Boosting Hotel Bookings

March 31, 2015 9:28 am

Hotel rates in the UK rose by an average of 9% in 2014. This was partly driven by demand for rooms during the Tour de France, along with a general increase in bookings from both leisure and business guest. Hotel prices in London increased by 16% last year, making it Europe’s most expensive city destination, ahead of Zurich, Paris and Oslo. Edinburgh is the UK’s second most pricy city break.

If demand is rising, it is natural economics that will drive up prices, however the UK is still in competition for tourists with cities around the globe, so no matter what the room rate, they have to offer great value. At present a typical hotel generates around half of the bookings through repeat custom and word of mouth recommendations, so excellent customer service is vital for success.

Providing That Little Extra

Large hotels may be well equipped to offer guests a range of on-site facilities including gyms, restaurants, spas and bars, but how can smaller hotels compete? No matter what the size of your premises, a great way to offer your guests a higher level of service, is to form links with relevant services in the local area. The important fact is to remember that you don’t have to provide everything yourself, great connections can make it possible to deliver that added touch of personalisation and customer service.

Pampering Services

Whether they are visiting on business or pleasure, most people like the opportunity to relax at the hotel. Your hotel may not have a spa, but by teaming up with local therapists, guest could have the option of booking treatments to have in their room. Alternatively, you may be able to negotiate guests receiving a 10% discount if they visit a local spa. This would generate business for the spa and increase the services you can offer your guests, so there are mutual benefits.

The same approach could be applied to hairdressers or local gyms. If you are considering offering wedding valentines or birthday packages, teaming up with a local florist or chocolatier could be a wise option. If you would like to offer freshly made scones or cupcakes on arrival, who in your local area could assist?

Vehicle Hire

If you regularly have guests who have arrived by train or plane, then it could be advantageous to team up with a local vehicle hire company. Guests could either hire a vehicle for the duration of their stay, or order a chauffeur driven vehicle to transport business colleagues to a particular event.

A company such as 4×4 vehicle hire https://4x4vehiclehire.co.uk/ has branches across the UK, so you could find the one which is most local to you and come to an arrangement to provide your guests with the option of 4×4 hire. All vehicles are maintained to a high standard and include insurance, so they can be delivered to the door as and when they are required.

Evening Meals

If you don’t offer evening meals at your hotel, then connecting with a local restaurant or a catering company could bring similar advantages. You need to ensure that the ones you select match the typical tastes and expectations of your guests and have a varied menu. It is important that in addition to having vegetarian options, dietary requirements can also be catered for. If you can drive business their way, they may be willing to provide discounts or a free bottle of wine to your guests.

Informing Guests

Once you have made these connections, don’t wait until your guests arrive to let them know. Customer service begins from the moment they book. With your booking confirmation, make them aware that you can also arrange car hire or spa treatments. Promote the fact that you’ve negotiated favourable rates at certain gyms, restaurants or attractions and include links to those company’s websites. This can encourage advanced bookings which are easier for everyone to arrange.

Returning to the fact that the majority of hotel bookings are made by returning customers and recommendations, it is important to engage with your guests at the end of their stay with you. From leaving a guest book in the room, to asking them to write a review on trip advisor; their feedback could play a vital role in generating new leads.