Keep an Eye on These Seven Hotel Trends

Fall is here, which means hotels are prepping for the holiday season. Then comes the new year, when hoteliers will face new challenges and changes. Staying ahead of guest expectations will ensure you provide the best experience. Here are a few hospitality trends that should be on your radar for the coming year:

Minimalist and Natural Designs

Renovations cost a lot of money. This often discourages hotel owners from improving their buildings’ interiors. Even with fast Wi-Fi and free breakfast, if your hotel’s interior design doesn’t fit the times, people won’t want to visit again.

They may even leave your website before booking a room. Minimalist and natural designs will be a hot trend in 2019. Clean lines and deep color palettes will pop against bedding or furniture. Ditch the wallpaper for painted walls instead, and don’t forget to add plants. Fake floral arrangements and potted plants create a sense of home for visitors and make them more comfortable during their stay.

Cloud-Based Management Software

In 2019, technology needs to be embraced in all aspects of hotel management. Hotel chains worldwide have already switched, with 62 percent reporting they did so because their current software no longer cuts it. Cloud-based management software offers many benefits.

For example, you can streamline activities between shifts and gain features and tools that non-cloud software can’t use. As a result, you’ll save your staff time and money, boosting productivity and employee satisfaction. It’s easier to transition now and train your team before 2019 gets going at full speed.

Maximized Local SEO Results

If you’re not located in a major city with lots of tourism, your business depends on people visiting family and friends. Those locals will give recommendations. That is where local SEO comes in. People should see your hotel at the top of their search results when looking for places for family and friends to stay.

Your marketing team can boost your SEO by creating profiles on sites like Google My Business or Yelp. SEO takes time, so it’s best to start now to boost your rankings for 2019.

Partnerships With Local Transportation

Many hotels offer airport shuttles, which make it easy for travelers to get between the airport and the hotel. But after they get to their hotel, they have to find a way to get around. Local transportation companies often partner with hotels.

Hotel management should consider transportation options like limos and rental cars. Going the extra mile for your guests will increase repeat visits and improve online reviews.

Mobile Ads and Access

Smartphones make it easy to access what people want or need. As a result, your website should be designed to work on mobile platforms. Take that mobile access to the next step by paying for mobile app ads.

According to a 2017 report, mobile bookings increased from 13 to 20 percent in one year. Inspire your customers’ interest with ads on popular mobile apps to encourage them to learn more about where they can stay on their next trip.

Reimagined Rewards Programs

It can be an advantage if your hotel isn’t part of an international chain. Use the next few months to consider your current rewards program if you offer one. Change things up to be more guest-friendly and better engage with customers.

Many independent hotels are doing just that. Most places offer points for future stays, but you can also offer incentivized loyalty programs for members who book a stay or provide feedback on their recent visit. Anything that changes the game, sparks interest, and provides useful information about the consumer’s current mindset will benefit your hotel.

Green Hotel Buildings

The focus on reducing carbon emissions and “going green” is critical. If potential visitors find out that your hotel doesn’t provide green alternatives or monitor its carbon footprint, they could be discouraged from staying.

In late 2017, the International Tourism Partnership published the Hotel Global Decarbonization Report. It explained how hotels specifically contribute to total carbon emissions worldwide. The Partnership devised a plan to lower the industry’s carbon emissions. You can join by integrating green products into your hotel. Consumer needs are always changing, so updates and overhauls are always needed.

This process can be expensive, but when consumers feel heard and their needs are met, it can lead to more repeat stays and referrals that bring your hotel additional future business. These 2019 trends will help your hotel succeed in the coming year.

Keep them in mind so you won’t face surprises or need last-minute changes to keep guests happy. See what trends you can prepare for now so that the new year begins successfully.

Author Bio: Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective. This eclectic lifestyle blog expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. In addition to writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Ruffled, and more.