How To Prepare Your Hotel For Inclement Weather

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

As a hotel owner in an area where the weather can be challenging, you need to have inclement weather policies in place so you can offer assurance to potential clients regarding re-bookings, refunds, and other concerns. If your customers are confident that you will treat them right, the weather won’t stop them from coming to visit. 

For example, allowing your guests to rebook or cancel their reservations at no cost if they are prevented from traveling by inclement weather conditions is something your guests will truly appreciate. Being flexible with early checkouts when people have to change travel plans to avoid heavy weather is another. 

An evacuation plan is another preparation you may want to consider. The government may issue warnings so that travelers can get to the airport or drive out of town in time. Your hotel can offer to provide transportation in these cases, since finding a cab or a ride-share for your guests may be next to impossible. If shelters are being made available for those who want to, or have to, stay through the storm, your hotel may assist guests here or help them find government-sponsored transportation.

When it comes to your property, you need to be prepared ahead of time by conducting regular, thorough inspections of all areas that would be affected by heavy weather, such as roofing, windows, and exterior doors. Landscaping should be kept neat and in good condition, since flying tree branches can be a real danger in high winds. Have a system in place that will ensure that items outdoors can be moved quickly, such as trash receptacles, pool chairs and other furniture, gaming tables, and the like. Designate a safe spot for them and be sure your staff knows the best way to get things picked up quickly. Choose a bad-weather crew and provide for them while they stay at your hotel. They will be available for all situations with your guests and your property. Have a plan to make sure they are fed and housed properly - they will be working hard!

These are just a few tips that can help you prepare your hotel for inclement weather, and keep your guests and staff safe, too. Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we are experts when it comes to cleanup after water damage, fire damage, and other weather-related issues. We are skilled in large cleanups, and are proud to say we are mold remediation specialists!