Formally joining the hospitality market is a huge achievement for first-time hoteliers. The opening stage is one of the first milestones to be celebrated, but expect a lot to happen behind the scenes. To make things easier, it is crucial to come up with a hotel opening list.

From room amenities to food and drink, and a functioning reservation system, this practical hotel opening checklist will guide you to keep everything in tip-top shape for the big day.

10 Necessities For Your Hotel Opening Checklist

1. Plans for soft opening

Before the grand launch, you can hold a soft opening for a limited number of guests. This is a great opportunity to test out operations and services, as well as listen and respond to guest feedback. This way, you can adjust your operations accordingly to enhance the guest experience. A soft opening will also give you ample time to make necessary modifications to the operating budget, stocks, and hotel supplies.

2. Operational reservation system

A functioning reservation management system should be a priority on your hotel opening checklist. It lets you accommodate guest bookings prior to the opening of the hotel. Make use of telephone and online reservation systems that can be seamlessly integrated together. Set up online and cash payment channels as well for hassle-free processing.

3. Complete front office and other services

The front desk is the first place your guests will see upon entering. It is essential to hire and train competent staff to handle guest inquiries, as this area is the go-to for all types of concerns. Ensure a smooth check-in process is in place, and if applicable, self-service check in and out.

The front office is also in charge of coordinating additional services such as airport transfers, transportation, tours, and event bookings. Make sure to establish links with reputable partners for these services prior to the hotel’s opening.

4. Working systems and facilities

Conduct routine checks on physical systems, such as electrical, fire, HVAC, internet, and plumbing systems are fully functioning. Make sure that these comply with building codes and other safety regulations. Feature rooms and facilities such as the gym, spa, lounge, and pools that are now open to guests, otherwise, inform guests which ones are still soon to open.

5. Marketing and promotional materials

Months up to a year before the launch, marketing and promotional materials is a necessity on your hotel pre-opening checklist. This includes updates to the hotel website about the opening, rooms, upcoming events, facilities, and features to look forward to. 

Whenever possible, coordinate press releases and release announcements through social media and hospitality distribution platforms. This can be in the form of photographs, video walkthroughs, and other types of content. Send out invites for business partners and investors as well, before the grand hotel opening.

6. Complete room and hotel amenities

Room amenities must always be on your hotel opening checklist; after all, what’s a hotel without all the things that make a happy stay? Furnish all guest rooms with items like toiletries, hygiene kits, high-quality towels, slippers, and comfortable linens. Luxury hotel suppliers also have customization options you can use to promote your hotel branding on amenities.

7. Diverse food and beverage options

Increase options for satisfying your guests’ hunger. Provide complimentary snacks and drinks in all guest rooms. Stock minibars with delicious drinks and wine and set up room service. If your hotel has a restaurant or bar, fully stock the kitchen with essentials and test out all appliances to ensure proper working condition. Tailor the menu as well to cater to different taste buds.

8. Thorough staff training and reporting process

Hire and train staff within a realistic timeline before the hotel opening. Staff training is a critical part of your hotel opening checklist. Ensure their familiarity with the hotel guidelines, house rules, layout, and systems. It is recommended to cross-train certain hotel staff, especially key leaders, for versatility. Establish a reporting system according to the organizational chart for structured management.

9. Comprehensive security system

Create a safe environment for all hotel guests. Set up an all-inclusive physical security system to be sure that all public areas of the hotel are free of hazards and potential threats. This also extends to IT security, which protects your guests’ data. Consider overall safety and security as a vital item on your hotel opening checklist.

10. Extensive housekeeping system

Top off your hotel pre-opening checklist with a detailed housekeeping system. Lay down all housekeeping duties and rules for each area and room. Hire skilled housekeeping staff and provide them with updated manuals and training if necessary. This is incomplete without cleaning tools and materials. Provide staff with commercial-grade cleaning supplies for effective upkeep and maintenance of all facilities.

A hotel opening checklist establishes best practices that can help eliminate operational flaws during its initial run. Then again, hospitality trends continue to shift each year, so there is always room for growth, no matter how long a hotel has been around.

ALSO READ: The Complete List of Hotel Room Necessities that You Must Have in Your Property

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