We all know that cleanliness can be a deal breaker for guests, and entering a dirty property will leave a terrible first impression. Nobody wants to stay in an unclean property; it’s unhygienic, unsanitary and a total turn off. It creates an uncomfortable environment for your guests, and they won’t want to return anytime soon.

Your role as a manager or owner is to ensure your property is properly cleaned, and guests’ expectations are met and exceeded. Your property needs to look its best at all times, and it should be sparkling clean whenever new guests arrive, and after every housekeeping service.

Unfortunately, even when you employ professional housekeeping staff, one person’s expectation of cleanliness is different to another’s. The benchmark is high for holiday accommodation, so all your housekeeping staff need to be on the same page. This is where a cleaning checklist will come in handy. It will outline what needs to be done in routine turnover cleans, and for those less frequent deep cleans.

Turnover cleans

Maintaining a high standard of hygiene and cleanliness within your property is essential. Bad news travels fast, and if your property gains a reputation for being dirty or unclean, you’ll soon find your bookings dwindling and repeat business dropping off.

Turnover cleans need to be consistent, thorough and all your housekeeping staff need to be on the same page. This is especially important if you have a lot of repeat business, to ensure you are providing your guests with the same experience time after time.

Here’s a simple downloadable turnover clean checklist.

Deep cleaning

Deep cleaning is more than just your normal run-of-the-mill clean. The staffing required for this type of clean goes beyond your everyday housekeeping staff, and some jobs are just too complicated, or require specific industry specialists.

This could include:

• Pressure cleaning/outdoor cleaning
• Elimination of nasty odours that just won’t go
• Carpet cleaning
• Air conditioner cleaning
• Gutter/roof cleaning
• Tile/grout cleaning
• Upholstery, mattress or fabric cleaning

After the September school holidays is a great time to carry out a deep clean on your property, in preparation for the influx of guests over the upcoming summer holidays. Here’s a downloadable guest room deep clean checklist.

At National Hotel Supplies we stock a range of housekeeping supplies including in-room detergents, garbage bags, cloths and sponges, replacement sanitary bags and toilet strips which can be all ordered in bulk online before the start of the holiday season. Check out or range online, call us on 1300 557 415 or email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

Spring is almost here and the Christmas holidays are fast approaching, which only means one thing for everyone in the accommodation industry; it’s time to freshen up your beds and get them looking spic ‘n’ span for peak season.

In the lead up to Christmas commercial linen and towelling is in especially high demand, it’s even common for Australia to run out of some lines of high quality hotel bed linen and towelling! So to avoid the stress of last minute ordering, and the risk of running out of hotel supplies when you really need it, you can start preparing your property for the holiday season right now.

Ask yourself this. When was the last time you refreshed your bedding? Will your guests be treated to a luxury sleep experience or does your bedding need a makeover? Will your guests rave about your bed, or will they complain it wasn’t up to scratch? One of the best ways to check your bedding is to test it out yourself and experience it from a guest’s perspective. Get in, snuggle up and see how it feels. Inspect every element of your bedding, from the sheets, to the mattress protector.

Sheets

How comfortable are your hotel sheets? Do they feel soft and crisp, or are they in need of replacement? While quality commercial bed linen has amazing longevity and durability, it doesn’t last forever. National Hotel Supplies can help you select the best bed linen for your property, so you’ll be prepared for the influx of guests during the Christmas break and won’t be caught short.

It’s also important to give your hotel linen the right love and care. The way you wash, dry and make your beds can impact its longevity and durability.

Pillows

Are your pillows still fluffy and luxurious, or do they feel a little drab and lifeless? Ensure you impress your guests with a plush sleeping experience with pillows that are comfortable, plentiful and indulgent. Pillow protectors are also a great way to increase the longevity of your pillows and protect them against marks and stains.

Mattress protectors

When was the last time your mattress protectors were replaced? Mattress protectors are great for maintaining the quality and cleanliness of the mattress, but they’re often overlooked because they have such a long life. Remember, old mattress protectors can impact the quality of your guests’ sleep, so it’s important to replace them as soon as they start showing signs of age.

Blankets

We may be approaching the warmer summer months, but light cotton blankets still come in handy when the temperatures rise. When they’re not being used they can be folded and packed away easily in a cupboard or drawer. They can also be used as a stylish bed runner or throw, making them dual-purpose.

Towels

Hotel towels need to be soft and lush, after all, there’s nothing better than stepping out of a hot shower into a luxurious bath towel or bath sheet. Towels need to be absorbent and fast to dry. We don’t recommend using fabric softener, regularly, as it can affect a towels’ absorbency. Towels should be washed in hot water with a good quality commercial detergent, and then tumble-dried on high to maintain that soft, fluffy texture we all adore.

The bed is the most important element in the room and if you give it the love and attention it deserves you can be sure your guests will appreciate it.

If you have any questions about our range of hotel linen and towels please call us for a chat on 1300 557 415 or email us on info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

As an accommodation provider you have an incredible opportunity to help the planet. By purchasing products that are sustainable and environmentally friendly, you’re helping to reduce the environmental impact your property has on the planet.

Environmentally friendly: Not harmful to the environment. (Cambridge dictionary)

At National Hotel Supplies we’re passionate about helping you, help the environment, that’s why we offer an extensive range of environmentally friendly guest amenities. Over the years we have built strong relationships with some amazing suppliers, who are equally devoted to paving the way to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, while minimising the impact we have on this beautiful planet of ours.

Each product range we stock has been hand-selected, and chosen for their commitment to the environment, environmentally friendly ingredients, their sustainable practices, and of course, their quality.

When selecting a range of guest amenities for your property it’s important to consider the footprint you are leaving behind on the planet, as well as the price, your demographic and the type of service you provide. In the competitive holiday accommodation industry guest amenities provide a great point of difference, with guests often taking the products home as a small token and memory of their stay. By choosing an environmentally friendly range of guest amenities you’re showing that you have a strong environmental conscience and your business cares about the planet.

We think the eco.logic* range is pretty special, not only is it the first guest hair and body care range to be certified Fairtrade, it’s also packaged in a bottle made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. They are made from 100% recycled Anchor Light Proof™ milk bottles. Awesome!

When it comes to environmentally friendly guest amenities, the name Natural Earth says it all. This hair and body care range has recyclable packaging, and contains active Manuka Honey, a beautiful indulgent addition.

The stunning Wallawa range of botanical skin and body care products are made with Indigenous Australian cosmetic flora extracts. The range is packaged in 100% recyclable plastic, and the ingredients are biodegradable, which means they will naturally breakdown when exposed to the elements. Also, a portion of all profits goes to Corporate Connect AB to assist Indigenous communities in Australia. So everyone wins, your guests, local Indigenous communities and the planet!

The Bathe Marine Skincare range of guest amenities is just divine, but also environmentally friendly. The products are made with biodegradable ingredients and have 100% recyclable packaging, so it’s not only fantastic for your guests’ skin, but for the planet too.

It’s also great to know that all these guest amenities use sustainable palm oil, are paraben free and are not tested on animals. We love it!

If you’d like to know more about our range of environmentally friendly guest amenities, give us a call on 1300 557 415 or email your question to info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

Taking photographs of your property might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s not as simple as you think. It’s not as easy as snapping a few iPhone photos, you need to carefully consider each image and the features you’d like to emphasise.

So often we see photos that don’t reflect the true quality of a property, and it’s normally because the photos have been taken in bad light, from a bad angle, or with mess or clutter lying around. CRINGE! Remember, you want to make a great first impression and make people fall in love with your property.

Whether you do it yourself, or hire a professional, here are our top photography tips to capture awesome photos of your property.

Declutter, declutter, declutter!

This is SO important! Decluttering your property before you take photos is ESSENTIAL and one of the best things you can do to make your photos look amazing! There’s nothing worse than photos of messy, cluttered rooms. Clutter will make your house look smaller, and sometimes even dirtier. You should remove all unnecessary clutter to show off the space and the size of your property.

Get cleaning

You might think that you can get away with doing a quick clean before you take photos, but it pays to be thorough! Dirty mirrors and glass stand out like a sore thumb in photographs, and smeared benches are not attractive. Ensure all areas are clean, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathroom. Don’t forget to change your bed linen too!

Embrace natural light

When it comes to photography, natural light is your best friend! It can transform a dull, small space, into a bright, vibrant and tranquil haven. Natural light will add colour and life to your photos, so before you start taking snaps consider the time of day, the direction of light, and if you should open the curtains or blinds to let in some sunshine.

Work the angles

It’s not just a matter of point and shoot! Where you shoot from can make a big difference to the end result. Think about the space. How can you make the room appear larger and more spacious? How can you show off the property’s best features?

Keep snapping

Don’t be shy to take a gazillion photos! Digital cameras give you the flexibility to take as many photos as you like. The more photos you take, the more chance you have of nailing a great shot. If you’re hiring a professional they will take hundreds of photos and choose the best ones for you.

Decorate

Giving your property a fresh makeover doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Stores like Kmart and Target are awesome for decorating on a budget and adding that special finishing touch to your property. Fresh flowers are great for adding colour, as are cushions and throws. Beds should always look luxurious, so layer your pillows and cushions and make your bed look like it’s fit for a king or a queen!

Finishing touches

Don’t have Photoshop? Find a friend who has! If you’ve taken the photos yourself it pays to give them a simple touch up. Brightening the image, or fine-tuning the colours will make a world of difference to the end result. But, please don’t over edit, fake photos are spotted a mile away and you don’t want people to be surprised when their expectations aren’t met when they walk through the front gate.

Overall you want the photos to show off your property in the best light and entice people to inspect further. Whether you’re taking the photos yourself, or hiring a professional, follow these simple tips and you’ll be thankful you went that extra mile.

Are you thinking of becoming an Airbnb host? Do you own an Airbnb property and would love to hear some awesome tips and tricks to improve your service?

We recently had a chat with the Director of Holiday P.A., Natalie Sheather, to find out how you can provide the ultimate Airbnb guest experience in today’s competitive holiday rental market.

Holiday P.A. was established to support out-of-town holiday homeowners who wanted a local to call on to check their property, organise maintenance or cleaning, or to do something as simple as bringing in the bins. Since then Holiday P.A. has grown into a successful co-hosting service that allows hosts to maintain control of their profile and bookings, while Holiday P.A. takes care of the rest. If you can’t be at your property they’ll meet and greet your guests, provide a turn down service and give your guests ongoing support during their stay.

Here are Natalie’s top 5 Airbnb hosting tips:

1. Great communication

Responding to your online requests as soon as possible should always be your priority as an Airbnb host. Guests will send out several enquiries at a time and often book with the first host to confirm availability. Get in first to secure the booking!

Always be honest in your property profile, and disclose anything that may concern guests, or impact upon their stay, for example noise from a nearby building site or if your property is located on a busy street.

2. Clean twice

Clean the entire property from top to bottom, then after preparing the linen, clean problem areas again, such as the bathroom and kitchen. Also, don’t forget to check under the couch cushions and behind beds, I once found a dog bone in-between the couch and I often find used tissues and lolly wrappers.

It’s always important to extend your clean beyond the common areas, you’ll be surprised where people tend to look, particularly if they’re searching for a power outlet to charge their phone.

It always helps to pretend you’re a guest in your own home, or even better, get a second opinion from a friend or relative.

3. Offer free WIFI

Free WIFI is a huge selling point for any property. In this day and age everyone likes to be connected, even if free WIFI is not something that you see value in, a lot of people do, so providing free WIFI is a considerate gesture that will attract a larger market.

4. Make it interesting

Themed Airbnb’s are proving to be very successful and tailoring to a niche market is a great way to stand out from the rest. The Star Wars bnb in North Melbourne is a great example of how a fun obsession can lead to a very profitable bnb.

That’s not to say that everyone should convert their houses into Disneyland, but you could offer an interesting selection of books, a wood fire pizza oven with some of your personal recipes left out, or an infuser with a guide to essential oils and some samples for your guests to use.

5. Invest in luxury bed linen

High quality bed linen is not only luxurious and comfortable for your guests, but it has a longer life, which is important because linen in bnb’s is washed so regularly.

If you have any other hints or tips on how to get an Airbnb property ready for market, or would like to share the story of how you became an Airbnb Superhost we’d love to hear from you! Email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au.

Can you believe that it’s nearly that time of year again!

Even if you have an amazing accountant that takes care of everything at tax time, you’ll still need to do some kind of preparation. As a small business owner it’s important to work closely with your accountant, and have everything ready so you can get the maximum out of your tax return. After all, we all want to save money right?

Here are a few simple ways to get your small business tax ready.

Know the important dates

If you have a great accountant they will know these dates, but it helps if you know them too. Speak to your accountant and note down the specific ATO due dates that relate specifically to your business.

Maximise your deductions

Have outstanding invoices? Pay them before 30 June if you want to maximise this year’s deductions. Get in touch with your suppliers and ensure you have all invoices in advance. Find your receipts and have them ready for your accountant.

If you rent out your property through Airbnb or a holiday accommodation office, and don’t use accounting software like MYOB or Xero, there are some great apps available to help you keep track of your expenses and receipts.

Expensify – Apple – Android
Shoeboxed – Apple – Android
Smart Receipts – Apple – Android
Receipt Bank – Apple – Android
ATO MyDeductions – Apple – Android

Know your assets

It’s important to stay on top of the value of your depreciating assets and talk to your accountant to find out your options.

Changes in legislation

What has changed in the 2016/17 financial year? If you have a good accountant they’ll know all relevant legislation changes, but it’s a good idea to keep up to date with the changes yourself so you don’t miss out on anything that will save you money in the long run!

Are you happy with your accountant?

Finally, were you happy with last year’s accountant? Do they know your finances inside out? If you weren’t entirely pleased with your accountant last year maybe it’s time to move on and find another one. Speak to your friends, family and other small business owners and ask for their recommendations.

Don’t forget, get your National Hotel Supplies orders in before 30 June so you can claim your deductions this financial year.

Our EOFY sale starts commences today! To see where you can make some extra savings this financial year click here

Winter is just around the corner, so it’s the perfect time to prepare your holiday house, hotel, motel room or Airbnb property for the cooler months.

Getting your property winter ready is a great way to go that extra mile to impress your guests. But how do you create the ultimate winter escape? With just a few extra hotel supplies it’s easier than you think!

Winter treats

Everyone loves to indulge when the temperature drops, so why not let your guests enjoy a few treats while they keep warm at your property.

Spoil them with wintery treats like our One Fairtrade Drinking Chocolate or Cocoa Naturally Drinking Chocolate. But why stop there, stock your holiday rental or Airbnb property with marshmallows, Tim Tams or our Aussie Biscuits, the perfect treat on a cold, wintery night.

Extra blankets and throws

Get your bedrooms ready for the cooler months with extra blankets, they don’t have to be on the bed, but have them ready so your guests know where they are if they need them.

It’s also nice to leave a couple of blankets or throws in the lounge room for those fresher nights when your guests want to curl up in front of the TV. Try our new 100% cotton blankets, perfect for a relaxing afternoon on the couch.

Robes and slippers

Keeping a supply of luxurious bathrobes and slippers at your property is a lovely way to show your guests you care. After all, is there anything better than stepping out of a steaming hot shower into a pair of slippers and fluffy bathrobe in the wintertime?

Brighten up your gardens

Just because the weather is cooler, doesn’t mean your garden has to look cold and drab! Make it look like it’s the middle of spring by freshening up your garden with bright colourful flowers, but remember to choose plants that thrive in lower temperatures.

Family fun

It’s nice to have a collection of fun board games on hand for those cooler days or nights when your guests would rather stay in. Keeping a few popular board games in the cupboard can turn a quiet night in, into a fun family get together!

Takeaway menus

On colder nights your guests might not feel like venturing out for dinner, so offering them a collection of menus from the most popular restaurants in the area can be super helpful.

Heating

If you know your property gets a little chilly in the winter, ensure you have adequate heating and that it has been cleaned and serviced before the weather cools down. If your property has a fireplace, remember to stockpile plenty of wood and have a sharp axe available in case your guests need to chop extra.

Finding the right mattress for your hotel/motel room, resort or holiday rental can be challenging, but don’t lose sleep over it! If you know what you’re looking for it’s easy to find a comfortable mattress that will give your guests the blissful night’s sleep they deserve.

Remember, you get what you pay for, cheap and nasty mattresses will be thinner, uncomfortable and less durable. Therefore, quality should be at the top of your list when choosing a mattress.

3 types of mattresses

Innerspring

This is the most common type of mattress. Innerspring mattresses have internal coils and a comfort layer on top. There are two types of innerspring mattresses, continuous or open coil, and pocket-sprung.

Open coil mattresses have internal springs that move as one unit, whereas pocket-sprung mattresses have springs that are sewn into individual pockets. Because of these pockets, pocket sprung mattresses offer more support and also have increased air circulation. However, they tend to be a little heavier and more expensive than open coil mattresses.

Memory foam

Memory foam mattresses are topped with a layer of memory foam and adjust to your sleeping position while contouring to your body. While many people believe they are more comfortable than innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses can hold more heat than innerspring mattresses as they have less air circulation.

Latex mattress

Latex mattresses are known for their durability and comfort, which is similar to memory foam mattresses. Latex mattresses are normally antimicrobial and have good air circulation, so they’re great for people suffering from allergies. However, they can be a little heavier if you’re planning to move them around your property.

Choose the right size

What size mattress you choose will obviously depend on the size of your room, and if you already have a bed or bed base. It may be tempting to choose a luxurious king size bed, but there’s no point investing in a bed of this size if it takes up the entire room and stops your guests from moving around the room comfortably.

Choose the mattress firmness

Mattresses come in soft, medium and firm. Some people prefer soft mattresses, others firm, but for holiday accommodation you will need to appeal to the majority of guests, offering something not too soft, and not too firm.

Test it out

Physically test the mattress before you buy it. This is the only real way to test its comfort level and it will give you a closer look at the quality of the mattress.

Check return policies and warranties

Always ensure the retailer offers a reputable return and warranty policy.

How to care for your mattress

To extend the life of your mattress and keep it comfortable for longer:

• Upgrade about every 8 – 10 years.
• If it’s double sided, flip it regularly.
• Always use a mattress protector to stop stains and spills.
• Always treat stains or marks immediately. Dry and clean thoroughly.
• Vacuum the mattress regularly.
• Always follow manufacturers care instructions.

To give your guests the ultimate night’s sleep, dress the bed with luxurious commercial bed linen, soft fluffy blankets and pillows. Layer your bed with medium and firm pillows, and have spare soft pillows in the cupboard so guests can choose their level of comfort. Pure bliss!

Buying guest amenities and hotel supplies in bulk is a great way to save time and money, and because we know how important the bottom line is for our customers, you can be sure that we’ll always go the extra mile to reward you when you buy our products in larger quantities.

So how do you save extra $$$ at National Hotel Supplies?

• When purchasing guest amenities, order in full cartons and you’ll receive between 8 – 10% off.
• Spend $1000 across the store and get an additional 5% off your entire order.
• Spend $1500 or more across the store and get an additional 10% off your entire order.
• These 5% and 10% discounts include marked down and/or sale items and any Loyalty Program discounts you redeem at the time…saving you even more!
• PLUS freight is FREE when you place orders over $1000.

If you’d like to stay updated on our latest specials and discounts and make the most of additional savings, sign up to the monthly National Hotel Supplies newsletter.

(Please note: free freight offers are not available in TAS and NT.)

The Ritual collection of guest amenities has had a huge makeover, and we’re so excited to announce its new look!
Introducing, Wallawa – Indigenous Botanical Skincare!

Wallawa Indigenous Botanical Skincare brings your guests closer to nature, embracing a wide range of botanical ingredients sourced from across Australia, offering a totally new concept in hair and body care products.

We’re absolutely in love with the new look, which draws inspiration from the Australian bush and uses active botanicals such as Victorian Eucalyptus Oil, Lemon Myrtle, Tasmanian Bush Pepper and Kakadu Plum, all known for their healing qualities.

The name of the collection may have changed, but the products’ outstanding quality is the same, along with the signature Indigenous inspired packaging and dot design, which translates to ‘Wallawa’, rest, stop here.

We’re happy to announce that National Hotel Supplies stocks a huge range of Wallawa Indigenous Botanical Skincare, available online, with more to come over the next few weeks. From the South Australian Emu Bush Body Soap, to the Victorian Eucalyptus Oil Shampoo and Kakadu Plum Body Balm. And keep your eye out; we’ll also be supplying their gorgeous sustainable timber display stands and tent cards, so you can show off the Wallawa Indigenous Botanical Skincare range at your property in the best possible way.

Also, revenue generated from sales of Wallawa Indigenous Botanical Skincare supports Corporate Connect.AB, allowing them to work with businesses, government agencies and Indigenous communities to engage with corporate partners in career pathways, employment and economic development initiatives on behalf of Indigenous communities in remote, regional and urban locations. A great range of products that support an even greater cause!