Hospitality Property School

Do you Want To Be a Hotelier?Here Are The First Steps to Starting a Hotel or Resort.When considering the first steps to starting a hotel or resort, there are a couple of key decisions that have to be considered.Do you want to buy or build?Your first decision is to determine if you want to buy a current hotel for sale or design and build one from scratch. Normally, purchasing an existing hotel is a lower risk because you would know how it performed in the past and you would be getting a turnkey hotel business that’s already producing an income. You’d also save time going through all the permit processes, designing the property, and the construction. You would hopefully also inherit a valuable database of past guests and employees that are already trained and familiar with all the property procedures. .On the other side, when you design and develop your own property from scratch, you have more control over designing and building your hotel to your specific specifications. It has also been proven that designin

The challenges of the pandemic will pass and we will need more quality hotels. If this is your dream, do you know how to start a hotel business?Stay with me and I’ll share what you need to know.If you’ve ever wondered how to start a hotel business, you’re not alone.Even as we are coming to terms with COVID-19, the dream of owning a hotel is alive and well and it is more important than ever for aspiring hoteliers to be strategic and attentive.So where should you start?You have to determine if operating a hotel is a good fit for you, what it takes to operate a successful hotel and what are going to be the upfront costs.What is the number one skill necessary for a hotelier?You need to be able to manage and work with a diversified workforce. Not everyone will be your clone or even have your understanding of how things should work. To be honest, having employees that are not able to think for themselves can be counter to the greater good.A great hotel owner must be the go-between for their employees, understand th

Have you considered a career in the hospitality industry but are not sure what it takes? Here are some tips for finding success in service.Today’s episode, Finding Success in Service: How To Thrive In The Hospitality Sector, is a guest post written by Courtney Rosenfeld.As we emerge from the pandemic, millions of people are flocking to bars, restaurants, hotels, theme parks, and local landmarks in search of entertainment. Put simply, the hospitality industry is on a comeback and, if you’ve ever wanted to get professionally involved, now could be a perfect time — here are a few basic tips for finding success in service.Continue reading, watching, and listening and I will share 3 traits important for finding success in service...⇒ TO WATCH, READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:https://keystonehpd.com/finding-success-in-service-how-to-thrive-in-the-hospitality-sector-310“The Guide to Owning & Operating a Hospitality Property – Successfully” course. https://KeystoneHPD.c

Most bed and breakfast, resort, and hotel owners want how their property is experienced by the typical guest.This is where hospitality property evaluators or mystery shoppers can help.So, what do hospitality property evaluators look for?What is a hospitality property evaluator or mystery shopper?A hospitality property evaluator or mystery shopper is a person or people that are commonly used by hoteliers and retailers etc. to measure the quality of customer service, their products and service delivery in their physical presence.Hospitality property mystery shopper assignments are done at many of the finest chain and independent properties in the world. Properties can be large with hundreds of rooms or smaller boutique establishments.They usually consist of a one or two-night stay and the evaluation will normally include:evaluating the reservation processvalet parking (if applicable)check-in and check-out processesdining (meals at the property are usually included and involve visiting on-site restaurants and ba

Did you know studies show your property can increase its revenue with good customer satisfaction?I’m going to share 16 customer service techniques for your bed and breakfast.Training employees with strong customer service techniques will ensure your property generates profit while operating at a high standard.This is crucial because a great guest experience can make the difference between a one-time booking and a guest for life.Here are 16 customer service techniques1. Know your guests and their requirementsIt's nice to know your guests a little bit better, so you can tailor-fit their experience based on their interests. You can ask them about their favourite pastime and prepare activities related to it.Keep in mind, that satisfying your guests’ wants is one thing, and catering to their needs is another. Your guests may not always tell you what they need so it is important to be observant and sensitive.2. Make your first impression countFirst impressions last. Give your guests the impression that they w

I have spent the last number of episodes talking about creating the perfect BnB, but how do you get guests to your bed and breakfast? I’m going to share 12 tactics to help you succeed.Attracting guests to book your bed and breakfast might be a bit of a challenge post-COVID-19 and encouraging them to re-book might even be more demanding. To get guests to your bed and breakfast and later re-book will be made much easier by following the 12 tactics listed in this episode.1. Know the type of guests you want to attractDetermine your ideal guest. If you create a bed and breakfast that meets the wants and needs of your target audience, you’re well on the way to getting them to return for more visits.Knowing your customer's demographics and psychographics is very important to your property, your branding, and your bookings. Whereas demographics is all about your customer's buyer personas, psychographics is another component that helps you understand your guests. Here you want to find out what type of values and opini

Operating a bed and breakfast takes planning, skills and dedication to get guests to book, but your breakfast can make them want to return.Here are the best bed and breakfast breakfast ideas to make your property shine.The type of menu you would find at a bed and breakfast depends on a number of factors; location, availability of ingredients, your target market and preferences. In many places, you might find many traditional breakfast foods on the menu including, fruit, bread, eggs, and bacon. In the past, your host might offer a sit-down meal with menu choices, where guests are invited to dine together. Or a buffet style that you could enjoy in a common eating area or eat in your room.Up until a couple of years ago, the setup was whatever worked best for your operation. Today, this procedure has to be taken more seriously. Many guests will book your property for the first time due to your location, or images on your website but will return because of your breakfast. Yes, a safe setup is imperative but your f

Choosing furniture to buy for your vacation rental is an extremely important decision as it can change a guest’s whole perception of your property.Here are some important considerations when you're buying furniture for your bed and breakfast.As an owner of a vacation rental property, bed and breakfast, guesthouse, Airbnb etc., you can not cut corners when it comes to furniture and design. You need to ensure you are buying furniture that has the perfect mixture of style and durability because guests will use almost all of the furniture in their room during their stay and if it is not suitable or in perfect working condition, they may be justifiably displeased.That is why furniture shopping is more than just another task to complete, it has to be taken seriously.I’m going to share some crucial factors you need to consider buying furniture for your bed and breakfast.The four elementsWhen designing the rental property you want to consider the following four elements; colour, artwork, accessories, and lighting.Wit

To design a Bed and Breakfast takes time and planning.You have to set achievable goals, establish your target market and ensure your property works for your plans. Here are 14 guidelines you need to follow when designing a Bed and Breakfast.A bed and breakfast is many vacationers’ idea of a charming place to spend time when travelling.Thinking of opening a bed and breakfast can inspire many to make the leap into this business, but there is far more to running a successful bed and breakfast than renting out rooms in an old home and that starts when you sit down to design a bed and breakfast.Here are 14 guideline tips to help through the process1. Consider the user-experienceFrom the moment guests book their stay to the moment they check out, mapping a wonderful user experience is all-important for rental property owners. Guests will appreciate that you've made sure every step of their stay is catered for.You’ll need to know your target market, so you can recognize exactly who you’ll be welcoming into your B

Have you ever dreamed of owning a bed and breakfast or small inn and opening the doors to the world but are not sure where to start? Here is your buying a bed and breakfast checklist.How to find the right location for buying a bed and breakfast is a question I am often asked. Choosing the right property can make a huge difference in whether you are going to be successful or not. So, it is extremely important, when you are in the initial planning stages, to seriously consider where you are going to invest.For this reason, I have put together a buying a bed and breakfast checklist to follow. This checklist has also been used for those looking at other types of vacation rentals to purchase.Something I have seen over and over again is aspiring bed and breakfast owners looking at their current property or finding one and are crazy about it. They invest a fortune in renovations and interior design and then list it on OTAs wishing for the best.For many, they might have a little initial success but more often than no

In today’s episode, I’m going to continue giving you the guideline you need to write a bed and breakfast business plan for your property’s growth and development. In episode #310, I shared the first three sections you need to follow when writing a Bed and Breakfast Business Plan. In today’s episode, I will share the last six sections.This guideline is to be used as an example. Customize it to fit your requirements, and the numbers I will be using as examples are fictitious.I will be reading the guideline for you, please note there will be sections you will have to fill in the blanks. To make it easier to follow visit keystonehpd.com and search for episode #302.Continue reading, watching or listening and I will complete the last six sections of a bed and breakfast business plan…⇒ TO WATCH, READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:https://keystonehpd.com/the-authoritative-bed-and-breakfast-business-plan-part-2-302“The Guide to Owning & Operating a Hospitality Property – Su

A bed and breakfast business plan is an all-embracing road map for your small business's growth and development.I’m going to give you the guideline you need to write yours.Why create a bed and breakfast business planEvery new company should really think about writing a business plan and this is especially true for bed and breakfasts. If you want to take out a loan to start your business or raise money from other investors, you will probably need one.Many get nervous about the thought of starting a business plan or don‘t know where to start. You don‘t have to get bogged down in the process. Following the guideline I am laying out for you is an excellent way to get your thought juices flowing.If you don’t need to seek funding, it is still a good idea to write a bed and breakfast business plan as it can be used as a tool to strategically manage your business as it gets up and running and starts to grow. Continue reading or watching and I will share a guideline for a bed and breakfast business plan, right after a

Welcome to the 10th anniversary of Keystone Hospitality Property Development and the 300th episode of the Hospitality Property School and for all of you here with me now, your timing is impeccable. We are celebrating and if you stay until the end, I’ll tell you how you’re going to benefit.If you are new to us, let me give you an idea of what Keystone HPD and the Hospitality Property School are all about.As our mission statement states…“We want to help, with patience and care, develop a strategic vision for every independent hotel, resort, inn, bed and breakfast etc. wishing to create a happy and fulfilling experience for their guests and employees.”And after the last couple of years we have had as an industry, this statement could not be more important.Continue listening or reading and I'll tell you a little about myself, the company and the anniversary gifts we have for you...⇒ TO WATCH, READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:https://keystonehpd.com/hospitality-property-s

I’m often asked, “What are the benefits of owning a bed and breakfast?”. Stay with me and I’ll share 17 benefits you need to know.A bed and breakfast is a short-term lodging that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a home-like setting with a morning breakfast included.This type of business is normally private family homes, most of which also have their hosts residing on site. Most properties will accommodate guests with a private bedroom and bathroom, while common areas serve coffee, tea, and breakfast.If you’re thinking about getting involved with this type of business, here are a few benefits of owning a bed and breakfast to check out.Continue listening or reading and I will list the 17 benefits of owning a bed and breakfast⇒ TO WATCH, READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:https://keystonehpd.com/17-benefits-of-owning-a-bed-and-breakfast-299“The Guide to Owning & Operating a Hospitality Property – Successfully” course. https://KeystoneHPD.com/CourseGet your copy

What does it take to start a bed and breakfast and do you have the necessary traits to be successful?In this episode, I’ll look at what you need to succeed.Today's episode is going to be the first in a series over the next few weeks about starting a bed and breakfast.Most people associate a bed and breakfast with a gentle host or hostess serving guests coffee while they chat about the nearby nature trails.That’s a wonderful image but, running a bed & breakfast is often hard work, but it can also be rewarding. Owners have to do many things around the property to keep it running smoothly. These range from simple tasks like cleaning rooms and welcoming guests, to more intensive jobs like fitting out one of the rooms with furnishings or preparing a special meal.Do you have to be an entrepreneur to be a successful bed and breakfast owner?What is an Entrepreneur?Entrepreneurs are so much more than business owners, they're the ones who spot a gap in society and come up with ingenious ways of making it right.A lo

Today we have a special treat for you, a great interview with Travis Talbot, a food & beverage specialist, and his right hand Jess Frate.You don’t want to miss this!Travis has been on the hospitality industry front lines for decades and crafted a lifestyle allowing him to be the boots on the ground. He observes things others don’t see, connects concepts people don’t think about, and understands nuances others don’t notice.If you are looking for some fun stories, great observations, and amazing insights you can take and use at your property, you’ll want to listen to this interview.All that being said, let’s jump into this...⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:https://keystonehpd.com/travis-talbot-food-beverage-specialist-interview-297Get your copy of the “How to Improve Your Hospitality Properties Success” ebook? https://keystonehpd.com/how-to-improve-your-hospitality-properties-successGet Your INNsider Tipshttps://KeystoneHPD.com/INNsider-TipsJoin one of your p

It is always exciting to start new things that provide income and you can enjoy doing. If you are ready to meet new people and learn new things starting a vacation rental business can be a way to go and this episode will show you how. Today’s episode is going to be a little different. It is a guest post written by Courtney Rosenfeld of Gig Spark."Courtney started Gig Spark to be a resource and the first step for people who are looking to join the gig economy, either to supplement their income or as a way to fulfill their dreams of becoming an entrepreneur."Renting out vacation homes to travellers has become an incredibly lucrative business venture in recent years. Since the arrival of websites like Airbnb, homeowners and real estate investors are seeing the value in renting out second homes to people looking for comfortable alternatives to traditional hotel stays. Many entrepreneurs have turned this passive side hustle into a full-time business, and you can too! Here’s what you need to know about starting a v

Some people preferred to buy an existing bed & breakfast so they could open immediately, others wanted to design their own from scratch. What’s the best way to go? I’ll discuss the pros & cons.Whether it is better to buy an existing bed & breakfast or start new is a question I’m often asked. “What are the pros and cons of buying an established B&B versus setting one up from scratch?”In this episode, I'll cover the pros and cons of both.Your first consideration has to come down to your personal situation:• Which will be more expensive?• What is your time frame?• Can you afford to wait to start making an income?• Do you want your own personal take on your property?• Are you alright taking some risks? Continue reading and I will go over some of the most important pros and cons of buying an existing bed & breakfast vs. starting one from new...Continue reading and I will share the results of the survey and how you can benefit...⇒ TO READ OR LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE ON KEYSTONE HOSPITALITY PROPERT

For many hospitality properties, room service sales have been a lucrative revenue stream for decades but recent events and competition have cut those profits dramatically. Here are some facts you need to know.The development of room service sales Room service has been a key feature of high-end service since the Waldorf Astoria, in New York, first opened its doors in 1931. Giving guests the opportunity to order food in their own room was a smart move, but it also had other benefits, such as lower costs and improved room expectations. Since then, room service has become an established service that is available at many hospitality properties worldwide. In its prime, room service was considered an extravagance, but times have changed, and the quality of room service has been on somewhat of a downward trend since the early 2000s. The rise of app-based delivery services and travellers’ demands for authentic cuisine has normalized the luxury of eating what you want, where you want and when you want. That compared w

It’s important for customers to like your website design because getting eyes on your site is the best way to start your guest’s journey, the longer they stay, the higher the chance they will book. Here’s what you need to do.Website Design IntroductionThe last couple of years has made a clean sweep of the past decades of hospitality property strategies. As of today, almost all of the experience acquired during these years has become nothing more than a distant memory. While it can be frustrating to dismiss such hard-earned and valuable insights, it can also be refreshing to start from the beginning. By developing the right strategy, you can reopen your hotel, resort, inn or bed and breakfast on solid ground and distinguish yourself from the competition. Let's take a look at your website design. The way to make visitors stay on your website is by giving them reasons why they should stay, be it information, good service, special price, etc. • Keep your website design limited to make it look more professional.