Healthcare, e-commerce, consumer goods… In the face of a global pandemic, several industries have managed to prevail. Suffice it to say that hospitality isn’t one of them.Many hotels are adopting the Serviced Apartment Business Model to be able to survive. Here is all about the changes they are making.
Almost every sector suffered major losses. Hotels were particularly unlucky, with social distancing and unfamiliar procedures forcing them to contend with problems that lacked clear solutions. To weather the storm, owners need to think creatively and consider how operations can be changed.
The serviced apartments market, which has consistently reported higher occupancy, is a valuable source of insights. Their business model lends better to self-isolation, and practices that are standard among serviced apartment providers can be revolutionary for a hotel. Here’s how their methods are being adopted.
How the Serviced Apartment Business Model Might Save Hotels
Less Talk
Minimizing interactions between guests and staff where possible is a key priority for hotels today. It keeps everyone safe and ensures that mandated guidelines are followed correctly. Serviced apartments already do this in numerous ways:
- Automatic check-in and keyless entry allow guests to reach their room independently
- Maid service occurs less regularly or whenever requested
- Clean linen is delivered directly to rooms so that guests don’t have to fetch it
Implementing these types of changes can also improve your marketing efforts, as well as the customer experience. If people know that your hotel has additional services and amenities, they’ll be more likely to choose it and return later.
More Action
While some may be disappointed by their absence, breakfast buffets aren’t conducive to an isolated hotel environment. The same can be said for room service, which has made its way out in favor of quicker grab-and-go options. In both cases, hotels will benefit from drastic reductions in food waste and associated cost savings.
Making speed and convenience a selling point can attract busy professionals who would otherwise choose a serviced apartment. To understand what makes them popular among business people, you can read more here.
Leveraging Technology
Another solution is to offer a website or mobile app that guests can use as a virtual concierge. This makes it easier to select additional services and speak to staff from a distance after checking in. Apps are useful for a number of reasons:
- Optimized booking experience
- You can send push notifications of promotions and special offers
- Apps can facilitate more convenient cashless payments
- Guests will be able to order food
- Any information about the hotel can be provided in the app
- An icon that stays on the guest’s home screen reminds them of you after leaving
Done right, this can reduce your staffing requirements while also limiting interactions with guests.
Additional Options
Hotels such as Hilton have accounted for their customers’ unique preferences with different options. This includes housekeeping services that range from daily cleaning to no service at all. Unnecessary extras (notepads, pencils, flowers) are being phased out to accommodate stricter hygiene standards.
Serviced apartments have mastered the art of understanding their customer’s needs. Hotels can learn from their approach and build on it to offer something even better.
