Are you looking for tips on hotel reservations? You’ve come to the right place! Finding the perfect hotel can be a challenge for hoteliers. You can better target your customers if you understand booking trends and why certain rooms are more popular. You will make more money if you can target your customers better.
What are guests’ expectations, and what should they consider when booking a hotel? Continue reading to find out more. Understanding your guests’ mindset will help you attract more visitors to your property.
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11 Things to consider when booking a room
When booking a hotel, there are some important things to keep in mind. Let’s examine them.
1. It is important to know the timing.
Booking in advance and choosing the right time to travel will depend on the motivation of guests. It is important to book in advance, but it is also important to choose the best time for travel. It is possible that guests cannot control the timing of their business trips. It is best to travel in the off-season if their company doesn’t specify when they must take vacations.
Travelling off-season offers lower rates, and hotels can avoid a large drop in demand during the low season. The timing is less important if you are staying somewhere that does not have seasonality.
2. The reviews of hotels are important
Reviews of hotels are very important. Word-of-mouth, peer-to-peer, and other recommendations are some of the strongest motivators for booking a hotel. As a hotelier, it’s crucial to maintain your online reputation and respond to both positive reviews and negative ones. Checking reviews on websites such as TripAdvisor and Google can help you make an informed choice.
3. You can leverage loyalty programs
Everyone wins. Hotel loyalty programs encourage guests to return, increasing their profits through increased advertising and investment.
4. The check-in and out times should be clearly indicated
Each guest has different requirements depending on their flight schedule. Check-in and check-out times are important factors in determining whether guests book a particular hotel. Hotels can use these check-in/rate revenue. A late check-out before a long-haul flight may cost a little more.
5. Location is everything
While business travellers prefer to stay close to convention centres, downtown, or business districts, leisure travellers might want to be near the beach or other attractions. It is important to make sure that you clearly describe the location of your hotels and nearby attractions on your booking website. This will help manage expectations and ensure guests book for the right reasons.
6. Amenities and inclusions
Include all amenities provided by your hotel, such as shampoo, conditioners, toothbrushes, hair dryers, irons, and other items. This will help guests prepare for their trip. Ask the hotel for amenities before you pack.
7. Room type
It is important to know your own needs as a visitor. Ask if smoking is allowed in the room and if there’s a balcony. If you’re travelling with friends, you might want a room with single beds. Be sure that the price of the room is based on the number of guests. List the type of room, its features, maximum occupancy, and whether it is non-smoking or smoking.
8. Payment and cancellation
The hotel’s payment policies must be known by both guests and the hotel. The no-cancellation rate is usually cheaper if the trip is guaranteed. Hotels should clearly state their cancellation policies, including how much notice they need to give to receive a full refund. Hotels can avoid confusion by clearly stating the accepted payment methods and cancellation policies. The hotels also let guests know if they can cancel.
9. Consider room size
Every country has its policy on the minimum size of a room. To avoid feeling cramped, choose a room that is at least 20 square meters (215 square feet). You must provide enough storage space to your guests regardless of the room size. This will make them feel relaxed and at ease.
10. Breakfast or Not?
If there is a small price difference, you can save some money by booking a hotel room with breakfast included.
11. Please remember special requests
The average rate of a room can increase if you make special requests, for example, if you want a room with sweeping views of the gardens or sea or if you upgrade your room. Think about what you would like as a guest. Do you want a quiet room, or would you like to have additional amenities, such as a Jacuzzi? It is important to book a room suitable for guests who have reduced mobility.
Conclusion
Here are a few helpful tips for both guests and hoteliers when booking a hotel. By keeping both sides in mind, you can find a balance. You can then find a booking pattern that is profitable for both the hotel and the guest.