All small accommodation providers face an ongoing challenge to keep their business prospering. It’s a constant battle to attract and convert new guests, but also to secure return business.

To keep guests coming back, it goes without saying you’ll have to provide the best service possible and make their experience a memorable pleasure, for every type of traveler.

Understanding what people need and want isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

Luckily, there are some easy strategies you can use to further enrich the time a traveler spends under your care.

Here are 6 simple ways to enhance the in-room experience.

Food is happiness

Most of the time, the way to anyone’s heart is through their stomach. Who doesn’t love nice food and something nice to wash it down with?

There are some incredibly easy things you can do that will likely bring a smile to your guests face including:

  • Stocking the room with popular confectionary like Skittles, Starburst, or Mars Bars in the fridge.
  • Customisable mini-bar options. You may have a list of predetermined packages guests can choose from. E.g Wine and cheese, beer and cured meats, or champagne and fruit.
  • Coffee. More specifically, a coffee machine. Give your guests constant access to good coffee and they will probably love you forever and beyond.

Technology and connectivity keeps people calm

In today’s world, it almost unthinkable to be without the aid of technology for any length of time so guests will be expecting to remain in the loop while under your roof.

  • Something as minute as an extra powerpoint or USB port can make a huge difference to whether your guest has a positive or negative experience. If they’re unable to charge their phone, you’ll soon know about it.
  • Wifi and wireless internet connection are a must for most people.
  • Consider providing a speaker dock for iPods or iPhones, with an auxiliary point for other models. Listening to their favourite music will help guests stay relaxed throughout their stay.

Entertainment to ward off the boredom

When your guests aren’t out and about performing their various fun or important activities, they’ll also want to be engaged when they’re spending time in their room.

  • Entertainment systems. Game consoles, DVD and Blu-Ray titles, and pay TV will be enough to keep all ages occupied if they want to stay ‘switched on.’
  • Selected board games. Often guests find themselves with a few hours to kill or they want to spend a quiet night in. Popular games like Uno, Monopoly, Scrabble, Chess, Backgammon, and playing cards should do the trick.
  • An assortment of classic literature. Everyone is working through their list of 50 books you need to read before you die so why not give your guests a chance to cross some off? Authors to put on the shelf may include: Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens, EE Cummings, George Orwell, H. G Wells, and Hunter. S. Thompson.

Information will de-stress your guest

The more knowledge someone has the more control they feel they have. Keep your guests happy by informing them about the local area.

Give them advice on nearby restaurants, sightseeing opportunities, public transport, events, and other activities or attractions.

It will also be a good idea to be educated about the history of the town or city.

Home is where the heart is

While people like to get away, they often want to maintain a sense of familiarity.

  • Pets allowed. This may not seem ideal to you but a huge number of people treat their furry friends as part of the family. Whether they can bring them along will influence their decision about where they stay. You could go the extra mile and provide bedding and food cost-free.
  • Digital photo frames will give guests the option to personalise their room and keep the rest of their family with them at all times.
  • Give guests robes to keep them comfortable and complimentary earplugs and masks to help them achieve uninterrupted sleep. Adequate rest is vital for avoiding the grumpy monsters that used to be guests.

Luxury

For those that can afford it, a little bit of luxury and pizzaz will go a long way.

Dazzle guests with a spa, indoor waterfall, floating fireplace, or snazzy workstation.

For travelers who like to be pampered, implement a scheduled routine for them including a menu, wake-up times, and itinerary.

Check out some other ways you can boost the revenue of your small hotel.

By Dean Elphick

Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).