In an industry as competitive as hospitality, the guest experience can be the game-changer. For smaller establishments like boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts, the challenge is even greater due to limited staff and resources. Yet, technology is reshaping the landscape, and one breakthrough tool that’s making waves is remote assistance programs, such as Loookit.
Why does the guest experience matter?
A recent survey from Accenture found that 61% of customers switched companies due to poor service. In the hospitality sector, this means that a simple issue like an ice machine malfunction could lead to losing a guest forever.
The challenges of small-scale establishments
In a 2019 study, researchers found that small hotels and B&Bs struggle with various challenges such as limited financial resources, inadequate training, and a lack of specialized personnel. These issues can negatively impact the speed and quality of problem-solving, inevitably harming the guest experience.
Free Resources for Small Hotels and B&Bs
Navigating the complexities of running a small hotel or B&B can be challenging. Luckily, there are many free resources available that can help:
- Hospitality Net: This comprehensive portal offers the latest news, trends, and insights in the hospitality industry. Their small hotel section is especially useful.
- Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC): While the conference isn’t free, their blog offers a wealth of knowledge on the latest technologies in hospitality.
- Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII): PAII offers free webinars on various topics relevant to small hotel and B&B owners.
- The American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute: They provide a range of free resources including training videos and articles that can help improve operations and guest experience.
- Google My Business: This free tool allows small hotels and B&Bs to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. This guide can help you get started.
Utilizing these resources, small hotels and B&Bs can stay updated on industry trends, gain operational insights, and enhance guest experiences. Remember, providing exceptional service isn’t just about problem-solving, but also about constantly learning, adapting, and improving.
The power of remote assistance
Enter remote assistance programs like Loookit. This solution allows guests to initiate a help request using a QR code linked to a specific location or device. With no additional software required and the entire system cloud-hosted, it is an ideal solution for businesses that don’t have large IT infrastructures.
Benefits for smaller establishments
For small hotels and B&Bs, a system like Loookit can be a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Cost-effective: With Loookit, small hotels don’t need to employ a large support staff, thereby reducing overhead costs. Moreover, Loookit requires no additional software, making it an economical choice.
- Rapid Response: The remote assistance program provides an immediate connection between the guest and an operator. This drastically reduces response time, ensuring guest problems are promptly addressed.
- Enhanced Guest Experience: By implementing tech-based problem solving, establishments can minimize the stress and inconvenience associated with traditional troubleshooting.
The Future is Now
In a world that is increasingly digital, smaller establishments have an opportunity to level the playing field with their larger competitors. As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, innovative technologies like Loookit will be at the forefront, transforming the guest experience and redefining what it means to provide exceptional service.
