Hotels are facing fierce competition. According to CityLab, U.S. consumers spent more on Airbnb in 2018 than they did on Hilton and its subsidiaries ? the second-largest hotel chain in the world. With the meteoric rise of Airbnb and its low-priced lodging options, it has become vital for traditional hotels to emphasize outstanding upkeep and stay clean around the clock.
Most hotels have the advantages of full-time cleaning staff and industrial-strength products to remain consistently clean. Even so, variables such as high foot traffic and unpredictable weather make it challenging for hotels to look, feel and smell their best for every guest that walks through the door.
By focusing on three core facets of the visitor experience, hotels can achieve reliable cleaning results and keep travelers flowing to the front desk for check-in.
Systemic Spotlessness
In today's digital age, online reviews criticizing a hotel's lack of cleanliness can mean trouble for not just a single property, but an entire brand. The solution is a team-oriented approach to defining and executing the brand's cleanliness standard. For hotels ? especially nationwide or international chains ? maintaining a brand standard of constant cleanliness is essential for earning repeat business.
The standard of cleanliness should emphasize the areas that affect customers? buying behavior the most. These include guest rooms, common areas, restrooms, entrance ways, hallways/floors and other customer-facing areas. Taking the following steps helps create a brand standard.
Laundered, Stainless Linens
After a full day in airports, or on the road, it can be discouraging for a hotel guest to walk into a room only to see the comforter or towels covered in stains. Bedspreads and other linens can be kept stain-free with the following steps.
Kitchen Hygiene is Key
Contaminants can sneak into guests? food or drinks if employees don't follow hygiene protocols. Along with selecting quality cleaning products, here are a few ways to avoid the dreaded ?leftover-food-on-my-utensils? problem and similar complaints.
The Bottom Line
Taken together, the above three ideas represent a potential competitive advantage for hotels against upstart competitors like Airbnb. The hotels that stick to these foundational processes, while integrating leading-edge technology wherever possible, are more likely to survive the disruption shaking up today's lodging industry.
For more information about hospitality solutions for your business, visit our hospitality page or reach out to a Diversey representative