Q&A for How to Run a Small Hotel or Guesthouse

Well, it might sound basic, but it all starts with the mission, vision, and values of the company and how those are permeated throughout your employees and how you deliver that. Happy employees equal happy guests, and it's all about the experience first. Make sure that your staff is aware of what anticipatory service means and go above and beyond to give the guests a great experience.

Be kind and pleasant, and always have a smile on your face. Bring little treats around every now and then. And of course, keep everything clean and in pristine condition.

The first step is to develop a business plan. You will learn a lot about what you need as far as supplies, staffing, and how much funding you are going to need. Let people read your plan and get them to ask questions. If you can't answer the question - get an answer. You must be a sponge for information, especially information that is going to cause you to spend money. Put it all together in a business plan, along with how much money you need to start.

Schedule an interview date and go through the interview process. Hire management first. Ask relevant questions about the applicants' experience. Ask them how they deal with unpleasant guests/situations. Get several references and check them. Take your time and review each applicant before you come to any decisions.

Offer good food, good views. excellent customer service and a retreat style home away from home (minus the cleaning and the cooking one would do at home). Make use of the rural areas most people want to get away from the city. Some places won't even allow WiFi, for the reason to get away from it all but that's your choice.

Complete customer satisfaction is the best way to increase your profit, as it will attract more and more other customers.

Hotels draw guests due to either practicality or because of getaway desirability. To attract practicality guests, such as business travelers, survey the source that supplies the guests and offer them incentives to promote your hotel with in their business plan. For example, the airport or airlines may have advertising availability you can pay for. Luxury getaways usually have themes, such as golf, food & culture or retreats. To attract guests who desire a getaway, you need find a way to direct market to them until they book with you. For example, country clubs, trade associations and local entertainment venues may have advertising availability you can pay for.

Surat in India is a growing city with a high demand for hotel businesses.

If it is in the rules of the hotel, simply knock on the door and give them an hour to get out. You may also fine them if it is in contract.

Use CCTV (You should have), and check it at night. If anyone has attempted to enter the hotel while it was closed, you should have a night porter. It really depends who your clientele is. If your clientele is mainly older people, no need for one.

If you were looking to flip hotels, real estate might be your better option. However, if you were looking to build or collect businesses, perhaps choose business. Talk to course advisers of both courses to get a good idea of what is involved and the directions you can take.

Lodges and other accommodations sometimes train for the wilderness as part of their business identity. Perhaps your main market would be people looking to learn more, or to hunt or other activities.