Improved service quality, efficiency, and adaptability during peak periods.

Steps:

• Identify key roles within the hotel that the front desk team can benefit from cross-training on; such as breakfast bar attendant or laundry.
• Develop a cross-training program that outlines the skills and responsibilities for each role.
• Train staff in multiple roles to ensure they can step in when needed.
• Schedule regular cross-training sessions and opportunities for staff to practice their skills.
• Encourage staff to share their cross-training experiences and knowledge.
• Monitor the effectiveness of cross-training through performance assessments.
• Recognize and reward staff who excel in cross-training and demonstrate adaptability.