Due to fear of increasing expenses, many B&B owners are still using outdated hotel technologies. Although it may seem like a sacrifice in the name of saving money, this redundant technology is only hindering the way they manage their property and is inhibiting their ability to increase revenue and enter the global marketplace.
The following five hotelier ‘solutions’ are the most dated, and if you are still using these at your B&B you should consider updating your methods before being left behind.
#1: The Year-by-Year Check-In Diary
Previously, all B&B check-ins were done with pen and paper. Battered and overused, the check-in diary is often found behind the front desk, today’s date open, scrawled with check-in times and notes.
This worked fine when guest expectation was low, but now the pressure is on hoteliers to prioritize more of their time towards enhancing their guests’ experience.
Using manual written methods puts a lot of pressure on the staff member at the front desk (and has them stuck there) to remain efficient while having to check room availability, arrivals, and departures.
Instead Try: Cloud-Based Property Management Systems
These systems give hoteliers the tools and features to manage their B&B within one online system, making the day-to-day guest management far easier.
Front desk systems allow hoteliers to keep an eye on everything in one place while rates and availability are automatically updated.
#2: Phone Bookings
While this should always be an option for your customers, hoteliers should focus their resources on providing a seamless online booking experience. Over 50% of bookings are being made online so your customers are expecting this option. Phone bookings pose a high security risk for your customers personal details, and take an unnecessary amount of time to complete.
Instead Try: Direct Booking Technology
Take commission-free bookings straight from your existing website and Facebook page by integrating with an online booking engine.
A good booking engine will have an integrated payments solution that ensures guests can book as quickly and easily as possible. Guests can search available rooms, rates and dates conveniently from your.
