How Hotels Should Respond To The Growth Of Vacation Rental Market

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hotel, rental market, vacation rental

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With the number of travelers continuing to increase yearly, hotels have consequently been experiencing growth in sales for the past decade. However, with the home or vacation rental market also expanding, the hotel industry is coming up against an unprecedented threat.

According to global market research firm Euromonitor International, rental business pioneer Airbnb will drive in more or less $40 billion in short-term rental sales by 2020. That projection would be higher than the sales of other hospitality companies except for the Marriott-Starwood group.

Hotels have responded to the rise of the rental market in various ways, with some of them in the extremes, such as denial that the likes of Airbnb and HomeAway cater to a different, distinct market segment. The best way to respond is to adapt to them and treat them as competition, since every business has to deal with a myriad of challenges, anyway. And competitors of any form is just one of them.

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Hotels need to continuously improve their amenities and services to keep up with the vacation rental market. Most hotels are already in prime locations, one of the most important factors for travelers when choosing accommodation. But they should also go to great, reasonable lengths, to meet customer demands and provide them a positive customer experience, one that would push them to revisit the hotel or refer the place to other people.

Hotels also have to fight back in the marketing arena, which has been one of the fortes of vacation rental market sites or apps. Investing in relevant marketing channels can help up drive up sales or revenue.

For more than four decades, John Jefferis has been in the hotel and resort development industry, which you can read more about by visiting this blog.

Understanding what guests really want out of their accommodations

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accommodation, guest experience, hotel

In the hospitality industry, the guest is king. However, many hotels and accommodations fail to realize what their clients really want. Despite the countless surveys and questioning, many still fail to give their best to the people who avail of their services. They may not always say it but here are the things guests want from their accommodations:

                                         Image source: Pixabay.com

Cleanliness

Cleanliness goes beyond sweeping, buffing, and changing the sheets. What guests really want is a room that smells and feels clean. Unfortunately, many hotel rooms smell and feel stuffy. For this problem, it is vital that rooms are cleaned and checked regularly, including all air conditioning units and other ventilation systems to get rid of allergens and unwanted smell.

Comfort

Modern hotels try to improve their visuals to impress their guests. Especially in this social media era, a nice photo could garner interest from a person’s network. But this tactic can only go so far because, at the end of the day, people will still choose comfort over looks. Despite the trends, guests still want plush pillows and breathable sheets on beds that won’t strain their backs. Having an assortment of refreshing teas and freshly-brewed coffee would also be a nice touch to make them feel at home.

Connectivity

A slow Wi-Fi connection could ruin the guest experience. These days, a high-speed internet connection is important to get things done. Most hotels offer a limited connection to guests that is barely enough to send an email but will grant them better connectivity for a price. Guests these days prefer hotels that won’t charge them extra for better connectivity.

On top of the trends and innovations, guests still prioritize their basic needs. In the quest to be the best, hotels should consider these three factors to provide excellent guest experience.

                                                              Image source: Pixabay.com

Bermuda-based hotelier John Jefferis is the chairman and sole shareholder of Coco Reef Resort located in Bermuda and Tobago. Mr. Jefferis has been working in the hotel industry since the 60’s and is responsible for developing and acquiring some of the famous hotels, resorts, and restaurants in Caribbean region. Visit this blog for more information.

Get On Board These Four Hotel Interior Design Trends

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accommodation, booking, hotel design trends, hotel rooms, hotel stay

Hotel owners and interior designers are always updated when it comes to trends. These days, many are letting go of the uniform and minimalist style to embrace a lively and traveler-friendly concept. Here are four interior design trends guests might notice on their next hotel stay:

1. The “home away from home” vibe

Gone are the days when people would associate the pristine white walls and plain furniture with their hotel rooms for a business trip. These days, hoteliers want their guests to feel more at home by making the rooms more colorful and comfy. Brighter lights, cozy couches, kitchenettes, indoor plants, and other little details will make the weary traveler feel right at home while on holiday.

Image source: Pixabay.com

2. Nature-focused

Hotel interior designers are becoming braver when it comes to incorporating nature and nomadic elements not only in the rooms but in the lobby and other areas. Plants and wood-based fixtures, floral, and beach prints will be part of the design. Hotels that are near mountains or beaches will make visitors feel closer to these places by using artworks, pieces, and other features that will make them excited to explore the outdoors.

3. Artsy lighting

Hotels want their facilities to be Instagram-worthy. This is why many designers have focused on working on lighting that will create the perfect mood and will create a flattering image for their guests. Warm lighting can also make visitors feel rested especially after getting used to sitting under white fluorescent lights on most days.

Image source: Pixabay.com

4. Incorporating smart technology

Since hoteliers are keen on letting guests take control of their accommodations, it is only right to install smart features in the rooms. Smart televisions, tablets, speakers, air-conditioners, and other appliances will make moving around the room more convenient. Gone are the days of multiple remote controls that no one really knows how to use. With a swipe or with voice command, guests will be able to take control of the gadgets in their room.

John Jefferis is a multi-awarded personality in the hotel industry, receiving the prestigious recognitions Caribbean Hotelier of the Year in 1990 and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000. Visit this blog for more articles on the hospitality business.