It’s no secret that Florida is one of the most popular destinations for travel year-round. The Sunshine State sees upwards of 131 million people each year, with 116 million being domestic travelers. The tourism and hospitality industries are the backbones of central Florida, making attractions as well as hotels some of the most successful businesses in the state. With so many readily available choices to clients, how can your hotel stand out from the crowd? First impressions are everything when it comes to obtaining and retaining customers—providing a secure and safe stay makes guests more likely to return as well as refer your business to others. We will be discussing four tips on how you can set your business apart from competitors through a few simple security changes.
Make security presence known
Unfortunately, tourists can be the ideal mark for pickpockets, as they are unfamiliar with the area and can become distracted with their itinerary. One way hotels can deter these thieves from lingering on the premises or within the hotel is through the presence of a security team. By having a clear security presence, thieves are less likely to use your location to look for distracted guests. In addition to deterring thieves, guests will feel more secure, as help is easily accessible no matter the hour.
Keep areas well lit
Next is lighting. Outdoor areas should always be well lit during the evenings and night, including parking lots, garages, and smoking areas. Parking lots are so embedded into our everyday routine that we often forget the potential dangers they can pose. Ensure your lights are functioning properly, and provide a well-lit area that encompasses the lot. If your property uses a garage, it is especially important that no corner or stairwell is neglected as it can provide cover for trespassers. Motion-sensor lighting in sections with minimal foot traffic can be an economic solution that still provides adequate lighting when needed.
Smoking areas should always be clear to see for both guests and staff in the event of an emergency. Avoid using tall landscaping plants that could obscure lighting or the line of sight from others. Moreover, owners could consider adding additional lighting along pathways leading to more secluded areas to safely guide guests and add to the ambiance of the hotel.
Consider using a combination of patrol and stationary guards
There is no “one size fits all” standard when it comes to security teams. Factors such as foot traffic, size of the area, and location can all impact the kind of security your business needs. Large-scale properties, such as hotels, could greatly benefit from having a combination of patrol and stationary guards in order to effectively cover the property. Patrol guards could walk the floors as well as outdoor pathways while stationary guards monitor entrances. This in turn will benefit guests in finding their way around the building without the hassle of getting lost.
Review and replace locks when needed
Simple key locks are quickly becoming a thing of the past as hotels are moving toward modern technology—guests can now enter their rooms completely electronically through their phones. Smart locks provide guests with easy and safe access to their room without the hassle of checking in, streamlining the process. This can be greatly beneficial to guests who may have had travel plans delayed or are checking in later in the evening. The smart lock system can also provide guests the opportunity to fully check in to their room online. This new efficiency will allow team members to have more time to complete their tasks without the stress of a mass influx of guests around check-in and out times. This in turn keeps the lobby clear and easy to monitor.
With these tips in mind, hotel owners can stand out from the crowd while staying one step ahead of risks. Contact our team here at Apex Security today to learn more about how our services can benefit your business today!