Eight Great Books For Hotel Managers

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Today, companies in the hospitality industry sometimes face significant competition. Hotel managers help give their firms an edge by reading informative books about their field. As I’ve discussed in previous articles, it never hurts to become more educated in your field. Consider adding these eight excellent works to your business bookshelf soon:

  1. 100 Tips For Hoteliers by Peter Venison

New hotel owners and managers will appreciate this book! Many of these tips help prevent critical mistakes in operating a successful hotel.

  1. The Cornell School of Hotel Administration on Hospitality: Cutting Edge Thinking And Practice by Michael C. Sturman, Jack B. Corgel, and Rohit Verma

Control business costs as you develop an international chain of hotels. This informative textbook offers insights into management issues for hoteliers around the world.

  1. 7 Easy Ways to Show Your Employees You Care by Jokima Hiller

This short booklet offers some great tips. Consider using some of these ideas to help make your employees feel appreciated. Raising morale enhances employee retention rates!

  1. Without Reservations: How a Family Root Beer Stand Grew into a Global Hotel Company by J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr.

Both hoteliers and MBAs appreciate this well-written book. It details the development of the influential Marriott chain. The world’s largest international network of hotels began as a small family enterprise.

  1. Revenue Superstar!: The Simple Rules of Hotel Revenue Management by Johan Hammer

This informative book helps introduce hoteliers to the nuts and bolts of finance and revenue issues. It assists in analyzing hotel revenue streams to optimize profits. Both novice and experienced hoteliers may find this book valuable.

  1. The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company by Joseph Michelli

The Ritz-Carlton helped pioneer lavish customer service. It became synonymous with luxury. This account offers insight into the importance of pampering hotel guests.

  1. Setting The Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny Meyer

This entertaining book explores the theme of hospitality in an engaging, stimulating way. Today, “hospitality” remains one of the most crucial factors in the success or failure of hotels and motels. Readers will appreciate the focus on this critical aspect of hotel management.

  1. People Matter Most: The Dirty Little Secrets of Employee Relations & Labor Management by Mason Duchatschek, Jason Greer, and Ken Lynch

As an employer in today’s highly regulated workforce, knowing the secrets of employee relations and labor management is a major key to success.

 

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org 

4 Careers You Can Pursue With A Degree In Hospitality Management

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While a career in hotel management may seem like the most likely use of a degree in hospitality management, it is not the only option. For example, the degrees I have are not hospitality related, though I still managed to learn the industry with an open mind. The field of hospitality covers a much broader range of services than just those of hotels. Here are four other career paths you might take with a degree in hospitality management.

  1. Cruise director

If you love hosting great parties or even being the life of the party, then being a cruise director might be the right job for you. A cruise director has a wide range of responsibilities, but their main job is to see that everyone has a great time on their cruise. Your responsibilities might include planning activities and special events as well as booking entertainment acts. Perhaps the best perk of all, however, is getting to travel the world while showing everyone a good time.

  1. Event planner

Another great way to put your love of a great party to great use is to plan parties for others. Event planners often plan everything from corporate retreats to bar and bat mitzvahs, wedding anniversaries, sweet 16 parties and quinceaneras to even the occasional wedding. Best of all, if you don’t like working for someone else, as an event planner you can also be your own boss and run your own business.

  1. Travel agent/ Tour operator

If you love to travel, but don’t want the stress of managing a busy venue, then you might consider being a travel agent. The best travel agents are generally seasoned travelers themselves, which can help you make more educated recommendations to your clients. If you don’t particularly want to be chained to a desk or work in an office, then you might consider being a tour operator instead. This is also another great way to start your own small business.

  1. Restaurant or bar manager

Hotels are not the only hospitality properties you can manage with a degree in hospitality management. As a bar or restaurant manager you may have more flexibility than a hotel manager, but maybe not as many perks. If you love working in hospitality but aren’t a big fan of traveling, then this might be the right place to put your degree to work.

 

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org 

3 Questions To Ask Yourself To Determine If Hospitality Management Is Right For You

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For some people, a career in hospitality management might be the most rewarding career they can imagine. Like all careers, it can have its ups and downs over time, but when people are genuinely passionate about what they do, the positives tend to far outweigh the negatives. Take me, for example; while my family introduced me to the world of hospitality at a young age, it wasn’t until much later that I became invested in hospitality management.

That being said, a career in hospitality management is not for everyone. If you don’t have a specific set of traits and characteristics, then you might find it to be a miserable rather than rewarding experience. Here are three ways to know if a career in hospitality management might be right for you.

  1. Do you enjoy having guests?

While it might seem as if having guests in your own home and running a business where guests stay are two different things, they are not. The best hospitality managers consider the property to be their property and the guests to be their guests. Perhaps the most essential quality for any hospitality manager is a deep desire to make every guest feel welcomed and special, no matter how large or small the property.

  1. Are you flexible?

Some people enjoy having a set schedule every day and the ability to leave work at the office when they go home. Hospitality managers need to be available when their guests need them the most. While they should have a well-trained staff to handle almost any crisis, there will always be events that a manager needs to be on-call for or urgent situations that might arise at any moment. In addition, every region will have a peak and a lull season. You will generally need to be 100% available during peak seasons. Unfortunately, your peak season will also be the time your family is most likely to want to go on vacation.

  1. Do you enjoy travel?

While traveling is not necessarily a requirement for hospitality management, one of the biggest perks is getting to travel. In addition, you will likely have far more opportunities, the more willing to travel you are. Not all hospitality managers work in the hotel and travel industry; bar and restaurant managers are also hospitality managers. If you are drawn to the hospitality industry but don’t like to travel, food service management might be a better option for you.

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org

 

Travel Tip: Save Money on Your Hotel Stay

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If you’re like most people, you love to travel, and you would do it more often if there were a way to make it less costly. While there are few ways around the high cost of airfare, you might be able to save on your accommodations. These tips may help you save enough to add an extra vacation or two to your year.

Off-Season Vacations are Significantly Cheaper

You can save quite a bit on your traveling budget by going during the offseason. Some travel agents suggest your hotel costs may be up to two-thirds lower.

Avoid the Weekends

You can increase those off-season savings by also booking your stay for mid-week days. Everyone travels for the weekends, which often leaves hotel rooms vacant Tuesday through Thursday. Hotels will try to fill those days by offering discounted rates.

Search for Online Deals

There are many ways to find online deals for hotel accommodations. You might start by following the social media pages for the major hotel chains. Additionally, third-party travel sites offer promo codes and other deals to help you save.

Stick to Those Third-Party Sites

When you go directly to a hotel chain’s website, you’re only going to get rates for that one hotel. However, using third-party sites, like Expedia or Travelocity, will provide you with multiple listings for the destination and dates you specify. This will let you compare rates and choose the one that appeals to you.

Sign Up for Rewards

If you’re a creature of habit and tend to stay with the same hotel everywhere you go, you might want to look into a rewards program. The hotel may have a smartphone app that helps you track your rewards, so you’ll be notified when you have enough points for a free night or other rewards.

Rent a Room

You can save a great deal of cash by changing your view of accommodations altogether. Aside from sleeping, you probably won’t spend much time in your room anyway, so it may not be necessary to spend the extra money on a four-star hotel. Hostels, Airbnb, and room rentals can cost much less, while they do provide the necessities.

In addition to these tips, you can often save on accommodations through a credit card that also offers rewards. Combining these tips with other rewards programs and hotel deals can add up to significant savings. When you add your savings to your vacation budget, you may find that you have enough to add more trips to your yearly plans.

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org

 

What Is The Difference Between Service And Hospitality?

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The original premise of Airbnb was an “air mattress bed & breakfast.” It catered to “couch-surfing” travelers that were looking for the most economical accommodations. Since then, it has grown to be a multi-billion dollar a year global conglomerate that has been used by more than 300 million people in 81,000 cities in 191 countries. Where once, travelers preferred Airbnb merely to cut down on travel costs, they now pay as much or even more than they might for a hotel room.

As the hospitality industry embraces technology that helps it operate more smoothly and seamlessly than ever before, it is essential to not lose the most critical aspect of the industry: hospitality. It turns out that in a world that is more connected than ever before, people are lonelier than ever. Loneliness is poised to be the next public health crisis on par with obesity and drug abuse. In a world where guests can create their reservations online, check in with their smartphones and even be sent a room key via smartphone, the time may quickly arrive where guests have little to no interaction with hotel staff whatsoever.

What good does that interaction do, however, if that interaction itself is cold, businesslike and impersonal? It’s easy to check a guest in and issue them a room key without engaging in any personal interaction. To be sure, not everyone wants to participate in witty banter or even have a long, friendly chat. Some guests may arrive exhausted and just want to check in and get to their room as quickly as possible. An aware staff member, however, can help facilitate that in a way that lets the guest know their specific needs are being seen and attended to.

There is no doubt that the hospitality industry is a booming business, which is not going to decline any time soon. The question is, however, whether traditional hotels will be able to compete with the rise in a hospitable industry offering a much more personalized – or inter-personalized – experience. While hotels may pride themselves on providing exquisite and nearly invisible service, it may be that what guests are looking for is more connection.

I discussed previously that focusing on providing excellent hospitality starts internally with hospitality managers. While service is undoubtedly crucial in the hospitality industry, hospitality may be even more so. It is imperative more, now than ever, that hotels keep this in mind, along with the impact younger generations are having on the hospitality industry as a whole.

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org

 

Skip Online Travel Agencies and Book Your Hotel Direct

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Travel agencies and discount travel websites are always advertising that they have the best deals. Is that true? Not always. There are many reasons why booking your hotel directly is preferable over using an online travel agency.

Skip booking fees

Travel agencies earn their money from sales commissions paid by the hotel. If you work with the hotel directly, they don’t have to pay those fees. Often, the best deal you can get is by calling the hotel directly and asking if they offer any discounts.

Amenities for Your Special Day

Hotels love to accommodate your special day, but travel agencies aren’t great at communicating details about your stay. If you book with the hotel directly, you can ask if they offer any special amenities for a special occasion like a wedding, birthday, or group event.

Easier to Amend or Change Booking

Online travel agencies are often unable or unwilling to change reservations once they have been made. Since it’s working through a third party, everything takes a bit longer. If you need to make changes or cancel your reservation last minute, booking directly with the hotel is the way to go. You’ll skip the cancellation fees travel agencies often add to reservations.

Special Requests

Are you particular about what floor you stay on or which direction your room faces? Online travel agencies don’t have the option to make special requests in the booking. Work with the hotel directly, and the staff will do their best to accommodate your special requests.

Booking directly with the hotel starts a real relationship with the staff that you can’t get with an online travel agency. Build a good rapport, and you might be able to make even more special requests or find that the staff throws in some extra goodies.

Last Minute Bookings

Because the online travel agencies are a third party, they don’t always have up-to-date records about hotel vacancy. If you need a last minute room, calling the hotel directly is the best way to ensure you find a place to stay. Sometimes hotels will even offer a discount to last minute bookings, to ensure they have the maximum capacity possible. Same day bookings that fill in cancellations can be a great steal.

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org

 

Maximize Your Hotel Stay

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The most influential person at a hotel is the person behind the front desk. They hold the keys to the rooms, can turn away guests, and decide whether or not to upgrade certain guests. Wondering how to make the most of a hotel stay? Read on.

Hotels Offer More Than You Realize

While most hotel guests assume their hotels will stock their rooms with basic toiletries, most hotel front desks offer far more than they let on. While all hotels vary, many of them have given guests much more than shampoo and lotion. Many hotel front desks have cufflinks, bow ties, nail files, tampons, umbrellas, phone adapters, and more–upon request, of course.

Getting Into a Room Early is a Rarity

Most hotels try to accommodate their guests whenever possible, however, admitting guest early into their room isn’t typically possible. Hotels with high occupancy often don’t have any available rooms that guests can check into early. Still trying to get in before the reservation? Try to call ahead with the early arrival time, as the hotel staff will likely be able to prioritize cleaning the room if they have advance notice.

Another way to ensure that a room is ready early is to book the room for the night before arrival. This will ensure that the room is ready and waiting.

Ask Politely for Discounts, Perks, or Upgrades

Upgrades, perks, and discounts are never guaranteed, but travelers looking for special treatment should ask politely. While hotel staffers can always say no, the people that work the front desk will typically offer a discount when asked politely. Similarly, it helps to be specific when asking for these perks, as staffers are more likely to grant these types of wishes.

It’s best to ask for these discounts, perks, or upgrades during the initial booking. When asked in advance, hotel staffers will have more time to accommodate the needs and requests of their guests.

Become a Frequent Guest to Enjoy Benefits

Guests that stay in the same hotel regularly will find that they are often treated to benefits. Most hotels have a benefits program that offers perks to regular customers. Moreover, travelers that frequent the same hotel will find that they are usually offered upgrades before anyone else.

There is an art to booking one’s hotel room. By keeping these four tips in mind, hotel guests will be able to maximize their hotel stays.

 

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org 

Trends Impacting the Hospitality Industry

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Every industry seems to be changing with new trends coming in every year with significant impacts. The hospitality industry is one of the largest industry in the world. Some countries and cities even depend solely on the hospitality industry for their economic progress. However, recent research studies highlight that there are significant trends in the hospitality industry that will have major impacts as discussed below.

  1. Catering to Millennials

The demographic group of individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 is expected to form more than 50 per cent of all travelers and the people who will be the major users of the hospitality industry. The hospitality industry will be required to significantly shift with the aim of incorporating the high-tech adopters who want to get customized products and catering services. They will also play a vital role in marketing the company through social platforms.

  1. The influx of International Visitors

Traveling from one country to another is becoming a norm in recent times. The hospitality industry has to therefore change and become acceptable from individuals from different parts of the world. The language, food, and the setting of the whole hospitality industry have to change so that it can incorporate the needs of all people from different parts of the world. The hospitality industry should also be prepared to handle different culture and languages.

  1. Automation of Services

This trend has already been incorporated in a significant number of high-end hotels around the world. It is expected that a large number of organizations in the hospitality industry will automate most of their services to allow easy payments and booking of rooms and other services. The payment option is also expected to incorporate bitcoin payment system and other forms of cryptocurrencies.

  1. Artificial Intelligence in Customer Services

Artificial intelligence is expected to take the world by storm in the near future. However, this form of advanced technology has already been incorporated by a significant number of leading hospitality organizations in providing various customer services. For example, customers can ask questions about the products and services provided in a particular hotel while getting instantaneous feedback. This will not only enhance customer experience but will also help organizations to attract a large number of customers who are already aware of hotel services.

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org

 

A History of Hotels

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While many associate the word “hotel” with that of our modern day dwellings featuring conveniences such as TVs, minibars, spas, and more, hotels have been around for much longer than that. The word “hospitality” is a derivative of “hospice” which loosely means “a place of rest for travelers and pilgrims.” Since the development of early civilizations, hotels have been a part of society – we have seen evidence of hospitable facilities since early biblical times. Travelers all over the world have sought a hospitable place to eat and sleep and while they did not offer the luxurious conveniences that hotels today offer, they were hotels all the same.

Greeks and Romans

The Greeks first developed thermal baths in various villages that were explicitly designed for rest and recuperation. Sometime later, the Romans built mansions for traveling government officials to provide them with accommodation. They then further developed the Greeks initial thermal bath design and introduced them to England, Switzerland and the Middle East.

Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, the first establishments included monasteries and abbeys that offered shelter on a regular basis to travelers. Religious orders then built inns, hospices, and hospitals to better cater to travelers. As time went on, inns continued to multiply; however, they did not yet offer meals. These inns only provided basic services, such as the ability to change horses easily.

15th Century France

At the beginning of the 15th century, the law in France required hotels to keep a register. This spread to England, where additional rules were introduced for inns, where more than 600 were registered. The structure was relatively similar across the board – there was often a paved interior court that was accessed through an arched porch with bedrooms located on the two sides of the courtyard, the public restrooms and kitchen were found at the front, and the storehouse and stables at the back.

The Industrial Revolution

In the 1760s, the industrial revolution expedited the development of hotels in mainland Europe, England, and America. These hotels were built with the sole intention of providing accommodation to travelers. The City Hotel, New York’s first hotel, opened in 1792 and the Royal Hotel was built in London at the beginning of the 1800s. Holiday resorts began to spring up and flourish along the Italian and French rivieras. Guest houses popped up in Japan, and government-run bungalows were developed in India.

Throughout the years and through the 20th century, more and more corporations and business organizations took over ownership and management of larger hotels. Courses began being offered to provide basic hotel management training and have further developed and specialized over the years.

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org

 

Things to Ask Your Hotel Concierge

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Your hotel concierge holds a wealth of local knowledge that is more often than not, untapped. Not many travelers thing to ask their hotel concierge for much more than restaurant recommendations or directions. A great hotel concierge can assist you with nearly any travel issue you may run into, so you should take advantage of the powers they have to offer. Here are just a few of the things your hotel concierge can do for you.

Recommendations

Outside of restaurant recommendations, your hotel concierge can suggest fitness facilities if the hotel you are staying at does not have one, or lacks the equipment you want. The concierge can more often than not point you to an affiliated hotel with fitness facilities, suggest a good running or hiking trail, or provide you with a list of fitness centers nearby that supply daily or weekly passes. They can also provide you with local service recommendations, such as babysitters, dog walkers, and auto repair shops.

Find You a Ride

During rush hour traffic, when it’s raining, or it’s really late at night, it can seem impossible to find a taxi or an Uber. Often, your hotel concierge can find you a ride in a matter of minutes, just by placing a phone call.

Assist in Celebrations

If you are celebrating a special event, such as a birthday or reunion, or proposing to your partner, your hotel concierge can assist you with the details. Whether it be filling your hotel room with flowers and balloons or coordinating a proposal on the rooftop complete with a photographer, your hotel concierge can help make the organization process seamless.

Job Duties

If you need help with work-related tasks, such as sending items to a printer, your hotel concierge can help. They are able to not only get materials to a printer for you, but can set up courier service, mail packages, and set up a meeting space for you if needed. If you’re in the area for a job interview, they can even help make sure you look your best and book an appointment with a barber or hairdresser, get your clothes pressed, and more.

While you may feel shy about asking the concierge to help you, there’s no need to be. He or she is available to help all guests at the hotel, and they will be more than happy to assist you.

This article was originally published at SteveFarzam.org