Hotel & Motel Management - February 4, 2008 - (Page 12)

12 Consultant’s Corner IN THE details Spas can be proﬁtable Expand spa’s usefulness Versatility, ﬂexibility critical Be creative H&MM February 4, 2008 | HotelMotel.com www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition Properly planned spas add to bottom line o longer retreats of exclusive pampering and weight loss, today’s spas focus on providing purposeful leisure and helping guests look and feel better. They also have become places for connections and celebrations. If you are planning a spa, try to create some space to attract this more social market. For ex- N By Patty Monteson H&MM Columnist ample, include spa suites that accommodate two or more people. One type of suite is a self-contained “spa within a spa” with a private lounge/eating area, treatment areas for spa services, bathroom/ changing rooms, steam showers, a sauna and/or whirlpool, outdoor patio, etc. Although this type of suite is marketable for anyone wishing to have spa time together, it is especially marketable to couples where the male is a “spa virgin.” It enables him, after ﬁnally agreeing to go to a spa, to actually spend time with his wife or girlfriend, rather “If anybody can tell you how to control energy bills, it’s me.” “My guests are always opening the windows to look at the ocean, so I need to do everything I can to keep my energy bills low,” says Marcus Lewis, Vice President of Development, Tidewater Hotels & Resorts. “That’s one reason I use only GE Zoneline® units in all nine of our oceanfront properties. They help keep rooms comfortable, are very quiet and help me control energy costs…even if I can’t control my guests’ behavior.” GE Zoneline®, the most efﬁcient line of package terminal air conditioners and heat pumps in the industry than being in a separate locker/ wet area/lounge area. Another type of suite is the “cluster suite,” which includes all or some of the above areas with three or four lock-off treatment rooms. The cluster suite can be used for individual a la carte treatments when not reserved by a spa group. When properly planned, this type of suite offers a place where a group of friends can be social without disturbing the serenity of the rest of the spa. It also can be used as a kid’s spa where, for example, a mother and child can have a manicure together or learn about proper skin care combined with a basic cleansing facial. Versatility and ﬂexibility in design and location are critical so that the needs and interests of various markets are met, while still providing a sense of privacy and intimacy throughout the spa. If you do not have spa suites, then go outside the four walls of the spa facility to create them. Temporarily convert a hotel room or suite for girlfriend getaways, anniversary celebrations, family reunions and bridal parties. Another facility component that helps increase spa use is the spa playground. This experiential, self-service treatment area includes whirlpools with builtin air jet chaise lounges; cool dip pools; private relaxation and social lounges; water reﬂexology walking path; whirlpools with water spouts and waterfalls; specialty showers; chromatherapy steam rooms; and product bars with muds, salts and aromatherapy products. Not only is this area used by guests who want a more self-service, social experience, it also is an alternative to guests who want to “spa” when all the treatment rooms are occupied. It generates revenue because there is a charge for this experience, plus it is proﬁtable because it is not labor-intensive. hmm@questex.com Patty Monteson (pattymonteson@ hfdspa.com), the chair of the International Society of Hospitality Consultants (www.ishc.com), is the co-founder and co-owner of Health Fitness Dynamics in Pompano Beach, Fla. CIRCLE NO. 114 http://www.HotelMotel.com http://www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition http://www.ishc.com

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Hotel & Motel Management - February 4, 2008 Contents Murray, Keltner to Keynote Atlanta Event ABVI Approves Per-room Fee Hike Growth, Guest Loyalty on Lexington’s Plate Perspective Legally Speaking AAHOA Update Marketing Matters Consultant’s Corner On Finance Training Trends HotelWorld Update Trends & Stats Outdoor Furniture Limited-service-hotel-chain Report Energy-management System Provides Link to Savings Upgraded Bedding Program Cost Comes Due Less Hot Water Equals Less-costly Bills Events Learn to Take Advantage of Lower Insurance Costs Brokers Will Remain Unscathed in 2008 Transactions Ad/Edit Index Marketplace Classifieds Checking Out

Hotel & Motel Management - February 4, 2008

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