Desires Hotels looks to innovative ideas to improve guest satisfaction and drive revenue. From putting a unique spin on traditional Food and Beverage outlets, to taking advantage of trends in Social Media, we recognize that both owners and guests expect our modern boutique hotels to be on the cutting edge of hotel management.
In an effort to increase revenue from the mini bar outlet, Desires Hotels decided on a unique program to entice guests in a fun and interactive way. Arriving in their room, guests find an engaging card and special glasses that allow them to view a hidden message. These hidden messages welcome the guest to the room with discounts and specials credits to the mini bar, another personal touch delivered with a unique twist. The program has been well-received by guests and since its inception has seen a 20% increase in mini bar revenues.
To take advantage of the new channels of communication available via Social Media technology, Desires Hotels launched a destination podcast program in 2006. Imagine stepping off the plane and knowing exactly where to go for the perfect strawberry Mojito, the hottest nightclub, or chic local shopping. Desires Hotels’ destination-targeted travel podcasts have allowed the Managers of Desires to provide their guests with an insider’s guide to what’s hot in Miami, Atlanta and Puerto Rico. This unique point of contact allows the guest to get a feel for the destination, as well as the property and the personalized attention they can expect from the Manager of Desires. Guests can download the podcasts to their iPod, other MP3 player or computer via the hotel’s website, or download and listen to it upon check in. The podcasts are updated on a weekly basis to keep arriving guests informed of the latest happenings in each city and give prospective guests a glimpse at what the city has to offer them.
Sample weekly podcast from Strand:
http://www.thestrandoceandrive.com/podcast/2007/091007.html
Sample overview podcast from the Water Club:
http://www.waterbeachclubhotel.com/podcast/sanjuan.html
The latest addition to the Social Media marketing program for Desires Hotels is a proprietary interactive Guest Comments tool. Travel industries studies have shown the growing importance of peer experience sharing sites, like Trip Advisor, to the decisions travelers are making about destinations and accommodations. Desires Hotels is providing guests the opportunity to share their experiences - even candid photos - directly on the property’s web site.