Breaking the Chains: Seven Secrets of Success from Florida Superior Small Lodging Association™
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.
“Pet owners are among our happiest guests because they are delighted to have a lovely place to stay with their four-footed loved one”
“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 Superior Small 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.
