The Richard Haworth Blog

Hotel booking websites, including the likes of Expedia, Hotels.com, Trivago and others, have been in the news recently regarding misleading advertising claims, hidden costs and their sales techniques. In total, six websites have been given until September to change how they operate, thanks to action from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

At the same time, there’s a sense in the industry that the balance of power has tilted in recent months away from online travel agencies, and in favour of direct bookings for hotels, B&Bs and self-catering holiday accommodation.

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Eating out is on the rise. According to recent statistics from Kantar Worldpanel, the UK spent around £49 billion on food and non-alcoholic drink that was purchased and consumed outside of the home in 2017, and that figure has only been expanding.

As we head towards the end of the decade, restaurateurs find themselves in a fantastic position to make the most of a general public keen to get out and enjoy new dining experiences. However, it also means coming up with new and exciting ways to engage customers and keep them returning for more. So what are proving to be the big restaurant trends for 2019?

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When hotels and B&Bs are looking at new sources of revenue, future workspace trends may not be the first thing that springs to mind.

Equally, co-working spaces are not necessarily something you’d expect to find in a hotel.

But changing habits mean more people are more mobile, whether they’re working remotely or building a start-up on the move.

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The PwC Hotels Forecast 2019 doesn’t make for comfortable reading, with growth set to be adversely affected by economic uncertainty, depressed business demand and the sector being flooded with new rooms.

While last year showed strong trading, in 2018 slower economic growth has held things back, while up to five thousand new hotel rooms are potentially being launched in London alone, with another 4,300 set to open in the new year.

Over the last five years, the sector has already been expanded to the tune of approaching 40,000 rooms. Outside London, a similar number is set to launch over the remainder of this year and in 2019.

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If you run a bed & breakfast, you'll already know that great service can allow you to stand out from the crowd and to enjoy healthy custom and repeat business. But in an age where customers are increasingly demanding, what exactly constitutes a great customer experience - and how can you deliver it? Our tips will help you to get ahead - fast.

That first impression...

First impressions count - and all the more so in a service business where you are creating comfortable, attractive and welcoming accommodation for your guests. Continue reading →

The 2018 summer heatwave has given the UK hotel sector a phenomenal boost over the past few weeks, as Brits have rushed to the seaside and popular countryside resorts to take utmost advantage of the hot weather. Hoteliers across the UK are thrilled to report that business is booming and hotel demand is significantly up on 2017 figures, according to a report from Expedia Group.

Hotels benefit from more guests through 2018

Research has shown that more than 50% of Brits plan a staycation summer for 2018  and this has been boosted incredibly by the sweltering temperatures through July. Continue reading →

Hotels of any size would do well to consider the benefits of adding a spa, for greater customer enjoyment and satisfaction. It's increasingly the case that hotel guests expect a variety of leisure facilities when they book a room, even if they're only staying the one night.

Effective Planning

More and more hotels are adding a spa now, because of this factor, whether they're city hotels or country lodges. The amount spent on fitting a spa can vary enormously though, so, if you're considering installing in your hotel, you need to research it thoroughly beforehand. Continue reading →

Any busy restaurant kitchen needs to be well-organised and supplied with all the essentials required to ensure the business runs like clockwork. There are loads of hidden extras needed to keep restaurant kitchens ticking over and linen items are just one essential supply that should not be neglected.

The numbers and types of linen products in your store cupboards will vary depending upon the size of your catering facility, but the essential items are highlighted below. Continue reading →

Hoteliers know that there is a constant balance to be maintained between quality, guest satisfaction and cost management, especially when it comes to operational and utility costs. One key example is laundering. Most hotels will have sizeable laundry requirements and require exacting finishes and a timely turnaround of the service. This is vital to get right, as guests view a clean and attractive bedroom as one of the most important aspects of their visitor experience.

So with this in mind, should you take the job in-house or outsource it - and what are the pros and cons of each approach? Continue reading →

When you think of the ideal hotel room, does it look the same as the ones you visited when you were a child? The chances are that it doesn’t even look like those you loved five years ago. Interior design trends are always changing, and if you want the rooms you provide to please customers, you’d better keep up. Here’s what’s hot in 2018.

A warm welcome

People looking for hotel rooms today are all about that cosy, home-away-from-home feeling. They want somewhere that looks stylish and clean but is all about comfort and relaxation. Interestingly, that doesn’t mean warm colours Continue reading →