Going green isn’t just a trend, it’s something a lot of travellers put an emphasis on nowadays. Their choices now see them make more eco-friendly choices than ever - and that includes opting for hotels they stay at.
To show that you’ve noticed the environmental problem and want to do your bit, think about implementing these seven powerful free hotel practices. The added benefit is that you’ll impress those same guests too so they’ll keep coming back.
1. Recycling Initiatives
2. Reusing Towels
3. Temperature Control
4. Organic Food Options
5. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
6. Ditch Bottled Water
7. Revamp Bathrooms
1. Recycling Initiatives
A basic yet arguably the most powerful green practice your hotel guests will expect. Offering recycling options for materials like paper, aluminium, plastics and more is a big step towards having your guests opt-in to your recycling programme.
Even if not all of your guests recycle, they’re likely to notice that your hotel is doing its bit which can leave a brilliant impression.
2. Reusing Towels
Guests might not always be aware of what goes on behind the scenes with your housekeeping team and the number of resources it takes to clean towels every day. By implementing a reuse programme, you can inform your guests on how they can get involved.
Easy-to-read signs informing that towels guests hang on hooks will be left behind so they can use them again and those left elsewhere will be taken away. It explains how guests can get involved and they’d appreciate being a small part of your efforts in going green.
3. Temperature Control
Guests who have the option to control the temperature in their rooms will be impressed. Plus, it means you’re not facing hefty bills for heating or cooling empty spaces.
Again, simple reminder cards can go a long way. Subtly reiterating the message to guests to think about adjusting their thermostats accordingly when they leave their rooms for the day or night can go a long way both for the environment and your guests’ experience.
4. Organic Food Options
To provide your guests with a unique experience each time they visit, think about offering locally produced, sourced and seasonal items on your menu. It not only keeps things fresh each time but your restaurant area is also a great place to show that your offerings are locally and organically produced.
That doesn’t mean you need to completely overhaul your menus. Stick to what you’re good at and are best known for while also supplying fresh produce, meat and dairy products. If you end up working with a local company, the best way to impress your guests is to let them know where the food is coming from.
5. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
If you really want to increase reputation with the eco-friendly crowd, then incorporate technology and offer electric vehicle charging stations. The level of environmental friendliness might differ between your guests. Some might only stick to recycling while others might be all-in and have purchased an electric vehicle.
Image Credit: Mikes Photos - Pexels
Guests who require this necessity will really appreciate the lengths you’ve gone to and might even choose your hotel over others. With electric vehicles increasing in popularity, this could soon be a must-have for green hotels.
6. Ditch Bottled Water
Linking with the previous point, you can go green by moving away from bottled water. It doesn’t need to be the standard offering provided to guests as you can switch hydration options to support waste reduction yet still provide your guests with a higher quality experience.
Think about filtered water dispensers, complimentary refillable bottles and other options which reduce the usage of plastic bottles. If your guests have convenient and palatable alternatives to water in plastic bottles, they’ll appreciate the focus you’re putting on saving the environment.
7. Revamp Bathrooms
Single-serving shampoo and conditioners, paper-wrapped bars of soap - these are just two of the things that are a nightmare for both eco-friendly guests and the environment. While some might appreciate the effort, there are still better ways to go about this by offering the same experience in a more environmentally-friendly way.
Try refillable shampoos and conditioners, soap dispensers and disposable cups. These are sustainable options you can implement right away to do your part and leave guests impressed.
Delight Your Guests So They Can’t Keep Away
Having green hotel practices can set you apart from the competition. But it’s just one aspect to think about when it comes to delighting your guests. To delight your guests even more, think about the uniforms you and your staff wear and even making your customer service better than your competition - and much more.
That’s why we’ve created an all-in-one guide to help keep your guests happy and make them return again. To get your free copy, click the link below.