HOTEL EXECUTIVE

A Customer's Perception Starts in the Lobby

. March 25, 2009

MARCH 25, 2009 - The hotel business has collided head-on with the challenging economy and the tight credit market. Hotel revenue is down sharply. Many projects planned in the boom days are either sitting unfinished or left on the drawing boards.

Business travelers and vacationers are reducing the time they spend away from home while hotels are quietly trimming amenities and services to save money. Hotel owners now face a difficult situation, how much can they cut before they damage their hotels' luxury cachet? Cut backs can mean fewer amenities in the rooms, longer check-in lines, and skimping on extras like floral arrangements in the lobby. Some of the items are smaller and may not be noticed, but others will stand out.

Another way of cutting costs has been the movement of "Lean" or "Green" housekeeping. This is a way of operating housekeeping departments in a more cost effective manner. Lean housekeeping requires room attendants to perform more limited maintenance for guests who are staying multiple nights. The bed might be made daily, but the sheets are not changed during the stay. Used towels would be replaced upon request, and minimal cleaning is performed in the bathroom. These and many other actions are the trademarks of the LEAN HOUSEKEEPING movement.

In this current economic climate, hoteliers are forced to focus more on efficiencies and the curtailing of costs. At what point do all these "minor" cut backs affect the overall quality, service, and reputation of a hotel? Smart hoteliers know there is an answer to this dilemma.

The ProHost(R) System allows hoteliers to keep up with the expectations of their guests while maintaining profitability in these challenging times. THE TIME HAS COME TO MAKE A DECISION: Risk your hotel's reputation, or operate more effectively.

The ProHost(R) System provides the hotel a housekeeping material management program that offers a repetitive methodology and process that incorporates planning, training and implementation. When the ProHost(R) System is installed, it results in a repeatable and measurable process that eliminates the current challenges experienced in the Back of the House operations.

Hostar offers custom designed solutions for every property they service
ROI- 18 to 48 months. Made possible thru decreasing operating expenses by $.075 to $1.00 per occupied room night
Improves guest service- 30 to 40 minutes of time gained per room attendant per day
Attractive Appearance & Organization- Removes soiled linen and trash from guests view
Professional looking, ergonomic, pre-loaded mobile workstation
Improved inventory control of linen and supplies