News & Blogs

Total white out – why white linen is best!

For as long as we can remember white bed linen has embodied luxury and style and has a certain air of opulence about it. However, this isn’t the only reason why white linen is such a popular choice in the accommodation industry.

Here are a few reasons why we think you should choose white!

White bed linen is easy to style

White bed linen might sound a little plain and boring at first, but you need to think of this as your base. White linen gives you the opportunity to effortlessly introduce other colours and hues into the décor of your room, adding pops of colour with cushions, throws, vases, lamps or artwork.

Also, white bed linen is a people pleaser. With so many different types of people walking through your doors, it’s a good idea to choose bed linen that is timeless and appeals to the majority of people.

White bed linen shows everything

There is nowhere to hide when it comes to white bed linen, and that’s exactly why so many properties use it! Confused?

While white sheets show every mark and stain, this is also an opportunity to show your guests how clean your property is. If your sheets are pristine and white it is a reflection on the cleanliness of your entire property, after all, the bed is one of the first places your guests look when they enter the room.

White bed linen is more practical to clean

Some commercial laundries won’t accept coloured linen. This is to avoid the risk of colours running, and because coloured linen and towels can leave traces of coloured fluff on white linen, and vice versa, which makes it more difficult to manage especially when dealing with such large quantities of commercial laundry.

White bed sheets are easily stained, but it’s also easier to get stains and marks out of white bed linen because they can be soaked or bleached.

White bed linen doesn’t fade
Your coloured bed sheets might look amazing now, but after they’re subjected to hundreds of washes the colours will eventually fade. Choosing white will extend the life of your bed linen and you won’t need to replace it so often.

White linen can be easily matched and reordered

Do you have a pillowcase or top sheet that needs replacing? If you’re using coloured bed linen colour matching it might be a difficult task, especially if the colour is no longer stocked with your supplier. White bed linen however is easily matched and can be replaced without any fuss.

Don’t forget…

Demand is super high leading up to the end of the year, and stock is limited, so if you need to order new bed linen before the Christmas rush we recommend you order now so you don’t miss out. Email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au or call us on 1300 557 415.


What’s new at National Hotel Supplies

Here at National Hotel Supplies we’re always on the lookout for different products and get very excited when our suppliers release a new range! With spring upon us, let us introduce you to a few of our newcomers!

Guest amenities:

South Pacific Soap Co – Handpumps

You asked for it, now we have it!

We now supply convenient home-sized bottles of South Pacific Soap Co hotel amenities. This beautiful range, infused with the anti-oxidising, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties of pure organic coconut oil is now available in 300ml pump dispensers.

Get your hands on the South Pacific Soap Co shampoo, conditioner and body wash in this new, convenient size. Want them all? Save $$$ and grab the South Pacific Soap Co Trio.

Pacifics: Pina Colada – Handpumps

You had us at pina colada! We’ve totally fallen in love with this range and we think you will too! It’s rich in antioxidant pineapple extract and pure organic coconut oil, and has a delicious fragrance that has us dreaming of cocktails on the beach!

This 3ooml size handpump dispenser is perfect for common area bathrooms or to retail to guests. It’s paraben free, not tested on animals and has no animal or petrochemical by-products.

Not sure how to store these badboys? No need to worry, we have single and double brackets available for each range!

Hot tip! If you have a gift shop these items would be a great edition to your range, especially if you’re already carrying the miniatures of either collection.

Barkly Basics Sanitising Surface Spray

This is the future of green, non-toxic cleaning!

If you’re looking for a natural antibacterial cleaner, look no further. The eco-friendly AQUA-BASE uses strong alkaline reduced water (pH 12.5) made by the process of electrolysis, which combats common bacteria such as Salmonella and E. Coli.

We think this is a wonder spray! It’s an all-rounder, a surface sanitiser, de-greaser and deodoriser and it’s proven to kill 99.9% of household bacteria. Use it everywhere, kitchen benches, chopping boards, fridge doors, handles, appliances, stove tops, it can even deodorise textiles, pet beds and clothing!

If you love the Barkly Basics range as much as we do, save $$$ and check out the Barkly Basics Trio which includes dish wash, hand wash, the Aqua-Base surface spray PLUS a free sponge.

Bed linen:

Small Herringbone Throw

Pack away those winter woollies because we’ve got the perfect replacement for the warmer months! The Small Herringbone Throw is a great addition to any guest room, with its distinctive herringbone pattern and soft, snuggly feel! If you’re ready to put away the winter blankets, step up the style with this 100% acrylic throw, available for all bed sizes.

Condiments:

Bonne Maman Jams

Bonne Maman has us reminiscing about the delicious jams and conserves our grandmothers used to make. Bonne Maman (meaning “good mother” in French) uses traditional recipes and all natural ingredients to make the most delectable spreads, perfect for people who appreciate an authentic conserve.

Packaged in the cutest glass jars, topped with their famous red and white gingham lids, these jams go perfectly on toast, croissants, or if you’re a serious jam fanatic, straight from the jar! We’re also stocking their sweet honey too!

Available in apricot, blueberry, orange marmalade, raspberry and strawberry, or if you can’t decide, grab yourself a mixed carton!

We’re always adding new exciting hotel supplies to our range, so keep your eye on our website. If you have any questions or would like to have a chat about any of our new products call us on 1300 557 415 or email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au


Your guide to chemical-free spring cleaning

Do you manage or own an eco-friendly property? Would you like your accommodation service to be more environmentally friendly? Do chemical cleaning products really get up your nose?

As the accommodation industry moves towards an environmentally friendly approach, chemical-free cleaning products are becoming a popular alternative for smaller, boutique hotels, eco-friendly retreats, luxury holiday homes and Airbnbs.

What’s in your current cleaning products?

When was the last time you read the ingredients of your cleaning products? Many commercial cleaning products contain ingredients that harm the environment, and for some people they even trigger allergic reactions, not something you want your guests to experience when they come to stay at your property.

Is it hard to make cleaning products from scratch?

Fortunately, it’s easy to make your own cleaning products, and it really only takes a few simple ingredients.

Sure it’s a little more time intensive, but the environment, your guests and your bank account will thank you! Here are a few basic recipes that are safe, and still give you that professional finish.

All-purpose cleaner:
½ cup white vinegar
2 tbsp baking soda
10 drops tea tree, lavender or lemon essential oil

Oven cleaner:
½ cup baking soda
2 – 3 tbsp water
Approx ½ cup white vinegar

Drain cleaner:
¼ – ½ cup baking soda
¼ cup white vinegar

Glass cleaner:
¼ cup white vinegar
¼ cup isopropyl (rubbing alcohol)
1 tbsp corn starch
2 cups water
8 – 10 drops essential oil of choice

Air-freshener:
12 – 15 drops of pure essential oil of choice
½ cup white vinegar
½ cup water

Note: if you have a septic system please check with the manufacturer before using any of the above recipes

Don’t forget, you’ll need some good quality spray bottles to store your homemade cleaning products, and ensure you label them and keep them out of reach of children.

If you’d like a little help with this year’s spring-cleaning, here guest room deep clean checklist. is our hotel spring-cleaning checklist, please feel free to modify it to suit your needs.

Cleaning recipes via Keeper Of The Home


Bulk dispensers vs recyclable single-use plastic

For a long time now environmental groups and the public have been putting immense pressure on businesses to ditch single-use plastic products in the place of more reusable, sustainable options.

The accommodation industry hasn’t escaped this scrutiny; some accommodation providers have been asked questions by guests around sustainability and assumed that dispensers are the only option. But is this correct? Which is the more sustainable and environmentally friendly option? And how will it affect your business?

We thought we’d delve a little deeper into this issue to gain a better understanding.

Bulk dispensers

While at first glance bulk dispensers seem to be a fantastic, environmentally friendly solution, there are still some issues with this method that need to be cleared up.

Hygiene:
The issue with hygiene comes up time and time again. Research carried out in the USA has highlighted that some bulk dispensers can be a potential hygiene risk, causing bacterial infections and even eye infections. This contamination occurs when the pump is manually topped up. If this procedure isn’t carried out in the correct manner, there is a potential risk of contamination which can lead to the spread of bacteria. The amount of time housekeeping staff spend on refilling dispensers, hygienically, must also be taken into consideration. The refilling of dispensers must be carried out in a way that doesn’t cause your staff harm or injury. Many of the bulk liquids used to refill dispensers are purchased in large, heavy 5L bottles.

Unrecyclable dispensers and bulk packaging:
While bulk dispensers may reduce the amount of smaller single-use plastics being disposed of, the dispensers themselves, and the packaging the refills come in may not be recyclable. If they break and have to be replaced, the pump unit could contain metal and plastic that may not be recyclable and will end up in landfill.

Guest expectations:
Luxury accommodation providers have reported that some guests believe bulk dispensers convey a cheaper, institutional, cost cutting image and do not signify luxury.

In a recent article for Skift, Sofitel vice president for luxury brand management Joao Rocco revealed they had polled guests about changing their amenities range:

“Of course, we think about being more environmentally-conscious,” Rocco said. “But when we ask if [bulk containers are] something that people are willing to accept, the answer is loud and clear. Seventy-two percent of the survey respondents said dispensers don’t convey luxury, while 87 percent get the impression that they are being used to reduce costs.”

While we believe that your accommodation service’s impact on the environment should be at the forefront, we know that guest expectations and demand will always have an influence.

What should you do if you choose to use single-use packaged guest amenities? How can you reduce the impact you have on the environment?

Work with a company that has a strong environmental conscience.

Healthpak, who manufactures the majority our ranges of guest amenities, uses fully-recyclable packaging, rather than compostable packaging.

Why is this?

The problem with ‘compostable’ plastic packaging is that it needs to be commercially composted; it can’t just be composted in an ordinary backyard compost bin. It requires a specialised environment, of which there are very limited facilities in Australia.

Therefore, unfortunately, these items often end up in landfill and can take 1000s of years to be broken down due to the lack of oxygen and heat.

Also, the compostable plastic looks very similar to recyclable plastic, therefore many people make the mistake of throwing it into the recycling, which then causes problems during the recycling process.

HealthPak’s recyclable packaging is designed to be recycled in a residential recyclable bin, and can be recycled time and time again.

Recycle:
As a consumer it’s important to dispose of items properly, after all, there isn’t much point in purchasing recyclable plastic packaging if you are dumping it in your normal waste bin, to be eventually thrown into landfill. Ensure you know the packaging your guest amenities come in, and dispose of it appropriately.

The Goodie Bag
The Goodie Bag is a brand new initiative from HealthPak, and we love it!

It’s a recyclable paper bag that your guest can use to collect their leftover guest amenities and take home. They can use their leftovers, then recycle the packaging and the goodie bag in their recycling bin. This is a win for your guests and the environment.

If you’d like to chat further about our range of guest amenities and how they are packaged, please call us on 1300 557 415 or email us info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au


Keeping the outdoors warm in winter

We’re lucky in Australia; we’re blessed with great weather pretty much all year round. The cooler mornings and nights are coupled with awesome, sunshine-filled days that have us questioning whether it’s even winter at all…

However, as it gets cooler, you still want to give your guests the complete experience, which means ensuring they enjoy the outdoors as much as they enjoy the indoors. But how do you create a warm space outside on those chilly nights?

An easy option is to supply a pile of fluffy blankets, slippers and hot chocolate at your property during the cooler months, or if you’re a little more serious, installing a heater for your guests to cosy up to when the temperatures drop.

Right now there are some incredible outdoor heating options on the market that will keep your guests warm and toasty, but also won’t impede on your property’s ambience or conflict with your décor. Here are a few of our favourites:

Fire pits/wood heaters

If you own a luxury holiday home or Airbnb, and have the space, fire pits are totally trending right now. There is nothing quite like sitting around an open fire on a cold and frosty night, and with so many stylish fire pit setups on the market, you can’t go wrong.

We love the Moresque Moroccan Fire Pit and the Brushed Copper Cast Iron Fire Pit from Barbeques Galore, or the simple Chapala Small Flamma Chimenea or Black Sapri Fire Pit from Bunnings. These are just a couple of our favourites, but there are literally HUNDREDS of different sizes and styles available.

IMPORTANT!!! If you have a fire pit or fireplace always have plenty of wood and kindling on-hand. That way your guests can keep their fire burning throughout the night without the risk of running out of fuel.

Pros: atmosphere/toasting marshmallows
Cons: can’t be moved/smoke smell

Gas heaters

One of the biggest selling points of gas heaters is that they are portable; they can be moved around your space as needed. That’s why gas heaters are so popular in restaurants. They come in all sorts of sizes, from tabletop heaters, to the larger patio heaters like the Heatstrip black 4-tile LPG Outdoor Heater.

They can also be mounted from above like the Heat-Flo 3-tile LPG Outdoor Heater, which also comes with a wall-mounting bracket. Gas patio heaters are probably the most popular choice.

Pros: affordable/portable
Cons: ongoing gas costs

Electric heaters

Electric heatstrips are another option for outdoor heating. They are available in all different wattages, and sizes. These heaters work well in both small and large spaces, and are pretty understated, so they fit in with most décor. They are also quite energy efficient, and give you targeted heat, perfect to keep your guests cosy on those colder nights. Take a look at the Classic Heatstrips from Bunnings, which are available in a couple of different sizes.

Pros: affordable/targeted heat
Cons: ongoing energy costs

No matter what type of heater you decide to buy, it’s a fabulous way to add value to your property and help your guests to continue to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months.


On trend in bed this winter

When you think of winter getaways, one thing comes to mind. Relaxing, wrapped up in layers and layers of luxurious bedding, a million miles away from the worries of the world and the cold weather… what a dream!

But have you created a cosy haven for your guests to escape to this winter? Will they experience the latest bed trends while staying at your property, or could your bedrooms do with a little tender loving care?

Updating your bedrooms for winter doesn’t have to cost a fortune; in fact with a few small touches you can instantly transform your bedroom into a sanctuary your guests will love!

Here are our tips.

Colour

This year’s Pantone Colour of the Year really drives the bedroom winter colour palette for 2018.

Pantone describes this year’s colour, ‘Ultra Violet’, as “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful shade”, and we think it’s an absolute showstopper!

Don’t be afraid to be a little bold in the bedroom this winter!

Ultra Violet’s splash of energy pairs beautifully with warmer tones, cool greys and even more outlandish pops of metallic including gold, silver or brass.

But how do you incorporate this colour palette into the bedroom?

It’s easy! It could be with a decorative vase on your bedside table, cushions set against your crisp white sheets, or even an artwork hanging on your wall. Something as simple as a small pot of lavender on your windowsill is an easy way to incorporate this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year into your bedroom and it won’t cost a fortune.

Layer it up baby!

When it comes to bedding, combining layers and textures is the best way to create a luxurious and romantic atmosphere in the bedroom. Your bed linen could be the deal breaker when it comes to creating a feeling of warmth and luxury behind closed doors, so it’s something you should take seriously.

Triple sheeting isn’t just practical, it allows you to create a feeling of luxury on top of your bed, and combining it with blankets or throws can turn an ordinary looking bed into something spectacular.

This season we’re in love with our Ultimate Fleece blankets in denim, and our brand new, just-in Super Luxe Blanket, which is luxuriously soft and washes like a dream. These two blankets fit in perfectly with this year’s Pantone Colour of the Year, and they are cosy and indulgent. They also look great draped across the bed as a throw!

For something lighter, our Cotton Waffle Blankets are a great go-to, and can even be used as a stylish top sheet during winter.

Would you like to indulge your guests even more? Consider a pillow menu so they can choose the style of pillow they’d prefer to rest their head on during their stay.

Outdoor vibes

We love this year’s lean towards textures and prints inspired by nature. Natural tones, leathers and rattans are all big this year, adding texture and contrast to any room.

Feel adventurous? Incorporate flora or fauna into your space with prints, art or décor inspired by the colours and textures of nature. We think it’s a winner!

White is right

Nothing is ever quite as nice as slipping into a plush hotel bed. And we agree that white is always right when it comes to hotel sheets!

Our white satin striped sheets scream luxury and sophistication, and you can’t go past crisp white bed linen no matter what style of accommodation you own or manage.

Whether it’s plain white, or satin striped, white linen will never go out of fashion, and we have a gorgeous range of sheet sets to give your guests a night’s sleep to remember.

If you’d like to chat to us about our range of bed linen or blankets, or how to get on trend this winter, call us on 1300 557 415, or email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au


Are you school holiday ready?

Can you believe the winter school holidays are already approaching?

It’s time to get out the winter woollies and hot chocolate, and get your hotel, motel, luxury home or Airbnb ready for families to have some fun!

So how do you make your accommodation service holiday ready?

Treat the kids

It’s time to stock up on all the kids favourites, Milo, Coco Pops, Weetbix and Nutri-Grain for breakfast, and good ol’ spreads like Nutella, Vegemite and of course, Peanut Butter!


If you know you have a family coming to stay over the holidays, why not go that extra mile and leave a welcome gift, a selection of treats and snacks that will leave the whole family satisfied!

Make it cosy

The winter chill has already hit most of Australia, so get prepared and make sure your guests have all the creature comforts during the colder days and nights.

Fluffy bathrobes and slippers are a nice touch, and your guests will love having a few sachets of hot chocolate on hand during those frosty mornings.

We have a range of blankets, including the beautiful, fluffy and cosy ultimate fleece blankets in stock, a game-changer over the cooler nights. They are anti-pill, luxurious and come in ultra cool denim, perfectly paired with this year’s pantone colour, Ultra Violet, and perfect for snuggling up on the couch or in front of the fire.

Fun and games

If it’s cooler outside your guests will probably want to spend more time indoors, so you need to make sure there are plenty of things to do. Of course Wifi is important, and online movie streaming services like Netflix or Stan will keep the whole family entertained throughout those chilly nights.

Don’t forget board games and books, which are also good when it’s too cold to play and explore outside.

A local directory

There’s no doubt your guests will want to get out and about during their stay, especially if they have kids! To ensure they have plenty to do, have a directory of local attractions on hand. This could include a list of all the local restaurants and cafes, attractions or weekend markets. If your accommodation is pet friendly, why not include a list of places that welcome furry friends.

These are just a few ways to prepare for the upcoming school holidays, but we’re sure you can come up with more ideas that will wow your guests over the winter break and make this holiday one they will remember!
For any questions about stocking up for the school holidays, call us for a chat on 1300 557 415, or email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au


How to get the best bang for your buck at tax time

Well it’s that time of year again, and as usual, it seems to have come around extremely quickly.

EOFY is approaching, and as tax time gets closer, most businesses are scrambling to maximise their deductions and claim as much as possible before June 30.

How are you going to maximise your deductions this year?

Here are a few ways to make the most out of your tax-time spending:

Property repairs/upgrade furniture

Perhaps it’s time to replace those tired old sheet sets? Or fix that ottoman in the corner that needs to be re-covered? Do you need to upgrade your signage? Take a look around your property and see if there’s anything that looks worn, broken or in need of replacement.

Refresh linen

Generally hotel linen should last 5 – 8 years, so if it has been longer than that, it might be time to replace your sheets, commercial towels or blankets. Check for stains that can’t be removed, frayed edges and just general wear and tear, which all indicate it might be time for some new linen!

Magazine subscriptions

Do you have magazines in your foyer, on your coffee table or inside your holiday accommodation? A magazine subscription can be a good tax deduction, and will also keep your guests entertained during their stay.

New artwork

When was the last time you re-decorated? Is the interior of your hotel/motel room, holiday house or Airbnb looking a little old? Does your artwork need to be upgraded? Check out our range of artwork before EOFY.

Re-order guest amenities

Now is a great time to do a stock take and replenish your guest amenities. It’s not long until the June/July school holidays begin, so make sure you have enough hotel supplies to get you through this busy time and put your orders in now.

Staff training/team building

Do you employ staff? Why not spend a few extra dollars and organise a team building activity, employee get-together or some training for your staff.

Marketing

In most cases advertising and marketing is a tax deduction, so if you’ve been considering placing a newspaper/magazine ad, or spending money on advertising, you still have time to do this before EOFY.

It’s important to remember, before you make any purchases you need to understand your business structure, speak with your accountant and be clear on exactly what you can and can’t claim at EOFY.


Caring for your winter bedding

The days are getting shorter and the mornings colder, and the chilly weather is definitely creeping in. As the season changes it’s time to dress your beds for the cooler nights, layering them with cosy blankets and fluffy doonas to keep your guests warm and toasty during their stay.

But how do you care for your winter bedding and ensure it’s hygienic and clean for every guest? How is it different caring for blankets than ordinary sheets?

We’ve done some research and talked to people in the know to give you some tips.

Blanket care

Whether you manage a hotel/motel, resort, Airbnb or private holiday rental, your guests will love the warmth that cosy blankets bring. To ensure your blankets last more than one season, it’s important to keep them clean and soft, and care for them appropriately.

Blankets should be cleaned as often as needed between guests, and simply smelling them should give you a good indication if the blanket needs to be laundered. It should smell fresh and clean, and have no marks. While all blankets are different, and most come with care instructions, here are a few extra tips for caring for fleece blankets.

Washing

Always treat the stains before washing. We don’t recommend using harsh chemicals on your blankets, especially fleece, as it will affect its longevity. A small amount of dishwashing liquid should do the trick, and be enough to take away any stains.

When washing:

  • Give the blanket a shake to remove any dust or loose dirt
  • Always wash similar colours together
  • Use a gentle cycle on a warm or cool wash
  • Never use bleach or fabric softener (this will damage the fleece)
  • Only use a small amount of washing powder/liquid, as using too much will stay in the fabric.

Drying

Never wring out your blankets, and never iron your blankets! Fleece blankets can be tumble-dried, but never on a high heat, this will damage the fabric.

Tip: fold straight after drying to keep the blankets soft and fluffy!

Storing

Once winter is over and your blankets are no longer needed, store them in a dry linen closet free from any smells. If you want them to smell extra nice next winter, pop a little dryer sheet inside the folds.

Doona/quilt care

If you’re taking the winter quilts and doonas out of storage then it’s important to be prepared and know exactly how to care for them over winter.

Quilts need to be washed approximately every 6 months or so. Most are machine washable, but depending on the size of your machine, you may have to get them professionally cleaned.

If you’re cleaning them yourself you need to remember that there are 3 main types of doonas/quilts. Wool, feather or down and microfibre/polyester, and each one requires different care when washing.

Here’s a breakdown:

POLYESTER AND MICROFIBRE
These are probably the most popular type of quilts used, especially in the hotel industry. Follow the care instructions, but, in most cases, don’t be scared to put them through a warm cycle in your washing machine. Some polyester and microfibre quilts can even be dried in a clothes dryer on the cool setting, or dried in the sun, which makes them nice and fluffy!

WOOL
Woollen quilts HATE hot temperatures and there’s a big chance they’ll shrink in water that is too hot, so keep the temperature below 30 degrees. Woollen quilts are best dried in the shade.

FEATHER
Feather and down quilts can be harder to look after, and the care instructions might instruct you to have them professionally cleaned.

If you do it yourself, only ever use a delicate cycle, or if you’re a small Airbnb, in a bathtub with soap flakes, then dry it in the sunshine.

No matter what, before washing always read the care instructions on the label of your blanket or quilt, this will ensure your winter bedding sees out more than one season.

If you’re due for some new winter bedding, take a look at our range of blankets, call us for a chat on 1300 557 415, or email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au


10 ways to be family-friendly this Easter

Easter is one of the most popular times for families to get away and spend time together. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, and parents and children are more than overdue for a break after the craziness of the first term of school.

As an accommodation provider you can make this time even more special, and easier for parents, with the addition of a few added extras or hotel supplies.

To help you think outside the box, here are a few things you can offer this Easter to make your premises more family-friendly.

An Easter themed welcome gift

A special Easter themed welcome gift is a lovely surprise for your guests when they arrive. This could include wine, crackers, cheese, snacks and of course plenty of chocolate Easter eggs!

Easter fun for the kids

If you know you have young children staying over the Easter break here are a few fun things you can do especially for them:

  • Have a prearranged Easter hunt ready to go.
  • Put together ingredients for some delicious Easter bunny cookies that the family can make together during their stay.
  • Head to the art and craft shop and leave supplies for Easter egg painting.
  • Leave a note from the Easter bunny reminding the kids that he will still visit even though they aren’t at home on Easter Sunday.

A child friendly turndown service

This idea is adorable! As adults we love a great turndown service, so why not modify it to cater for children over the school holidays. Milk and cookies, an Easter egg or even a simple Easter themed storybook on their pillow will make their day.

Games and toys

If you have a luxury holiday house or Airbnb it’s always a good idea to stock up on board games, puzzles and colouring-in activities that will keep the little ones busy while parents get some much needed R and R. For the outdoors, don’t forget bikes, garden games and swimming pool toys (for those with pools).

Onsite activities

If you’re a larger establishment why not involve the staff and create themed activities for children to attend over the holidays. These can be tailored to your environment and location, and could include things such as cooking classes in the kitchen, an Easter egg hunt, or visits to the chicken pen if you have a farm onsite. This is a great way to keep the kids occupied while their parents relax during their stay.

Family fun off-site

It’s always great to have information handy about local attractions or family activities. Compile a list of your favourite attractions, local parks or child-friendly restaurants and have it in a folder for your guests to access.

Local partnerships

Take this one step further by partnering with local businesses to offer special deals for families during their stay. This could include discount vouchers for local attractions, discounts on SUP hire or surf lessons, or just advertising local business promotions.

Early restaurant opening hours

Do you have an onsite restaurant? All parents know the benefits of an early dinner… early bedtime! So if your restaurant doesn’t normally open until 6pm, open the doors earlier during the school holidays to cater for parents with small children.

Sleep-ins for parents

Remember, it’s not all about the kids! The Woolley Grange Hotel in the UK offers a baby breakfast club and we love this idea! The childcare staff visit the room at 8am to pick up the little ones so parents can have a sleep in. Good for the kids and the parents!

In the room rate they also include a couple of hours a day of complimentary baby-sitting, a special treat for tired mums and dads.

If you don’t have the capacity to offer babysitting services, always leave a list of babysitter recommendations and contact details so the parents can book themselves.

In room luxuries

It may sound funny, but having an in-room sanitizer for bottles, or a couple of packets of baby wipes will count as luxuries for many parents on holiday, especially if they’ve forgotten their own. When travelling with young children there are so many things to remember, so parents often forget something.

A kid’s step in the bathroom, block out blinds, tubes of sunscreen, potties, toys for the bath, a night light or a children’s dining set can all make the world of difference to parents with small children.

If we can help you with any of your Easter hotel supplies call us on 1300 557 415 or email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au