3 Tips To Help Your Hotel Operate Smoothly

3 Tips To Help Your Hotel Operate Smoothly

Hotels, especially larger establishments, are particularly hard to keep running smoothly. After all, there are so many different aspects going on at once, and usually fewer employees than you may think to keep everything from falling apart. If you are responsible for operating or managing a hotel, consider these three tips to keep operations running smoothly:

• Be Present — The best managers are those who are present and visible. A manager who only works at the front desk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday will never have a good idea of what is happening in the hotel. The best managers with the smoothest running hotels are those who are willing to get in the trenches. Work a night shift or a weekend shift and spend some time with the housekeepers, in the café and/or parking cars. Experiencing all aspects of the hotel, regularly, will keep you in touch with what is happening and can help you find small problems before they turn into big ones. Be a consistently good example for your entire staff. Then, when you are not there, the other employees will have a good idea of how to proceed.
• Do not Forget to Delegate — While you want to be present, it’s imperative to let go and trust your staff with key hotel tasks. The best managers know when and how to delegate tasks. Learning how to find the right jobs for the right people is an art. It is important to know your staff and know about your hotel. Then, you will be able to determine the best times to delegate, what works and what does not. While it can be tempting to try to do everything yourself, it will only result in fatigue and frustration. Relax and feel confident that other staff members have hotel functions under control — thanks to your delegation skills.
• Take Advantage of Technology — While the hotel business may not seem like the most high-tech industry out there, you can benefit from properly utilizing technology. This could mean using content management software for efficiency, iPads or other tablets for check-in, staying in touch with staff members by using smartphones or adding Wi-Fi throughout the property for the convenience of guests and staff. By taking advantage of technology, you will make your hotel more inviting and open yourself to new ways to stay organized, up-to-date and productive. However, be sure to never let technology take the place of good, old-fashioned customer service. While going digital is great, don’t forget to forge those personal connections and stay in touch with your customers, staff, and others.

Running a hotel may never be an easy job. However, your days can be much smoother if you and your staff stay organized and efficient, and implement the relatively simple tips listed above. In doing this, you will be prepared and ready for anything the hotel business may throw your way!