In a tough economic environment when U.S. hotel occupancy rate dropped by as much as 17 percent in the last quarter, and even visits to tourist-friendly Florida were down by nearly a full percentage point, a slight glimmer of light – the ongoing success of smaller, quaint, family focused hotels with hands-on owners/managers – presage better times ahead for the entire hospitality industry.
"The last year or so has been challenging for everyone in business, but particularly for those of us in travel and hospitality," says Donna Boucher, Executive Director of the Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™. "At the same time, while some of the major hotel chains have suffered staggering losses, many of our FSSLA properties not only survived, but thrived; and they foresee even better days ahead as the economy improves."
"It is an old rule that specifically applies to the hospitality industry: People will forget what you say. They may even forget what you do. But they'll never forget how you make them feel," adds Ms. Boucher, who went on to cite the "Seven Secrets of Success" gleaned from the experience of several hundred Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ properties:
Family Focused
Perfect for families of all size and description, Florida SuperiorSmall Lodgings Association™ properties offer well-equipped and comfortable accommodations with top-line amenities, and a real sense of welcoming fun. Many Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ hotels come equipped with in-room kitchens and lush tropical areas for swimming and tanning, and plan a variety of special activities all year round, from St. Valentine's Day treats to monthly parties to cash-free bingo games with special prizes for kiddies. For parents who have called a "chain" hotel and been told that no guarantee could be made regarding a crib, they will always be given a definitive answer as to the availability of a crib during their stay at a Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ property.
Not only do Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™properties cater to families, they take the same approach with visitors. "Being a smaller, family run property, we have the advantage of getting to know our guests and treating them like family. We can refer them to local places, not tourist traps, and help them create great family memories without spending a fortune," says Stanley Obrochta of Atlantic Ocean Palm Inn in Daytona Beach Shores.
Personalized Comforts
The "Home Away from Home" sentiment is extremely strong among guests staying at Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ properties. At Island Paradise Cottages & Apartments of Madeira Beach, owner June Mohns provides special in-room amenities such as coffee grinders for those who prefer to grind beans, and vacuum wine pumps and stoppers to save good wines. She will even pick-up groceries, order flowers and arrange for library books for guests.
"Personalized service means knowing guests by their name, not their room number," says John Ambrosio of the Estoril Paradise Inn in Fort Lauderdale. "We are passionate about providing genuine family-style service to all of guests. The recipe for being a successful boutique hotel in South Florida these days combines personalized service from the heart, high quality amenities and furnishings, exceptionally clean rooms, all delivered at rates that provide an outstanding value."
Unique Locations
Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association's properties can be found in in all the best spots along many of Florida's finest beaches, such as Key West, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Fort Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, and St. Petersburg-Clearwater. Charming hide-aways are often tucked away on quiet, beautiful, tree-lined streets.
Traditional Service
Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ hotels, such as the St. Francis Bed & Breakfast in St. Augustine, provide the service that many boomers remember from their youth and yearn for in today's world - relaxed, personalized, and one on one. "Service comes from the heart," says Joe Finnegan. "This isn't something we are trained to do, it comes second nature from owners whose life work it is to provide for the comfort and enjoyment of our guests."
Pet Friendly
Numerous Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™properties welcome pets because they recognize that some of their valued guests can't bear to travel without their "best friends." For example, both Crane's BeachHouse Hotel & Tiki Bar in Delray Beach and Island Paradise Cottages & Apartments in Madeira Beach take pride in being "pet friendly," offering special no-lead ceramic dishes for dogs, directions to the nearest "Paw Park" and even pooch-related special events. At both properties, pet acceptance is based not on size but attitude and behavior. "Pet owners are among our happiest guests because they are delighted to have a lovely place to stay with their four-footed loved one," declares one owner of a Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ hotel.
Hands-On Owner/Managers
Many Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ owners actually live at their properties and are able to respond quickly to any guest needs that may arise. "When we bought the Carriage House Resort in Deerfield Beach seven years ago, we committed ourselves to continue the traditions that multi-generations of guests have come to expect," says owner Daniel Crocker. "Our staff is fully aware that the guests are the actual owners of the property and our only job is to make them feel at home. After a short stay new guests will also feel that they have become part of a beautiful multi-cultural community, where they will also be received with open arms every time that they return. A friendly atmosphere is highly addictive."
Loyal Guests
Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ owners have been true relationship marketers since long before this term was coined. They recognize the critical importance of turning guests into lifelong friends who not only want to return year after year but also introduce new generations of family members to the magical places that have produced such fond memories for them. Guests at Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ properties are not just customers; they are lifetime friends.
"My parents have managed the Deerfield Buccaneer Resort Apartments in Deerfield Beach for about 30 years," says Nancy Shaller. "This season we had three guests that haven't missed a year since we began; they say it is like 'coming home.' And we had a couple that stayed with us for the first time six years ago, and raved about the experience to their friends. Now we have six couples from their group who stay with us on a regular basis – and that number is growing."
About Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™:
Visitors to Florida who are seeking a unique guest experience with personalized service at affordable rates can rely on the Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association™ for help in choosing the accommodations that are guaranteed to be clean, friendly and safe. For a plethora of valuable information about picturesque, top quality, small hotels, inns and cottages with authentic Florida charm, please visit www.superiorsmalllodging.com/secrets.aspx.
Available for Interview:
Donna Boucher
Executive Director
Florida
Superior Small Lodgings Association
954-895-4777
executivedirector@superiorsmalllodging.com
Contacts:
For Florida Superior Small Lodgings Association
PR-BS,
Inc.
Gary Schweikhart, 561-756-4298
gary@pr-bs.net
