Communication is key when it comes to servicing guests, so it’s no surprise that compendiums, or in-room directories, are still common in the holiday accommodation industry.

While they may have evolved over the years, with many properties now featuring digital compendiums streamed via their TVs, they still act as an important tool for communicating essential information about your property. It’s also a great way to promote any additional services you offer, or what’s happening in the local area.

What should you include in your compendium? Here is a list of essential items to include in your compendium/in-room directory.

Office hours/Important telephone numbers

Whether you manage a hotel, motel, resort, Airbnb or holiday home, it’s important for your guests to know when management is available and who to contact in and out of business hours.

For Airbnbs and holiday homes it’s important to list contact numbers in case of emergencies. Numbers for emergency plumbers, electricians, locksmiths etc. are vital.

Essential services

It’s helpful to include location/contact details for local services including doctors/hospitals/supermarkets/banks etc..
Arrivals/Departures

List all check-out times and information about late checkout, key drop-off and where guests can store luggage before they depart.

Noise regulations

In the interest of other guests and neighbouring properties, it’s recommended to communicate any noise regulations you have at your property.

Parking

List parking options/pricing and information about valet parking if it’s available to guests and their visitors.

Wi-Fi/Internet/Smart home devices

Include instructions/passwords to connect to the Internet. These days many properties have smart home systems controlling media etc, therefore it’s important to include instructions on how to use these devices.

Pay TV/Streaming services

Tell guests how to connect to pay tv or other streaming services.

Restaurant/Room service

If your property has a restaurant on premises the compendium is a great place to promote specials and communicate opening hours. Always include a copy of the menu.

If it’s an option, have a room service menu available to your guests.

Local restaurants

If you’re property doesn’t have a restaurant on premises, ensure you include dining recommendations including locations and contact numbers. It’s also handy to include takeaway menus for a few of the most popular restaurants in the area.

Mini bar

Do you have a mini bar? Always have a mini bar price list available to your guests.

On-site facilities

Let guests know about the facilities available at your property and include rules/opening hours and information about pools, spas, gyms, BBQs etc.

Local attractions/What’s on

Always include a list of local attractions in your compendium. A lot of guests love to visit markets, art galleries and get out and about in the community. A list of ‘what’s on’ will tell them what’s happening in the local area during their stay.

In this section you could also list public transport options for those guests who prefer to leave their car at home.

Babysitting/Hire services

Even if you don’t have babysitting staff on-site it’s helpful to have a list of babysitters and their contact numbers. Also list any hire companies who can rent out baby equipment such as prams, highchairs etc.

Additional spaces – meeting rooms

If you have a larger property you can let business travellers know about your meeting rooms, including the cost and how to book.

Wake up calls

Let guests know how they can organise a wake-up call if it’s available.

Housekeeping

Explain housekeeping procedures and how guests can organise additional cleaning. You can also direct guests to where they can get laundry done, whether it’s on or off-site.

Smoking/Non-smoking rooms

List smoking regulations for your property.

Evacuation procedures/Emergency exits

In your compendium you can document evacuation procedures and inform guests where to meet in an emergency. Also point out where the emergency exits are located throughout your property.

Always personalise your compendium to your property and include any additional information you’d like to communicate to your guests. If you need a compendium for your property, check out our Luxury Leather PU Compendium available online via the National Hotel Supplies website.

Christmas is a time for giving, so this year let’s give back to those who need it the most with the help of two amazing initiatives, #buyfromthebush and Go Country for Christmas.

Both these organisations are working hard to bring focus upon small rural businesses and help them get through one of the toughest periods of drought in Australian history.

Many families living in rural communities are struggling to make ends meet, battling to survive in this extreme weather. That’s where #buyfromthebush and www.gocountryforchristmas.com.au step in!

These two initiatives have created an online space where bush businesses can sell their products and reach thousands of people across the country.

When you buy from the bush you’ll not only bring home a beautiful, unique handcrafted gift, you’re giving these struggling rural businesses a much-needed boost during incredibly hard times.

And the news is spreading! #buyfromthebush has already gained a massive following online, their Instagram account has a staggering 110k followers, and growing!

The @buyfromthebush Instagram account showcases a stunning range of gifts including products that would look great inside your Airbnb, luxury holiday home, resort or hotel/motel.

There’s a gorgeous collection of products available including beautiful handcrafted floor rugs, Indigenous artwork, Australian themed corporate gifts, hampers, handmade wooden toys and much more!

Go Country for Christmas is a directory of businesses based in the bush. On their website www.gocountryforchristmas.com.au you can search through a wide range of gifts, everything from wine and food, to jewellery, gifts for babies and children and even experiences and professional services.

Honestly, the quality of products coming out of our rural communities is mind-blowing, and the team at National Hotel Supplies is looking forward to supporting these talented creatives to help them get back on their feet ASAP.

This year we encourage everyone to buy just ONE present from the bush and help change the lives of families living in drought-stricken areas of Australia.

For more information check out www.instagram.com/buyfromthebush or www.gocountryforchristmas.com.au

Did you know that National Hotel Supplies offers a range of electrical appliances that are perfect for hotels, motels, resorts, luxury holiday homes and Airbnbs? That’s right, we searched high and low so we could stock the best range of appliances that your guests will love.

Here are a few of our favourites.

Digital alarm clocks with Qi Wireless Charging

These little beauties are an in-room necessity! We love them! They are multi-functional and more than just your standard alarm clock.

Using Qi technology guests can charge their mobile phones wirelessly (a feature most phones and tablets have), no more tangled cords! The double USB ports allow for simultaneous charging of 2 devices (3 if you include the wireless charger). This is great for families who want to charge more than one device at a time.

Whether it’s a playlist, podcast or a meditation, guests can play audio through the clocks Bluetooth speakers, but if they still treasure the radio, no worries, the can tune in to AM or FM radio too!

The clock’s large LCD screen has adjustable brightness, accommodating guests who are sensitive to light, allowing them to adjust the brightness to suit their needs. They are also programmed with a melodic alarm with adjustable volume and a snooze function. Seriously, what more could you ask for in an alarm clock!

Battery Free Digital Scales

Do you have a self-contained property? Know you’re helping the environment and avoid constant battery changes with our Battery Free Digital Scales. If only the TV remotes could be the same!

Stainless Steel Plate Iron

Cheap and nasty irons might do the job for a little while, but if you want longevity, our commercial grade Stainless Steel Plate Irons are just the thing. They are made specifically for the hotel and resort industry, built strong and durable to stand the test of time. They also have an auto shut off in case your guests go out and leave them on.
Need an ironing board too? Forget about those small, wonky in-room ironing boards of the past, our commercial grade ironing boards have a large ironing surface, with adjustable height, a high-quality and a scold proof and fire-retardant cover that won’t cause more creases. They are also easy to fold up and store away in a small cupboard.

Foldable Hair dryer

Most guests expect to have a hair dryer available to them when they travel, it’s become a bathroom essential. Your first instinct might be to buy a standard retail hair dryer, but this could be a costly mistake. They can be expensive, and often they are not as durable or safe as their commercial counterparts.

Our Foldable Hair Dryer is built to last and is great value for money. It has all the features your guests need, including speed options, 3 heat settings, a cool shot button and Ionic technology to protect your guests’ hair. It’s not uncommon for some retail hair dryers to fail safety certification, whereas when you buy a commercial dryer you know you are buying safe.

Commercial Grade Kettles

If you’re looking for a kettle for your property you want it to be easy to maintain, because when it comes to cleaning appliances, cleaning kettles can be a time-consuming job for you or your housekeeping staff.

Our commercial grade kettles are super easy to clean because there is no element. They are durable and have all the safety features to keep your guests safe.

Guest Room Safes

Give your guests the peace of mind that their valued belongings can be stored safely within an in-room safe.

Our commercial grade safes have:

• motorized lock with interior light LED display
• opening/closing audit trail capability up to 300 records
• can accommodate up to a standard 17 inch laptop computer
• ADA compliant backlit keypad
• features emergency opening ability by CEU programmable manager code or included manual master key
• steel construction with long lasting black powder coated finish.

To eliminate the whole safe being stolen, we always recommend they are mounted somewhere in your room.

If you have any questions about our electrical appliances, email us at info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

Spring is in full swing and already winter seems like a distant memory. For some property owners/managers now is the ideal time for a spring clean and to get ready for the warmer months, but don’t be fooled into thinking you have to spend a fortune to freshen up your rooms. It’s easier than you think! Adding a few simple accessories can make the world of difference and transform your room into the sanctuary your guests deserve!

Bed runners and cushions

One inexpensive way to revamp your room is to give your bed a makeover. After all, when a guest enters a room the bed is one of the first things they are drawn to, especially if it radiates comfort and luxury. But how do you achieve this look?

Layering, that’s how! Think plush pillows, clean crisp bedsheets, throws, bed runners and cushions that add a pop of colour and tie in with the rest of your décor.

Here at National Hotel Supplies we stock a great range of quality bed runners and cushions that will put that finishing touch on your bed linen. Unlike some bed runners, ours are double-sided and super durable, made from 100% polyester commercial drapery fabric. Our cushion covers are top quality, and include a premium fill and zippers to make washing easier. They are available in teal, silver, sky and oak. Prefer something brighter? Add a pop of colour with bed runners and cushions in canary, pumpkin or tranquil.

Bed linen

When was the last time you refreshed your bed linen? If your commercial linen has seen better days, now’s the time to upgrade so you’re ready for the busy summer months. Clean, crisp white sheets will never go out of fashion and provide a great foundation for you to add splashes of colour to freshen up your décor.

Lighting and lamp shades

Lighting plays an important role in any room and can make a huge difference to the room’s look and feel. Lighting shouldn’t be too dull, or too bright, and should be placed in the areas your guests need it the most. A beautiful lampshade is an inexpensive way to add colour and texture to your room and with so many styles available you can really make a statement!

Art

Add a pop of colour to your room with artwork that ties in with your room’s colour scheme.

We have a huge selection of stunning prints available that will complement any décor, whether it’s a landscape, animal or abstract print, we have something you’ll love. We also have a range of prints that pair perfectly with the colour palettes associated with this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, Living Coral. Check out the Grapefruit print, Rainbow Bay print or Crimson Dusk artwork, all available online.

For something a little closer to home, why not support local artists and feature their artwork throughout your property. This gives local artists exposure, while sharing the culture of your region with your guests.

Luxury guest amenities

If you’re looking for an easy way to add a touch of style to your property, add a collection of luxury guest amenities to your bathroom. We have a beautiful range of bathroom products available including:

Wallawa Ecosticks

For an environmentally friendly option, that also looks great, check out the Wallawa Ecostick range. Ditch the single-use plastics and opt for this world first paper based single serve packaging. After use it will degrade in under 10 years, unlike its plastic counterparts which can take between 450 and 1000 years!

The Wallawa range is divine, using active botanicals such as Victorian Eucalyptus Oil, Lemon Myrtle, Tasmanian Bush Pepper and Kakadu Plum, all known for their healing qualities. For a beautiful bathroom look store them in the custom made Ecostick Ceramic Display Holder or on the Ecostick Sustainable Bamboo Display Tray, which are both available for backorder.

Bonus! Revenue generated via Wallawa Indigenous Botanical Skincare sales allow Corporate Conect.AB (CCAB) (a Supply Nation Certified organisation) to work with businesses, government agencies and Indigenous communities to support ongoing sustainable outcomes.

Bathe Marine

For a fresh, minimalist addition to your bathroom, the Bathe Marine Skincare collection is perfect! Its modern design is complemented by a salon-grade formulation enriched with kelp extracts and Phytoplankton. Choose from a range of bathroom products including cleansing body soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body balm, 2in1, bath salts, makeup remover wipes, dental kits and vanity packs.

Hand Pump Bundles

If you’d prefer to buy your guest amenities in larger quantities our hand pump bundles are just the thing! The South Pacific Soap Co and Pina Colada collections are both available in hand-pumps and brighten up your bathroom décor. By purchasing your hand pump bottles in a bundle you’ll save 10% and ensure your bathroom looks great with the matching set.

These are just a few ways to dress up your room for less! Our staff are always on-hand to share our industry experience, and for more information on our range of hotel supplies you can email us at info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

We all know spring is the time to freshen up your property, but how do you achieve the ultimate clean? Whether you have housekeeping staff, cleaners, or look after the property yourself, it’s handy to know the shortcuts and tricks professionals use to get their rooms squeaky clean.

Plan your clean

When it comes to carrying out a professional clean it’s important to start with a plan. Every inch of your room needs to be spick and span and having a plan will ensure you don’t miss a thing. Some housekeeping staff start by stripping the bed, others head straight for the bathroom. If it helps, create a checklist so you don’t risk cleaning an area twice!

Embrace natural light

Open the windows and doors. Not only will this help eliminate any nasty odours, it will shed natural light on the interior of the room allowing you to clean more thoroughly. It’s also a good way to air out the room if you’re cleaning with chemicals.

Chemical-free cleaning

Would you like to take an environmentally friendly approach to cleaning? Chemical-free cleaning products are a great alternative for small boutique hotels, luxury holiday homes, Airbnbs and other eco-friendly holiday accommodation services. Thankfully there are a variety of chemical free options available including the Aqua-base antibacterial Barkley Basics Surface Spray that we stock here at National Hotel Supplies. Or why not save money and make your own chemical-free cleaning products!

Microfibre cloths for the win

Many professional cleaners recommend microfibre cloths for dusting. These cloths hold onto the dust and are soft enough to use on any surface. To get the most mileage out of your microfibre cloth, try folding it in half, and half again and again, and only use one part of the cloth at a time!

It’s all in the details

If you’re going to do a job, do it properly! Always have a small brush, for instance a toothbrush, on-hand to get into all those nooks and crannies. A toothbrush is great to clean areas around taps, in the shower or in hard to reach places in the kitchen.

Don’t forget the curtains

Curtains can be great dust collectors so don’t forget to give them a little TLC. Vacuuming is a great way to remove dust but giving them a good old-fashioned wallop with a rolled-up handtowel will also do the trick!

Deep clean

Is it time for a deep clean? Get stuck into those parts of your room that are overlooked including the air-conditioning unit, the carpet, tiles and grout, mattress or the upholstery of your furniture. See our blog post for extra deep cleaning tips!

Freshen up the bedding

There’s no point putting that tired old bed linen back on the bed, after all it’s one of the first things your guests will look at when they enter the bedroom! If your bedding is ready for a freshen up we’ve got Triple Sheet and Standard Sheet Bed Bundles ready to go.

Finishing touches

A beautiful range of toiletries, like our Ideology range, can put the finishing touches on any room. For bathroom products that will last longer, you can’t go past our hand pump bundles including the gorgeous South Pacific Soap Co or Pina Colada collections to spruce up your bathroom décor.

We also stock a great range of guest amenities, commercial bed linen and towels, perishables and other hotel supplies. See our range at www.nationalhotelsupplies.com.au or email us at"info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au":mailto:info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

It wasn’t long ago that in-room technology meant DVD players, stereo systems and gaming consoles, but as you know, times have changed. Today it’s less about the actual equipment, and more about giving guests the ability to connect via all their favourite personal devices.

Guests want to use their iPhones, tablets and laptops to access the Internet, subscriptions and other services during their stay, whether it’s for entertainment, business or private use.

To stay ahead of the game and keep up with the competition there are a few essential services you need to provide.

A fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection is a must

For most people Wi-Fi is no longer an option, it’s a necessity. Providing Wi-Fi allows guests to browse the Internet, use email and social media and connect to all their subscription services during their stay.

Whether you manage an Airbnb, luxury holiday home, motel, hotel or resort, unlimited data is a must for guests who want to connect to streaming services, listen to music or browse the Internet. You’ll also need to ensure multiple guests can connect to the Wi-Fi at the one time, as families often travel with multiple devices.

Access to streaming services

We’re seeing a lot of properties ditching their Pay TV subscriptions, and instead opting to update their current TVs/devices so guests to connect to their favourite streaming services via a smart TV.

Some guests prefer to connect to their own subscription services such as Netflix and Stan, opting for a more personalised experience. Often their own subscription services can be cheaper than pay per view services in-room, so it makes sense have this access available.

Smart TVs

Smart TVs are televisions that can hook up to the Internet. Guests can watch streaming services such as Stan and Netflix, browse the Internet and access other online services. Most new TVs are Smart TVs, and older models can be updated with a set-top box, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV or other similar device.

Also, always have HDMI cables on hand at your property for those guests who love gaming or just want to connect their laptop to the TV.

We’ve got something new for you at National Hotel Supplies!

Keep your eye out for our new Digital Alarm Clocks with wireless mobile phone charging, utilising Qi technology! They’ll be in stock soon!

This is the ultimate multi-purpose alarm clock and allows guests to charge their smartphones wirelessly! Guests simply place their phone in one of the clock’s dual docking stations and the phone will charge without the need for any cables. Too easy! Guests can also connect via Bluetooth to play their favourite music through the alarm clock’s speakers.

Plus, these alarm clocks still have all the standard features such as FM radio, large LCD screen, alarm with adjustable volume and of course a snooze function. Available in black.

It’s hard to know what the future will bring when it comes to in-room technology, but you can be sure that times will continue to change. To keep up with your competition and to continue to meet your guest’s expectations you need to understand what they need and deliver what they want. After all, happy guests will keep coming back!

We’re sorry we kept you waiting so long, but we’re excited to announce biodegradable coffee pods are now available at National Hotel Supplies.

We searched high and low for a product that not only tasted great but was also environmentally friendly. We’re all about helping you help the environment, and we’ve found organic, biodegradable coffee pods that tick all the boxes!

Introducing the República Organic coffee pods. These capsules are not only good for the environment, they are delicious and offer great value for money. Did we mention they took out the Australian Organic Non-Alcoholic Beverage of the Year in 2017?

We love working with great Australian companies and República Organic is 100% Australian.

República Organic coffee pods are:

Biodegradable – breaking down in the same time as an orange peel, approximately 730 days!
Certified Organic – All coffee is grown, roasted and packaged using Certified Organic methods.

The capsules are biodegradable, made with food grade BPA free plastic that can be disposed of in your general waste to degrade at an accelerated rate in landfill.

We’re stocking 4 delicious blends including Melbourne, Sydney, Paris and Rome. The Melbourne blend delivers a full-bodied taste with a blueberry aroma and an oak finish. Enjoy every velvety sip of Sydney’s bold yet balanced blend, featuring notes of walnut and The Rome blend is a strong espresso blend with hints of berry and chocolate undertones and the Paris blend is smooth and velvety, creamy and sweet with hints of honey and caramel. YUM!

República Organic coffee pods are compatible with Nespresso® coffee machines, including models: Le Cube, Essenza, Citiz, Pixie, Lattissima, U, Maestria and Inissia.

Find out more about República Organic coffee pods or email us for more information at info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

Online shopping. Uber Eats. House cleaners. These days everything is designed to save us time and effort. And thank goodness, because we all lead such busy lives, especially when we’re balancing homelife and managing a business.

Luckily, here at National Hotel Supplies we’ve come up with a way you can save time when ordering your guest amenities and hotel supplies, and at the same time ensure you place the right order and never get caught short again.

How do you place a reoccurring order?

It’s simple! Whether you manage a hotel, motel, resort, holiday home or an Airbnb, we can set up reoccurring orders that eliminate the need for you to remember and place your monthly order. We do it automatically for you!

We find that most businesses order ‘basically’ the same products every month, so we thought why not lock it in and ensure you never run out of stock again!

At the end, or beginning of each month, we’ll send you an order for you to approve and pay, and as simple as that, your order will be filled and sent out.

What happens if you want to make a change?

No problem. With a reoccurring order you can still amend, add, delete or change items.

Save time and buy in bulk

Buying your guest amenities in bulk is another way you can save time and ensure you don’t run out of stock. It will also save you money!

Buying your hotel supplies in bulk is a more time efficient way to order. Forget about those last-minute trips down to your local supermarket to restock. You’ll have stock on hand when you need it.

Save money

Buying in bulk immediately saves you 5% on the products you order. If you spend $500 or more you access our special pricing, saving you up to 15% on standard minimum order pricing and an additional 5% off perishables and in-room detergents. You’ll also receive a $20 loyalty discount each time you place an order! And don’t forget. If your order is over $1000 your shipping is free!

To find out how to set up a reoccurring order, or for more information on our bulk discounts, email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

Now that the school holidays are over it’s time to catch your breath and recoup after what was probably a busy couple of weeks.

The holiday period can leave you exhausted and burnt out, and if you manage a hotel, motel, resort, Airbnb or luxury holiday home it could also mean you’re running low on hotel supplies and guest amenities. So, it’s time to restock!

Here at National Hotel Supplies we’re stocked to the brim with everything you need to replenish your rooms and restock your shelves. And great news, we’re offering 5% off bulk amenities until the 31st of July 2019.

Top up your bathroom and indulge your guests with our range of bathroom amenities. Stock up with your favourites or why not try something new? The South Pacific Co collection is made with coconut oil and is super luxurious or bring a little summer into the bathroom with the Wahi Spa range, infused with the exotic botanical extracts of lemongrass and coconut, just like a tropical paradise!

The bathroom probably isn’t the only room that needs to be replenished. Load up your kitchen with condiments, cereals, hot beverages and biscuits. If there’s one thing guests love, it’s free snacks!

Don’t forget your linen! Does your linen need a refresh after the holidays? Is your bedding looking a little tired? We stock a beautiful range of commercial bed linen and hotel towels that is luxurious, durable and built to last wash after wash.

If you’re due for some new pool towels why not stock up on some 100 % cotton striped commercial towels so you’re prepared for the warmer months? These durable, purpose built white towels are available with blue, orange, charcoal or linen stripes.

Don’t forget to stock up on your favourite in-room detergents so you don’t leave your guests short in the kitchen or laundry. Our range of Completely Clean detergents are designed especially for the accommodation market, packaged in portion control sachets, easy for your guests, and easy on the environment.

Is your holiday house or Airbnb property low on cleaning products? We are in love with the Barkly Basics collection, they are functional and affordable. Oh, and did we mention how stylish they are? They seriously complement any décor.

No matter what kind of guest amenities or hotel supplies you need to restock, we can help you get back on your feet and ready for spring.

Find out how to save more on your hotel supplies or email us for more information at info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

When we start to feel a chill in the air here at National Hotel Supplies HQ, it can only mean one thing, it’s time to pull out the winter bed linen and start thinking about ways to warm up your rooms.

Ensuring your guests get the perfect night sleep during these cooler months is so important, whether it’s with heaters or beautiful cosy blankets draped across your beds. Layering bed linen is right on trend again this season, with extra blankets and throws creating a feeling of luxury on top of your bed. It’s amazing, the right winter blankets can turn an ordinary looking bed into something beautifully lush and inviting!

But with so many blankets on the market, which ones do we recommend?

We think our new Luxe Charcoal Blanket is the ultimate winter warmer. This heavyweight blanket is so soft, luxurious and warm, your guests will have a hard time getting out of bed! It’s made with 400gsm coral fleece that is anti-pill and easy to care for. The Luxe charcoal blanket perfectly complements this year’s Pantone Colour of the year Living Coral, and because of its neutral tone, it easily blends into any room and décor. It’s available in all sizes, large single, QB and KB.

Another one of our trusted favourites is the Thermalux Blanket, which is hypo allergenic and lightweight, but still warm and toasty. This blanket is super durable and long lasting, meaning you’ll be pulling it out of the cupboard for many winters to come. It’s available in camel in all sizes, as well as silver and chocolate, if required.

If you’re looking for something lighter on, take a look at our 100% cotton White Cotton Waffle Blanket. This blanket is a great alternative to a satin stripe top sheet and can be paired with more blankets if your guests need some extra winter warmth.

Whatever winter blanket you choose, the most important thing is to create a warm and cosy haven for your guests to escape the cold and drift off to sleep. If you care for your winter bedding properly, it will continue to last for years to come.

Find out what’s available, or to chat to us about our range of winter blankets, email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au