The humble shoehorn and bubble shower caps have long since been replaced by newer amenities. Here’s a list of amenities that will earn you goodie points with modern travellers. Some are essential, some nice to have and others over-the-top.
Free Wi-Fi
You don’t expect your guests to check if your property’s room includes power and indoor plumbing; it is a given. Same with wireless and free internet. This is 2018, and we’re all connected. Wi-Fi is not a perk reserved for your loyal or business guests. It should be an amenity that’s available to all. Forcing guests to join your loyalty programme (a common practice) to access free Internet is also a no-no.
Adequate Power Points
Most guests today move around with an average of three to five gadgets. They need to be charged. Easily accessible power points, including in the bathroom, are a winner with guests.
Quality Bathroom Toiletries
Thanks to airline restrictions, an increasing number of travellers (75% if some statistics are to be believed) use the toiletries provided. So, anything sub par just won’t do. Here’s also an opportunity for you to infuse a bit of local into your rooms. Partner up with a local provider and weave in a story about the toiletries provided.
Bathroom Extras
Removing the rubbish bin from the bathroom may be convenient for the housekeeping staff, but can be quite annoying for the guest. And, while you’re there, throw in a few extra towels.
Hair Dryer
This is so popular, it deserves a whole point of its own! Let’s face it, travelling with hair dryers is too cumbersome. Be kind to your guests and invest in a few for them. If you want to go the whole nine yards, add in flat irons and curling irons into the mix – the ladies will love it!
Laundry Facilities
Another essential, especially if you market yourself as a family-friendly property. Who wants to go home after a holiday with bags full of dirty laundry!?
Microwave and Small Fridge
Not uncommon on the amenities wishlist at all, a fridge and a microwave are appreciated by travellers, especially families with babies and young kids. The pressure-sensitive mini bars that charge you even if you pick up a bottle to read the ingredients are not welcome.
Lint Rollers and Stain Removers
A petty investment but a very thoughtful addition to your room amenities. Think of the business traveller running out of the door who spilt coffee on his shirt. Or, a wedding guest who inadvertently brought along her pet’s hair on her special dress.
Electronic Chargers and Adapters
Phone chargers are among the most forgotten travel accessories. And, landing in a foreign country without the required adapter to charge your battalion of gadgets can easily ruin your holiday from the get go. Here’s when hotels are expected to come to the rescue with chargers and adapters to borrow. If you can’t have one in each room, keep some aside on the front desk.
Coffee, Tea and More
Coffees that are substandard and tea bags that are past their use by date just don’t cut it. Artisan teas, quality coffee (including plunger coffees) and other hot beverage options are almost a norm nowadays.
Add a cookie or packet of chips as a complimentary extra.
Entertainment
From books to board games and television (preferably with channels that are worth watching), hotels are expected to have downtime covered. Check your list of amenities and see what you offer. The more, the better is the general rule.
There’s a new trend among hoteliers to add in fun extras such as musical instruments. Nothing like a guitar in the hotel room to wind you down.
Welcome Extras
Greet your guests with a bottle of wine or a few truffles. Great way to kick start a relationship. And, if the guest is a loyal one, up the ante on what you offer – a free massage maybe?
Got the above covered? You’re well on your way to getting the star-rating from customers you deserve. The trick is to go the extra mile and ensure your customers are noticing you do it.