(The views and opinions expressed in this blog are strictly those of the author.)
When it comes to staff, first and last impressions are everything. We invest a great deal in our team and in return are rewarded with impeccably presented and well-mannered individuals.
Superior customer service goes beyond pleases and thank yous - it's about building real and lasting relationships with guests. It goes without saying that you want your hotel customers to feel at home. Yes, a comfy mattress and some fluffy slippers will help, but it's the face to face interaction that makes the most powerful impression.
Greetings in general are crucial - the handshake is the first step in connecting with your customers, physically and emotionally. And what's more, it's good old British etiquette. A little bit of history or background information with regard to your establishment also goes a long way. Not only is this polite practice, but it helps to promote the connection between property and customer.
"Good morning," "good afternoon" and "good evening" are further staples when initiating interaction with a guest. And, of course, these behaviors must be accompanied by eye contact and a smile - a universally understood gesture, so easy to deliver yet reinforces sincere appreciation for an individual’s presence.
Addressing the guest by name is personal and makes the guest feel known and important. And so they should - the customer comes first, always has and always will. If a paying customer simply feels they are part of the "production line," then there is no loyalty. And if there's no loyalty, why should they return?
In the same vein, attentiveness is crucial, foreseeing what the customer needs, sometimes before they even know it themselves! Raining? "Would you like an umbrella?" Sight-seeing? "Would you like a map?" While these may be small and simple things, this vigilance must be relentless and consistent throughout the customer journey.
How do I instill this in our staff? A small part of this can be developed through training but at the end of the day exceptional customer service has to come naturally, from within. Relationships can't be forced, and if all your team are thinking about are textbook procedures and protocols it's ungenuine and sometimes just awkward.
On departure of the guests I expect genuine consideration and regard for the next part of their journey. Where are they going? How will they get there? How can we help? In my eyes, the communication received at departure is as important as that received on arrival. In no circumstance should this ever be compromised for the welcoming of a "fresh batch" of new arrivals. The customer experience must be polished and professional from start to finish, no exceptions. A good doorman will thank the guest for their visit. A great doorman will enquire when the guest will be returning, as this implies the idea of an ongoing continuous relationship and creates anticipation of their next visit.
Hotel communications are the very basis of its reputation. Exceptional communications must be seamless in execution and presented in a well-groomed and welcoming package. It’s talking the talk as well as walking the walk. A hotel can have all the luxury commodities in the world, but if it cannot deliver on service, then in my eyes, it is worthless