Hospitality, at its very core, is welcoming strangers and making them feel at home.
At your hotel, you know that guests are coming to visit for a variety of reasons – business, pleasure, or somewhere in between. Regardless of why they’re visiting your hotel, there’s one reason they will come back and tell their friends about their stay.
That reason? Because it felt like home…only better.
Your guests’ comfort is paramount. You want your guests’ stay to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. There are a few key things you can do to make sure your guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
Based on our experience in designing hotels, we have noticed what guests are looking for in a stay. Below we will outline 7 key must-haves that your hotel needs to create the perfect environment for your guests.
Great sofa bed
If you want your guests to be comfortable, you need a great sofa bed. A sofa bed is a versatile piece of furniture that can serve as both a place to sit and a place to sleep. Guests will appreciate having a comfortable place to sit during the day, and a cozy place to sleep at night.A good quality sofa bed will have a solid frame, firm cushions, and a comfortable mattress.
Of course, it’s not just about how the bed feels – it’s how it is used. Look for a sofa bed that is easy to open and close, so your guests can have a hassle-free experience. (Trust us, there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to work a stuck sofa bed when all you want to do is sleep!)
Connectivity (USB chargers, and USB-C chargers, just in the guest room alone)
Today’s traveler needs to be connected (after all, how else will those great travel shots make it online?). Plus, there is the practical side of things…even if your guests are on vacation, they may still need to check in with the office or other family members back home.
At the end of the day, your guests will need to be able to charge their phones, laptops, and other devices. Make sure your hotel has plenty of outlets and USB chargers for guests to use. USB-C chargers are becoming more popular, so it’s a good idea to have those available as well. You might even want to get a multi-port charger so your guests can charge multiple devices at once.
Plush towels
A hotel should feel like home…except better. The bathroom is especially where you can add those little touches to take your bathroom from a stay to an experience.
Your guests will appreciate having plush, fluffy, high-quality towels to use during their stay. Make sure you have plenty of towels for your guests to use, including bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths.
You might also want to provide some extra towels for guests to use at the pool or beach, if your hotel is located near these amenities.
Branded amenities like shampoos and soaps
When guests are traveling, they often forget to pack the little things – like shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Make sure your hotel is stocked with these essential items, and go above and beyond by providing branded amenities.
Your guests will appreciate having these items available and associate your brand with that extra little bit of convenience.
Entertainment (smart tv with channels, one that kids can connect games to and play in the hotel on a rainy day)
No one wants to be bored on vacation, so make sure your hotel has plenty of entertainment options for guests. A TV with cable or satellite channels is a must, and a smart TV with streaming apps is even better. If you’re looking to really wow your guests, consider adding some gaming consoles or other entertainment options.
The weather or other factors may curtail your guest’s travel plans, but with the right entertainment options, it won’t feel like they’re “stuck in the hotel room.” This is especially true for your family guests – they’ll appreciate having options to keep the kids entertained.
Community spaces for those who are single travellers to connect with other travellers (community table in the lobby area)
When we imagine someone traveling, we assume that they will not be flying solo. However, there’s been a large uptick in solo travelers – a 42% increase in the last two years.
Make sure your hotel has community spaces for guests to meet and mingle. A lobby area with a few chairs and tables is a good start, but you could also have a lounge area or coffee shop on-site. This will give guests the opportunity to connect with other travelers and make new friends.
Having an instagrammable moment (wall or feature)
We all want to take photos of our travels and share them with our friends and followers. Make sure your hotel has an Instagram-worthy moment for guests to capture. This could be a unique piece of art, a beautiful view, or even a fun photo op.
Your goal is to give guests a moment that they’ll want to share online and that will make them want to come back to your hotel next time they’re in town.
Bonus Must-Have for Guest Comfort: A Designer You Can Trust
At Lelsey Wong Interiors, we understand that your hotel is an investment. You want to make sure you’re working with a designer you can trust to bring your vision to life – within your budget.
As a full-service interior design firm, we offer everything to create a one-of-a-kind design that reflects your brand and leaves a lasting impression on your guests.
If you’re ready to take your hotel to the next level, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
