Monetizing unused hotel spaces

Hey 👋

You’ve just opened Hotel Nuggets, a newsletter for hoteliers.

In the last email, we asked you what you think is a good time for a hotel to reply with a proposal to an RFP.

Here are the results:

The poll results show that most people expect a hotel to send a proposal within 24 hours, indicating a strong preference for quick responses.

Looks like we need to focus on speed to meet client expectations and keep everyone happy!

Let’s jump into today’s « nuggets »:

#1 Monetizing empty room spaces 💰

So let’s set the scene: a guest checks out at 9 am, and the next one checks in at 7 pm.

That’s a 10-hour window (minus cleaning time) where your room could be put to good use. 

Day use, anyone?

Becoming a popular concept during the pandemic, the day use of empty rooms allows people to utilize the space for their own needs, earning you extra cash and a talking point amongst those within the circle.

Dayuse.com is a leader in this space, but new players like Nappr and ResortPass are also making waves.

Nappr caters to those needing a quick nap during the day, while Resort Pass offers access to amenities like rooftop pools and spas without requiring an overnight stay.

These services attract diverse guests, from business travelers needing a quiet workspace to locals seeking a mini staycation. Day use also boosts your hotel’s visibility and reputation, showcasing your amenities and service to a broader audience.

They both also raised a lot of money from VCs, which is used mainly for customer acquisition. This is a great leverage opportunity.

#2 Can the Starlink Mini boost your revenue? 📡

Remember the days of dial-up broadband? Those « get off the internet, I need to make a phone call! » shouts from your parents as you played games on Miniclip?

We all know those days are long gone, and Elon Musk and Starlink are certainly burying those internet inconveniences for life.

Naturally, my hotel-idea synapses are fully firing for this new release!

Think about it, Starlink Mini can be easily set up in various locations, ensuring that you can provide exceptional service regardless of your property’s layout or location.

Not only this, but by keeping regular Wi-Fi free and charging a premium for Starlink Mini, you can boost your revenue. Guests who need high-speed internet will gladly pay extra for this added convenience!

By offering Starlink Mini, you enhance the overall guest experience and create new revenue streams. Your property will stand out as a tech-savvy destination that truly cares about guest needs.

#3 « Do you want to join our loyalt- » « NO😠 »

Ever shopped in a new place for the first time and had the misfortune of the cashier ramming a loyalty programme offer down your throat?

You only wanted a quick bottle of water, right? 😭

Well the same customer mentality certainly applies in hospitality. 

But of course, you still want them to sign up! 

In a recent LinkedIn post, Mathias Coudert gives us the full lowdown on the perfect time to offer a loyalty program to your customers, as well as tips on how to make it work.

Here’s a quick low down:

• Transaction overload: Adding community info during purchase can overwhelm customers, making them less likely to engage.
• No brand experience yet: Guests can’t decide if they like the brand during the transaction, making early community-building efforts less effective.
• Superficial engagement: Joining for discounts during the transaction often leads to low long-term engagement and high churn rates.
• Better timing: Encourage community enrollment post-experience or during post-stay surveys for more genuine engagement.

For the full monty, make sure to check out Mathias’ post!

#4 Tell me to leave without telling me to leave 👋

During my recent stay at a Blueground apartment, I received the best check-out reminder I’ve ever seen. Instead of the usual « move out by 11 AM or else », the message simply informed me that cleaners would be arriving at 11.

It was a subtle nudge, but it made all the difference.

To be honest, it didn’t feel like there was any form of passive-aggressiveness in the message at all. By focusing the topic on the arrival of the cleaning team, Blueground avoids the negative connotation of a strict deadline.

It felt like a friendly heads-up rather than an ultimatum.

Also, by sending this notification, Blueground subtly opens the door for guests to inquire about extending their stay, potentially adding a nice boost to their revenue.

That’s all for now, have a fantastic rest of the week!

Cheers,
Peter from Hotel Nuggets

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