Tis the season for holiday travel and this year, millions of travelers will be opt for a hotel stay in lieu of being “home for the holidays.” With this in mind, what can hotels do to get ready for the holiday rush? SkyTouch Technology has compiled the following checklist to help hotels prep for the influx of guests during the busy holiday season:
Create a distinctly festive environment. By all means, deck the halls, but make an effort to put your property’s signature stamp on holiday decorating. Attempt to add elements of surprise to your holiday decorating theme each year to generate buzz and intrigue, even among return guests. You don’t have to try to replicate the Las Vegas Bellagio’s epic display, but you can find ways to incorporate fun and creative new elements into your annual holiday display.
Be inclusive. Be sensitive to the diversity of your hotel guests by recognizing that that the holiday season encompasses multiple holiday traditions. Go beyond Christmas decorating to represent Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other traditions. Coach hotel staff to express holiday greetings that aren’t exclusively limited to one particular holiday. Your guests will appreciate the effort.
Assign a “holiday concierge.” Holiday hotel guests typically don’t want to hunker down during their stay. They want to experience the array of special events taking place on or near your property. Ensure that your concierge (or another capable, customer-facing staff member) is ready by researching and compiling a list of key local festivities. Make sure this list is readily accessible to guests during their stay and that a knowledgeable staff member is on-hand to direct guests and answer any questions related to holiday happenings.
Give guests a home away from home experience. While many holiday guests travel in order to escape the stress of decorating and cooking, they still often seek the holiday comforts of home — minus the stress of doing it themselves! Offer guests’ personal touches during their holiday visit, such as the option to hang stockings in their rooms or leave milk and cookies out for Santa. Providing these little personal touches will likely leave a big impression.
Think ahead and get social! Spread holiday cheer via your hotel’s social media channels. Ensure that your property is on the wishlist of prospective holiday travelers by posting about holiday specials and packages prior to the holiday rush. Include images of festive holiday decorations and displays that communicate the “wow” factor of spending the holidays at your property.
Don’t wait for a holiday miracle. Create a magical and memorable stay for hotel guests by taking the time to properly prep and plan for the holiday rush!
