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One thing that I'm not seeing written about in Covid travel articles is advice on helping the smaller independant hotels survive as a guest.
Our Vietnamese guests are the perfect model for this and by adopting some of their habits you can make a big difference.
Our Vietnamese guests are the perfect model for this and by adopting some of their habits you can make a big difference.
Book direct, and provide your phone number.
This means the hotel saves around 20% on commission. Some may pass that saving on to you, some won't. Even if the price is the same direct as it is online, that 20% is a bigger deal to the hotel.
More importantly -
This means the hotel saves around 20% on commission. Some may pass that saving on to you, some won't. Even if the price is the same direct as it is online, that 20% is a bigger deal to the hotel.
More importantly -
This gives the hotel a direct line of communication with you. With Covid things change fast and communicating via third party OTAS isn't always possible / fast enough.
If you look at the Agoda twitter help thread (they always blame problems on the hotels) it will give you an idea
If you look at the Agoda twitter help thread (they always blame problems on the hotels) it will give you an idea
For smaller independents we really value our direct guests.
Probably because we get to build a relationship with them before they arrive.
If you need to cancel or change details - we're going to be more sympathetic & flexible than a 3rd party. There are less restrictions too.
Probably because we get to build a relationship with them before they arrive.
If you need to cancel or change details - we're going to be more sympathetic & flexible than a 3rd party. There are less restrictions too.
Transport.
It's not always cheaper to book transport directly through your hotel, but there may be restrictions or complexities local to the area that make paying a little bit more worthwhile.
At least ask for advice and take their guidance on board.
It's not always cheaper to book transport directly through your hotel, but there may be restrictions or complexities local to the area that make paying a little bit more worthwhile.
At least ask for advice and take their guidance on board.
Meals.
If the hotel has a restaurant and you are the only guest / the hotel is quiet, try to advise staff of your dining requirements for the day as early as possible. This means the hotel can shop for you, rather than a full menu.
If you plan to dine out, tell them.
If the hotel has a restaurant and you are the only guest / the hotel is quiet, try to advise staff of your dining requirements for the day as early as possible. This means the hotel can shop for you, rather than a full menu.
If you plan to dine out, tell them.
Housekeeping & staff
Wear a mask when you are around them. Use the bins in your room & try to pick stuff up off the floor so it's easier for housekeeping to clean.
Staff can be worried about infection and it takes just one sloppy disrespectful guest to break their confidence.
Wear a mask when you are around them. Use the bins in your room & try to pick stuff up off the floor so it's easier for housekeeping to clean.
Staff can be worried about infection and it takes just one sloppy disrespectful guest to break their confidence.
Staying longer.
Your first night is the most expensive for a hotel with very few guests to host. If a hotel is discounting that, they are banking on you spending on site to make your stay viable. Overheads reduce with each night you stay.
Your first night is the most expensive for a hotel with very few guests to host. If a hotel is discounting that, they are banking on you spending on site to make your stay viable. Overheads reduce with each night you stay.
Bear in mind for hotels that have been closed for a while / have had very few guests are more likely to have some maintenance issues.
There's no money, parts and the professionals needed to do the jobs are no longer instantly available.
Try not to be an arse about this.
There's no money, parts and the professionals needed to do the jobs are no longer instantly available.
Try not to be an arse about this.
Electricity.
Turn off your sodding ac when you are out.
For properties in remote locations that suffer regular power cuts & use a generator - say it costs an extra $10 an hour when guests do this. Now work out how many hours you can cool your empty room based on your room rate.
Turn off your sodding ac when you are out.
For properties in remote locations that suffer regular power cuts & use a generator - say it costs an extra $10 an hour when guests do this. Now work out how many hours you can cool your empty room based on your room rate.
