If you have an inspector on their way to your hotel, you need to start preparing for their assessment. Here are some of the areas they’ll be grading.
Keeping your hotel up to par isn’t just about clean sheets and room service with a smile. When inspectors come knocking, they’re looking at a lot more than that.
This makes sense, of course—inspectors won’t hand out that coveted five-star rating to just any hotel. But what are they looking for when grading your property? How can you make sure your hotel stands out in their eyes so that you can get a favorable rating?
Cleanliness
Does your hotel look more like a dumpster than a vacation getaway? If so, inspectors will not be impressed. When inspecting your hotel, one of the main things they’ll be looking at is cleanliness. This includes everything from the lobby and common areas to individual rooms and bathrooms.
To make sure your hotel passes the cleanliness test, implement a strict cleaning schedule. This should include regular deep cleanings of all areas, as well as daily maintenance tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, and disinfecting surfaces. Make sure you’re not just cleaning the obvious areas but also paying attention to hidden spots like under furniture and behind curtains because inspectors will check those areas too.
Quality of Service
Hotel guests want the royal treatment from the moment they step through your doors. Do you wait on them like they’re the most important folks in the world, or do you leave them feeling like they’re just another number? Inspectors will evaluate the level of service provided by your staff, from the front desk workers to the housekeeping team.
To impress inspectors and guests alike, train your staff to provide top-notch service. This includes being friendly, attentive, and professional, as well as anticipating guests’ needs and going above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.
Amenities and Facilities
Inspectors will also be taking a close look at the amenities and facilities your hotel offers. Do you have a well-maintained pool? Is your restaurant serving quality food and providing excellent service? These are factors that can contribute to a higher rating.
To stand out in this area, regularly maintain and update your amenities and facilities. Keep them clean, modern, and in good working order. Consider adding special touches like complimentary snacks or drinks in the lobby or unique experiences such as cooking classes or guided tours for guests.
Safety Standards
If your hotel isn’t up to par in terms of safety, it’s not going to receive a favorable rating because no one wants to stay at a hotel that could go up in flames at any moment or has faulty electrical wiring.
Inspectors will check for fire safety measures like sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, well-lit exits, and marked evacuation routes. They’ll also determine if your staff knows how to handle fire emergencies, which is a reason investing in fire safety training for hotel staff is important.
Inspectors will also check for basic safety measures such as functioning locks on doors, secure windows, and proper lighting in hallways and stairwells. Make sure to regularly inspect these safety features and address any issues promptly.
You want to receive the highest rating possible from inspectors, and the first step toward achieving that is understanding what they’re looking for when grading your hotel. Look at the factors above and ask yourself, “Does my hotel meet these standards?” If it doesn’t, consider what you can do to improve. By paying attention to the areas inspectors focus on and continuously striving for excellence, you can gradually improve your hotel and hopefully achieve that coveted five-star rating.