Tips of the Week | January 19, 2024

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

Motivational Quote of the Week
​"The time is always right to do what is right." - Martin Luther King Jr.

• Hotel team application: Inspire your hotel team to prioritize ethical decision-making and integrity in their daily actions. Emphasize the importance of doing what is right, not just when it's convenient, but consistently. This commitment to ethical behavior can build trust with your guests and contribute to a positive and/or reputable image for the hotel. Encourage a culture where each team member understands their role in upholding values that align with the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.​ ​

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. ​

How to Enhance Your Property’s Appearance with High-Quality Paint and Finishes 
(Maintenance Tip of the Week)
Use of High-Quality Paint and Finishes

• Explanation: Opting for quality materials ensures durability and provides a polished appearance.
• Impact: Prolonged maintenance intervals, improved appearance, and potential for guest satisfaction.

Steps:

• Select high-quality paint and finishes for guest rooms and common areas that can withstand wear and tear.
• Ensure proper surface preparation, including cleaning and priming, before applying paint.
• Hire experienced painters or train in-house staff in proper painting techniques.
• Regularly inspect painted surfaces for signs of wear or damage and schedule touch-ups as needed.
• Monitor guest satisfaction with room aesthetics and address any paint-related issues promptly.
• Implement a maintenance schedule for repainting or refinishing based on wear patterns and durability assessments.
• Document and catalog paint types and application methods for consistency across the property.

How to Retain and Motivate Your Staff with Career Growth Opportunities
(Management Tip of the Week)
Provide Opportunities for Growth

• Explanation: Offering career advancement opportunities increases staff retention and loyalty.
• Impact: Reduced turnover, improved job satisfaction, and potential for enhanced guest interactions.

Steps:

• Identify career paths and growth opportunities within the organization.
• Offer training, courses, and resources to support employee development.
• Create individual development plans in collaboration with employees.
• Encourage employees to take on challenging assignments or projects.
• Regularly review progress toward growth goals during performance reviews.
• Provide mentorship or coaching to aid in skill development.
• Recognize and reward milestones achieved in personal development plans.
• Connect employees with networking opportunities or industry events.
• Adjust development plans based on changing career aspirations or organizational needs.
• "Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don't have to.” –Sir Richard Branson

How to Streamline Your Laundry Operations with Organized Linen Transportation
(Housekeeping/Laundry Tip of the Week)
LAUNDRY—Efficient Linen Transportation

• Explanation: Organized linen transportation ensures timely delivery to guest rooms.
• Impact: Reduced guest wait times, efficient housekeeping operations, and positive guest experiences.

Steps:

• Designate linen transport staff, might be a houseman or laundry attendant for instance. 
• Establish a clear linen transportation route, optimize transportation routes for efficiency.
• Use linen carts for efficient movement.
• If possible, designate a specific elevator car for transport of linens. 
• Train transport staff on safe handling and hygiene.
• Develop a schedule for linen transportation.
• Coordinate linen deliveries with housekeeping needs.
• Monitor linen quantities in housekeeping carts to ensure safe transport of the linen and safety of the employee. 
• Communicate transportation schedules to housekeeping and laundry teams.

How to Manage Reservations Accurately for Guest Satisfaction
(Front Desk Tip of the Week)
Accurate Handling of Reservations

• Explanation: Accurate and prompt reservation management minimizes booking errors.
• Impact: Fewer booking disputes, improved guest satisfaction, and smoother operations.

Steps:

• Train front desk staff to use the reservation system to check availability and make bookings.
• Establish clear procedures for handling reservation inquiries and modifications.
• Implement a reservation confirmation process to ensure guests receive timely and accurate information. 
• Provide staff with reservation scripts and guidelines for handling common inquiries.
• Establish a system for handling special requests or accommodations within the reservation system. 
• Monitor booking accuracy and availability to prevent overbooking or double bookings.
• Conduct regular audits of reservations to identify discrepancies and address them promptly.
• Regularly update reservation system training to keep staff informed about system upgrades or changes. 
• Monitor guest reviews related to reservation experience for continuous improvement.