Thanksgiving is around the corner and millions of Americans will be gathering with their families around turkey feasts. Even though it’s a busy time for the hospitality industry in general and short term rental operators in particular, we wish you to enjoy some fun family time this Thanksgiving! We came up with top 5 TV scenes about guest experience for busy hospitality operators to smile and learn from. 

Many entrepreneurs and busy property managers can feel too guilty to take a break and rest watching TV. What would you say about having a good laugh and even learning a thing or two from good old movies about hospitality and customer experience, together with your loved ones?  

Here is a fun watchlist that can be relevant to hospitality experts. So whether you run a boutique hotel, manage multiple short term rental properties or host people on Airbnb and Vrbo, we hope these TV references can spark inspiration for your guest experience plans or just make you smile while enjoying the Turkey Day downtime with your family. 

 

Knowing What Guests Want  

Seinfeld – The Tuck [guest experience TV scene]

What we can learn: In a constantly shifting industry like hospitality, it can be easy to lose track of guests’ changing needs and fall into the rhythm of providing the amenities and services that you think guests want. Hence vacation rental experts have to constantly check what exactly their guests expect and require. This not only helps meet guests’ expectations but also allows being more efficient and finding opportunities for savings and upsells. 

 

Creating Personal Guest Connections

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel – Call Center [guest experience TV scene]

What we can learn: With the variety of solutions available for short term rental property managers to automate operations for saving time and creating efficient processes, it can be easy to lose track of real human connection. We have to remember that tech is only a tool and guest experience in hospitality is about people talking to people. Operators still need to focus on creating real connections with the guests and have a personal touch in communications. 

 

Quick Response  

Zootopia – Sloths at the DMV [guest experience TV scene]

What we can learn: Even though this is not exactly a hospitality example, it is very relevant in our industry. Being quick to react not only results in higher customer satisfaction, this is also about converting requests to bookings and winning sales opportunities from slower competitors. 

 

A Consistent End to End Guest Experience 

The Grand Budapest Hotel – Remember, I’m always with you [guest experience TV scene]

What we can learn: As the short term rental space shifts to professionalization, hotels and vacation rentals converge upon one another. Short stay guests are seeking for an authentic travel experience, while still expecting hotel-like standards in service and amenities. Property managers have to keep up and be able to meet those rising expectations. 

 

Another One About Personal Touch and Connections    

Plains, Trains & Automobiles – F***ing Car [guest experience TV scene]

What we can learn: There is a story behind every contact in your database and it is important to know and understand your guest’s journey, specific needs on every stage of the journey and adjust your communications before any interaction. Timing, language, the offer – all this can be adjusted to yield optimal results for both the guest and your business. 

 

If you haven’t watched some of these movies, Thanksgiving is a great time to catch up   

What are your favourite guest experience TV scenes?

When renting out your home, one major factor to consider is the demographic you’re targeting. The type of guests you attract can vary significantly based on the time of year and the nature of your listing. For example, renting out your property during Spring Break may draw teenagers and young adults looking for a lively party scene, while renting it out during the workweek could attract business travelers or families on vacation.

To maximize your rental’s appeal and enhance guest satisfaction, it’s crucial to tailor your property and services to your target demographic. For instance, if your ideal guests are families, understanding their specific needs and preferences can make a significant difference in their overall experience.

Don’t forget about the kids!

When one hears the words “family” and “vacation,” it’s hard not to think of kids—especially little ones. Interestingly, these young guests are a crucial part of your target audience because happy kids often mean happy parents. No parent wants to spend their vacation dealing with tantrums or boredom from their children. So, how can you make your rental more appealing to families with young kids?

Start by making your rental as kid-friendly as possible. Picture yourself as a child: What would you enjoy doing or playing with? Providing amenities that cater to kids can make a huge difference. For example, consider investing in toys like Legos. They are a versatile and engaging option for children who can build and create for hours, provided the kids are old enough. Another thoughtful addition could be a kid-friendly Netflix account or similar streaming service with age-appropriate content. This way, if the kids need a break from playtime, they can enjoy some downtime with entertaining and suitable videos.

Additionally, think about other features that can enhance the experience for young families. Include things like childproofing measures, safety gates, high chairs, and cribs if possible. Providing a range of activities, such as board games or outdoor play equipment, can also keep children entertained.

While catering to the needs of kids is essential for ensuring parents have a pleasant stay, don’t forget to consider other aspects that contribute to a family’s overall enjoyment. By creating a space that accommodates the needs of children, you not only enhance the family’s vacation experience but also increase the likelihood of positive reviews and repeat bookings. Happy kids lead to happy parents, and happy parents are more likely to spread the word about your excellent family-friendly rental.

Create a separate space for the adults

When vacationing with kids, parents are often seeking a break from their regular routine and looking for ways to relax and enjoy their time away. To cater to their needs and enhance their vacation experience, consider incorporating features that allow for both family fun and parental relaxation.

One effective way to achieve this balance is by providing a separate sleeping area for the parents. This dedicated space can serve as a retreat where adults can unwind and enjoy some privacy away from their children. If a separate bedroom isn’t feasible in your rental, clearly delineate areas meant for kids and those intended for adults. This separation can help create a more peaceful environment for everyone.

Another important consideration for families is the availability of kid-friendly food options in the area. Parents often worry about finding restaurants where their children will be satisfied with the menu. To alleviate this concern, compile a list of nearby dining options that offer child-friendly meals. Providing menus or recommendations for restaurants with kid-friendly options, such as chicken fingers or pasta, can be a valuable resource for families staying at your rental.

By focusing on these aspects, you can create an environment that not only meets the needs of children but also offers parents the relaxation and convenience they are seeking. Happy parents and satisfied kids lead to a positive vacation experience, which can result in glowing reviews and repeat bookings. Ensuring that both children and adults feel comfortable and well-catered to will make your property stand out as a top choice for families.

Parents love safety

Another crucial consideration for families when choosing a vacation rental is the safety of their children. Parents will scrutinize the safety features of the rental to ensure their kids are secure during their stay. To address this concern, it’s important to highlight any safety measures you have in place.

If your property includes smart locks, security cameras, or other security features, make sure to advertise these prominently. Clearly communicating the presence of these safety features can help reassure anxious parents that their children are in a secure environment.

Additionally, consider taking proactive steps to enhance safety around the rental. This might include installing safety gates, covering electrical outlets, or providing corner protectors for sharp edges. Ensuring that these details are in place can make a significant difference in how parents perceive the safety of your rental.

Effective communication with guests is also key. Be transparent about the safety measures you’ve implemented and offer to answer any questions parents may have. This open line of communication will help build trust and further reassure families that their children’s safety is a top priority.

By addressing safety concerns and clearly showcasing your commitment to providing a secure environment, you can significantly enhance the appeal of your rental for families. This focus on safety, combined with thoughtful amenities and excellent communication, will contribute to a positive experience for guests and encourage them to choose your property for their next family vacation.

If you have any questions about this article feel free to email contact@ensoconnect.com.