All hoteliers know dining is one of the critical components of any successful lodging business. Hotels that provide breakfast, have an on-site restaurant, or offer room service tend to reel in more customers.
However, the convenience that is food and beverage comes with a unique set of obstacles. To provide the best stay possible for your guests, take note of these crucial lessons.
1. Know the Difference
The location of your hotel matters for several reasons. Customers in one area will have different expectations than others. If you operate a budget- and family-friendly inn, your guests’ tastes will probably be more straightforward than those who frequent a luxury resort by the beach. Therefore, it’s necessary to identify the atmosphere of your hotel.
You’ll want to learn about the differences in types of dining and how they relate to your situation. The people staying at the inn might prefer to eat casually, while those at the resort desire a more upscale experience. Ultimately, you’ll need to cater to your demographic and what they want specifically.
2. Recognize Trends
Food and drink trends change all the time. Organic vegetarian and vegan options have become more popular as of late. Based on its users’ search terms, the popular app Yelp predicts breakfast cuisine, mocktails and healthy comfort food alternatives will pique consumers’ interests in 2020.
While it’s not always viable to recreate menus to adapt on the fly, you shouldn’t fear new additions, either. The quality of your food comes before everything else, but looks and unique products matter as well. Try to work in a couple of food and beverage fads and see how your guests respond. They’ll feel heard and appreciated.
3. Emphasize Service
Often, guests remember a rude server or long wait more than how their food tasted. It’s essential to prioritize service just as much as the meals your kitchen puts out. Welcome every customer with the same warmth and respect. Try to accommodate their needs, within reason, to ensure they have a relaxing dining experience.
An attentive, but not overbearing, the waitstaff is essential. If your hotel’s restaurant offers impeccable service, you’ll bring in all kinds of customers – even those who aren’t staying with you.
4. Be Unique
The hotel business is notoriously competitive. Therefore, it’s crucial to stand out from the crowd so your guests can create memories. When it comes to your food and beverage options, don’t be afraid to be a little different. Include a distinct variety of appetizers, as some customers won’t have the time to sit down for an entire meal. Consider adding a bar to your restaurant if it doesn’t already have one. It turns out hotel bars have become a destination for a variety of reasons.
Create a menu that’s on-trend and diverse, but still caters to local tastes. Vacations are all about experiencing new things, so work to create that opportunity for your guests. If you succeed, that’s the ultimate accomplishment.
Food for Thought
Hoteliers should recognize the importance of their food and beverage services. There’s a lot of profit to earn in this space, as well as the chance to create and maintain a favorable reputation. Follow these pieces of advice to ensure your dining options are the best they can be for your guests.
Related article: 5 Fun Restaurant Promotion Ideas to Increase Hotel Bookings
We are in this together!
I need to let you all know that we are in on this together. If you need to vent, talk, cry, or just have some to talk with then I am here listening. Since I am working part-time at the local Kroger, I will to the best of my ability to work it out around my schedule.
But you can reach me here:
Email: hotelblogger@aremorch.com
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We will get through this unprecedented event together! #hotelstrong #hospitalitystrong
For any specific information on COVID-19, I recommend go to CDC, WHO, AHLA, AAHOA, and HSMAI. Also, follow information from your local authorities.
NOTE
We are starting to reopen some hotels again (Yay!!!). Make sure you follow their guidelines and say THANK YOU to those that now show a unique spirit to serve, and helps us all get through this!! #hotelstrong #hospitalitystrong
Credit
Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Guides for Brides, Hotel Online, and more!
Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!
About the author
Hi, I am Are Morch. Your Digital Marketing Coach and Customer Experience Expert that specializes in creating effective digital customer experience offer for hotels while growing and scale customer acquisition and revenue.
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