If you’re yet to be introduced to the Wahi Spa range of hotel supplies we think it’s time you got up close and personal with this beautiful collection of bathroom products.

This fun and colourful range is one of our favourites, and we are in love with both the colour and fragrance of each product. Infused with exotic botanical extracts, Wahi Spa guest amenities actually smell like a tropical paradise, perfect for guests taking a holiday or weekend getaway!

Infused with an advanced formulation of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, the Wahi Spa range is a beautiful combination of pure organic coconut oil and revitalising lemongrass. And we all know the amazing qualities of coconut oil!

The range is extensive, with a 20-gram pleat wrapped soap, made with a sustainable 100% vegetable base, and the indulgent body wash with super moisturising qualities of coconut oil and lemongrass for that extra zing!

The Wahi Spa shampoo and conditioner is full of nature’s super food, coconut oil, with super hydrating properties for that divine shine! It’s enough to revitalise the most travel weary hair, and OH, it smells good enough to eat!
And how could we forget the body balm!

This super-indulgent moisturiser is thick and luxurious, taking advantage of the Pacific’s most effective skin hydrating agents, pure coconut oil. It’s a holiday in a tube!

The Wahi Spa collection includes all your standard bathroom amenities such as sanitary bags, shower caps and vanity kits, and the different coloured products make it easy for housekeeping to see at a quick glance which items need replacing, that’s if the guests don’t take them home first!

As you can tell we get very excited talking about this range of bathroom amenities, it’s one of our favourites! And because we love it so much we are giving you 5% off the entire range all March!

If you’d like to try it, or learn more about the products, call National Hotel Supplies on 1300 557 415.

We hear it all the time. Bookings are flowing through from all the online travel agencies (OTAs), but smaller hotels, motels, resorts and holiday houses are struggling to increase their direct bookings. With OTAs expecting a commission from every booking, it’s no surprise you want to get people clicking on your website and booking directly instead!

If you’ve been finding it difficult to increase your direct bookings here are our tips:

Offer incentives to book direct

There’s no doubt about it, OTAs offer great deals. So how do you compete with this? Incentives. Offer your guests incentives to book direct, things like upgrades, room service, late checkouts, vouchers or extra in-house guest amenities or gifts. These add-ons will give your guests the incentive to book direct, while not taking too much profit from your pocket.

Always advertise the best rate

It makes sense. If the prices on your website are much higher than all the OTAs it’s inevitable that guests will book elsewhere. The rate on your website should always be the best rate available. Give your guests the confidence that they are getting the best deal so they don’t have to go searching elsewhere.

Check that your pricing is realistic for what you offer, and is in line with other accommodation services in the area. Even if you don’t have direct competition, it’s good to ensure your pricing is competitive in the market.

Use website pop-ups

Yes we know they can be annoying, but a pop-up could be just the thing to secure that direct booking. Pop-ups reminding your customers that your website offers the best rates guaranteed, or something alike, just might get their attention.

Update your website

It’s super important to keep your website constantly updated, not only the rates and room information, but with new content that will help your SEO ranking and get your listing closer to the top on the Google search. Things like blogs, or news pages can help with this, or go one step further and hire a marketing company that specialises in SEO rankings to help!

Be social media savvy

Facebook, Tripadvisor and Instagram are all valuable social media platforms you can leverage to drive traffic to your website. Why not try a paid advertisement on Instagram or Facebook with an incentive to book direct!

Valentine’s Day, it’s all about flowers, chocolates, romantic getaways and of course LOVE, and if you own or manage a hotel/motel, Airbnb, resort or holiday accommodation, there’s no doubt you’ll have some lovebirds staying with you around the 14th February.

So how do you go the extra mile and indulge your loved-up guests this Valentine’s Day? Here are our tips.

Fresh flowers

Roses are red, Violets are blue, flowers are beautiful, and they improve the view! Fresh flowers will give your room an instant pick-me-up and raise the romance level in any space. Luckily flowers are relatively inexpensive, especially if you can collaborate, or strike up a deal with a local florist or flower wholesaler.

Bath time indulgence

There’s nothing more indulgent than taking a long, hot bath, and if you have a bath at your property, it’s easy to take this experience to the next level for your guests. Our beautiful Soak Society Sleep Wellness Soaks will give your guests that extra bit of luxury, relaxation and detoxification. It combines 100% natural, vegan ingredients including lavender and chamomile to calm the mind and help your guests drift off to sleep with ease.

And after the bath, don’t forget to have the matching lush bathrobes and comfy slippers on hand to complete the experience. Absolute bliss!

In-room pampering

Whether you can offer these services onsite, or you need to bring someone in to do it, couples love massages or spa treatments that can be enjoyed from the comfort of their own room. Put together a list of local therapists who will be available during their stay.

Babysitting services

Do you offer a babysitting service? As a special incentive for Valentine’s Day try offering a free babysitting service for families with children, so mum and dad can escape together for a couple of hours to celebrate alone.

Chocolates and champagne

Imagine the surprise on your guests’ faces when they walk into the room to find a nice bottle of bubbly and a box of chocolates, or packet of Tim Tams! If you really want to impress your guests and ramp up the romance, why not put together a little Valentines hamper for them to enjoy as a couple.

Guest directory

On Valentine’s Day we all love to treat ourselves to a romantic dinner at a local restaurant, so we love the idea of leaving your guests a directory of the most popular restaurants in the area, with phone numbers, so they can book in advance. If you have an onsite restaurant or café, why not leave them a voucher to encourage them to dine onsite during their stay.

Valentine’s Day packages

Now is the perfect time to collaborate with local suppliers and businesses and put together a romantic Valentine’s Day package for your guests. Team up with local restaurants, spas, or boutiques to entice your guest to indulge in something extra special. A dinner package, teamed up with a couples massage or spa treatment, or a cheese platter and wine deal will top off their romantic getaway and give them something to remember.

Roses are red, violets are blue, we love the 2018 Pantone colour of the year, how about you?

Move over Greenery, this year’s Pantone colour of the year ‘Ultra Violet’ is here!

Every year the ridiculously talented colour specialists at Pantone release their ‘colour of the year’, and this year it’s a mystical, yet cool shade of purple.

The colour gurus at Pantone describe it as “a dramatically provocative and thoughtful shade”. It embraces mindfulness and spirituality, and we think it takes us back to Prince’s Purple Rain!

Ultra Violet is definitely a showstopper; it’s a hue that can transform any room. But how do you stay on trend and incorporate Pantone 18-3838 into the décor of your holiday house, hotel/motel, resort or Airbnb?

At first glance the colour seems a little confronting, a little too out there, but it’s easier than you think to add it to your colour scheme. Think of it as an accent, a pop of colour, a splash of energy that will brighten up any room.

Proving how versatile Ultra Violet is, Pantone have designed 8 colour palettes, to help you incorporate it into your interior. This little bit of inspo will help you put together the perfect combination of shades and hues to compliment your existing décor.

In this collection of palettes we’ve fallen in love with Intrigue, described by Pantone as ‘invoking a sense of mystery, a palette of nature’s blues and greens, combined with the unconventional Ultra Violet and a silver and Pale Gold metallic, exudes a quiet strength’.

The Attitude palette is also very striking, full of energy and enthusiasm for brights and colours that demand attention.

How do you style with Ultra Violet? Try a lampshade paired with a cushion on your daybed, or try incorporating it into your kitchen in the guise of a decorative vase, matched with a fabulous piece of artwork on the wall. Or start small and add a pot plant with a bright Ultra Violet pot.

You can pair Ultra Violet with bright yellow and silver cushions, or bright yellow flowers, or why not showcase it against clean and crisp white sheets. The possibilities are endless!

Still looking for inspiration? Picture the iconic Jacaranda flowers, wild lavender, mystical Mandala or shades from the galaxy above.

It’s bright and bold, but we think this year’s Pantone colour of the year is pretty special. If you’ve incorporated Ultra Violet into your rooms we’d love to see it, send us a photo!

As a property owner or manager one of your main priorities is ensuring your guests have everything they need, and feel pampered during their stay. But, imagine if you could do this, and feel good about making a positive impact on our planet and the people who live on it!

Here at National Hotel Supplies we are proud to stock a wide range of beautiful products that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Let us tell you about just a few…

Sun Bear Sunscreen

Sun Bear Sunscreen has to be one of our all-time favourite sun protection products on the market. Why you ask? Is it because 80% of the products go towards protecting Sun Bears? Or the fact that it’s not tested on animals? Of course, but there’s more, it’s also:

• Palm oil free
• Coral reef friendly (does not contain oxybenzone)
• PABA free (which can cause liver damage and skin allergies)
• Vegan friendly
• Paraben free
• Rainforest derivatives free
• Produced using solar power
• Comes in fully recyclable packaging.

Aussie Biscuits

This Australian owned biscuit company is a business enterprise operated through The House With No Steps, helping create employment opportunities for people with a disability. Aussie Biscuits are yummy, and their community spirit, ethical values and social conscience is truly something to celebrate.

Here’s a quick video about this very special social enterprise.

Barkly Basics

We were so excited to bring Barkly Basics on board as one of National Hotel Supplies’ suppliers, and if you take a glimpse at their stunning range of products you’ll understand why. But looks aren’t everything; Barkly Basics’ products are also:

• Australian made
• Eco-friendly
• Biodegradable
• SLS/SLES
• Paraben free
• Not tested on animals!

Bio Tuff bags

So you think that all bin-liners were created equal? We bet in 20 seconds we can change your mind!

Here are the facts about Bio Tuff biodegradable and compostable rubbish bin liners:

• Manufactured using renewable resources
• Manufactured using plant based thermoplastic corn starch resins
• Environmentally friendly
• Biodegradable and certified compostable to Australian and European standards.

Wallawa Botanical Skincare Products

The stunning Wallawa range of botanical skin and body care products are one of our best sellers, and it’s not just because they smell and feel nice!

They are made with Indigenous Australian cosmetic flora extracts and packaged in 100% recyclable plastic. The ingredients are biodegradable, which means they will naturally breakdown when exposed to the elements.

Fairtrade products

It’s amazing to think that your choice of hotel amenities could impact the lives of some of the poorest people in the world.

For a product to be certified ‘Fairtrade’ it must meet international standards. These standards ensure the farmers and workers get a fair price for their products and services, invest in their community and have sustainable practices.

One Fairtrade coffee, tea, hot chocolate and sugar was the first range of PCU Fairtrade hot beverage sachets designed specifically for the hospitality industry. It’s a great way to make an ethical choice, and your customers will enjoy a great cuppa while knowing the bloke that grew it gets paid a fair price for his hard work.

As far as body care products go, the eco.logic* Fairtrade hair and body range is not only officially certified, but it’s also environmentally friendly. The bottles are made from 100% recycled milk bottles.

Want to know more about Fairtrade? Check out our previous blog post to learn more.

If you’d like to get all warm and fuzzy and hear more about our feel good hotel products call us for a chat on 1300 557 417.

Can you believe there are only 22 sleeps til’ Christmas?

Here at National Hotel Supplies HQ we’ve been busy stocking up on all your favourite guest amenities and hotel supplies, to ensure you don’t miss out when the Christmas rush begins.

While we were getting ourselves ready, we had some ideas on how we can help you prepare your accommodation service for the Christmas break.

Go above and beyond

This time of year is all about spreading Christmas cheer, and giving, so why not go above and beyond to impress your guests. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but a simple turn down gift for long stays will really make a difference.

If you are an Airbnb host, stocking your pad with Christmas essentials like fruit mince pies, Christmas crackers, Christmas pudding or sweets is a great idea that will really surprise, and impress your guests. It might even result in another booking for the same time next year!

It’s the silly season – so be prepared

Please keep in mind that freight companies are under a lot of pressure at this time of year, so the rush can cause some delays with deliveries. The last thing you want is to run out of hotel supplies during the holidays, what a nightmare!

Therefore, to ensure you don’t miss out on your delivery, we recommend placing your orders NOW, especially for linen and towelling, which is in super high demand at this time of year. It’s important to be prepared for everything, so check your supplies and stock up on everything from spare toothbrushes to pool towels, to mozzie repellent, and even the not-so-sexy, but very practical feminine hygiene products.

Get cleaning

Before your guests arrive double check that your holiday house, resort, hotel/motel room is spic and span and up to the standard you’d expect if you were on holiday. Ensure your glassware and cutlery gets a good soak and clean, and spring-clean your dining areas, kitchen, bathrooms and toilets. There’s nothing worse than arriving at a property that is messy or dirty!

Please remember! Last orders for 2017 will need to be made by Thursday 21 December for delivery between Christmas and New Year.

Earlier this year the Star Ratings scheme, owned by Australian Motoring Clubs NRMA, AACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT and AANT, announced that it would cease to operate the program.

For more than 60 years this 5 star rating system has set the benchmark for the accommodation industry, but the Australian Motoring Services believed it reached the end of its lifespan.

A spokesperson from the Australian Motoring Services said that in today’s digital age more and more people in the industry are choosing to self-rate, and with the addition of online reviews the Star Ratings scheme was slowly becoming out of date. Websites such as TripAdvisor, Booking.com and Expedia have changed the way people book and review their accommodation options, and guest expectations have altered dramatically, meaning the Star Ratings Scheme is no longer needed.

However, as of 1 July this year the Australian Tourism Industry Council (ATIC) announced that they would take over the Star Ratings Scheme, at no cost.

The ATIC is a non-profit organisation that represents the tourism industry, and operates other accreditation programs, as well as the Australian Tourism Awards.

What does this takeover mean for you and your accommodation service?

At the moment nothing will change. The ATIC have faith in the scheme and will continue to operate the program, filtering all enquiries through the Star Ratings website, which is operating as business as usual.

But for how long?

Many people are questioning the longevity of the Star Ratings scheme, which has been drastically affected by the Internet and accessibility of information, but we think only time will tell.

What do you think? Would you miss the Star Rating Scheme if it became obsolete? Or is the concept of star ratings so ingrained into our industry that it will remain in operation for years to come?

It’s nearly time to say goodbye to the chilly winter months and get ready for everyone’s favourite time of year, summer! We’re fast approaching the busiest season for the accommodation industry, so it’s important to ensure every aspect of your property is looking spic and span for the holiday crowds!

It’s no secret that we’re an outdoor bunch here in Australia, so as we move closer to the warmer months anyone managing a resort, hotel/motel, Airbnb or holiday house needs to prepare their outdoor amenities for summer.

Pools

This might seem like an obvious one, and if you have a pool guy you’ve got it covered, but if you manage a holiday house or Airbnb property and maintain your own pool, it’s time to get your pool summer ready.

Your winter pool maintenance may have been put on the backburner over winter, but now it’s time to make sure it’s healthy, clean and balanced.

Here is a great step-by-step guide to pool maintenance from one of our favourite stores, Bunnings.

Also, if your pool towels are looking a bit shabby, now is great time to replace them with some soft, luxurious new ones from National Hotel Supplies.

Balconies

There’s nothing better than kicking back on a balcony in the summertime, except maybe kicking back with a wine in hand and a few sausages on the BBQ! Sadly, there’s a big chance your balconies have been a little neglected over the cooler months, so maybe it’s time to spruce them up!

Are they dirty, could they do with a pressure clean? Is it time to update your outdoor furniture? Did your plants survive winter, or do they need to be replaced or re-potted? If your balcony areas have seen better days, give them some love and turn them back into a space that your guests will love!

BBQ areas

If your resort, hotel or motel has a BBQ area it’s time for a spring check-up. Ensure your BBQs are clean, tidy and in good working order. Also, it pays to check your gas bottle supplies, so your guests don’t run out of gas mid cook-up!

Tennis courts

If your property has a tennis court it’s going to see a lot of traffic throughout the warmer months. Guests love to get out and about in the fresh air to exercise and soak up Vitamin D. Give your court a good tidy up, repair any nets, grass, fencing and ensure all your equipment is in good working order.

Signage

When was the last time you updated the signage around your property? With guests spending more time outdoors during summer it’s a good time to replace any broken or faded signage.

At National Hotel Supplies we offer a variety of different signs, available in bright colours, with bold text and intuitive pictograms to ensure that the communication is easily understood. All signs are compliant with the latest Australian standards and regulations too.

Air-conditioning systems

Air-conditioning units may be indoors, but they still need to be summer ready!

Imagine this. Your guests go to switch on the air-conditioning system in their room on a steamy summers day, and EEK, they press the button and nothing happens! Or worse, only hot air comes out! There’s a big chance your air-conditioning units haven’t been used in a few months, so now is a good time to give a specialist a call to organise a service. Whether it’s a simple filter change, or just a clean, it pays to have your air-conditioning units summer ready to avoid disappointing your guests on those sweltering hot days.

GREAT, now your accommodation service is summer ready and you can concentrate on giving your guests the ultimate summer holiday experience to ensure they come back the same time next year!

Did you know that Instagram has over 800 million monthly active users, and Facebook has over 2 billion monthly active users?

What can we say; in this digital age it’s essential for anyone in the accommodation industry to have a social media presence. If your property isn’t on Instagram or Facebook, get it on there now!

Whether you manage an Airbnb, a hotel/motel, or a large resort, social media is one of the most effective ways to engage your target audience and promote your accommodation service to the world.

We see so many of our clients kicking goals in the social media arena, but we know that not everyone is so confident, so here are our tips to get social media savvy, and create a successful social media profile.

Be smart

So you’ve decided to manage your own social media accounts? The first step is to get educated and learn how it works. Jump online, enrol yourself in a short course or sit down with a friend who is social media savvy. Check out your competitor’s accounts and see what they are doing and what works for them. The more knowledge you have under your belt, the better!

Be engaged

Never forget that social media is a two-way street. Posting content is only half the job. Engagement is the key, and how you interact with your audience is the secret to holding their attention. Like their comments, reply to their questions, and be active and present.

Be proactive

This is not the time to wing it. This strategy might work for a while, but you’ll soon run out of ideas. Take the stress out of it and create a social media schedule in advance, taking into account any special dates, holidays or upcoming promotions you’d like to implement.

Be a realist

Don’t feel like you have to post 10 times a day. One successful post is better than 10 that don’t connect with your audience. If one post a day is all you can commit to at the moment, don’t sweat it. You can build on this as you get more comfortable in the social media arena. Think quality, not quantity.

Be consistent

If you commit to one post a day, stick to it. With social media it’s out of sight, out of mind, so maintaining a consistent presence will help keep you in the front of your audiences’ minds.

Be creative

Don’t be scared to push the boundaries and think outside the box. Every post doesn’t have to directly promote your accommodation service. Have fun, mix it up with images, videos and quotes, and get creative.

Try to maintain a consistent look and feel. Maybe your theme is fun and quirky, or luxurious and indulgent, obviously dependent on your accommodation service. Having a loose theme like this will give you more direction when creating content and make it easier for your brand to stand out from the rest.

Don’t forget to collaborate! For example, if you offer a welcome gift on arrival, why not post an image and tag in the company that creates the gift. Maybe they’ll return the favour and promote your property in return. Cross-promotion is an awesome tool, so try to connect with other businesses in the area to run promotions or giveaways and tap into a whole new audience.

Be accountable

Both Instagram and Facebook have tools to track and analyse your efforts. Find out what works, and what doesn’t, and use this information when generating future posts.

Laundering towels and linen can be time consuming and inconvenient, that’s why so many businesses choose to use commercial laundry services to help them wash and dry their commercial linen. Laundry services are more convenient, save you time, and ensure your linen and towels are professionally cleaned every time. Commercial laundries have the equipment and products to get the job done right and take the hassle out of washing and drying your hotel linen.

But what should you look for in a professional laundry service? Here are our tips.

Speak to nearby businesses and read reviews

Seek testimonials and reviews. Reputation is everything, and word of mouth spreads like wildfire when someone is doing a good, or bad job. It’s a great way to find a reputable commercial laundry, a company that consistently delivers a reliable and professional service to other members of the local community. Read reviews on the Internet and speak to as many people as you can to get a feel for the laundries in your area.

Drop in for a visit

Organise a time to take a look around, check out their equipment and learn more about their policies and procedures. Are their machines tired and old? Do they professionally handle all the linen? It’s a good idea to meet the owners in person, after all, this is a business you’ll come to rely on day-in-day-out.

Are you a match?

Do they offer a delivery service? What do they charge per item? What are their hours of operation? Do they offer sustainable practices? How is their customer service? What extra services do they offer? These are all questions you should ask before you start using a professional laundry service.

Once you’ve settled on a laundry, there are a few things to watch out for.

Regularly check your linen for:

• Discoloration
• Stains
• Frayed edges
• Cleanliness
• Loss

If you have any other tips on what to look for when hiring a professional laundry service we’d love to hear from you! Email us on info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au