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by Harry Nobles, November
1999
In a recent article, I offered some suggestions for keeping your property at the physical level expected for a particular AAA rating. The physical attributes are very important, and include everything from the size of the bath soap to the quality and consistency of housekeeping. Even with the most modern and luxurious decor, furnishings, and amenities in place, a property can be denied an additional diamond or lose one due to service. Service deficiency can be in two areas: the absence of a service, or poor delivery. Either carries the same risk, i.e. a potential negative impact on your rating. My clients often ask, �Is it better to provide a service poorly, or not provide it at all?� In my opinion, it is never wise to provide any service poorly. My advice: if you cannot do it well, don�t do it at all. What if it is a service that AAA requires at your targeted rating? Second bit of free advice: figure out how to do it well, or don�t do it at all. I suggest that you first determine which services your guests want and are willing to pay for. While I am not an advocate of providing services just to earn or keep a rating, that is sometimes a necessary evil, and is of course a management decision. Whatever your final decision on services to be provided, the next step is the same. I suggest you set up a training system that will enable your staff to provide the services consistently for every guest every time, as near to perfection as possible, and at an acceptable cost. An effective training system will include a plan for periodic testing to be sure your established standards are met. Mystery shopping is one way to evaluate the efficacy of your training. Your training system should also include retraining and/or cross-training as needed. Please don�t overlook the opportunity to recognize and reward employees as appropriate. As with physical requirements, the service expectations continue to rise, and maintaining your AAA rating never gets easier. You can stay ahead of the game by getting an early start and following a continuous physical and services improvement program. |
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Also See: | Earning a AAA Rating vs Maintaining a AAA Rating: Which Is More Difficult? / Oct 1999 |
Remaining Hospitable in an Inhospitable World / August 1999 | |
Can Outstanding Service Offset Hotel Physical Deficiencies in the Rating Systems? / Harry Nobles / June 1999 | |
Consistency: The Hallmark of a Fine Hotel / September 1999 | |
Mobil Travel Guide Announces 1998 Mobil Four-and Five-Star Award Winners / Jan 1998 | |
Are Your Employees Checking Out As Fast As Your Guests / Setting Up an Effective Training Program / Harry Nobles / May 1999 | |
"AAA" - Hotel Online Viewpoint Forum | |
The Legend of the Pineapple / Harry Nobles / Feb 1999 |