Articles: hotel

In a hotel, print works as a quiet member of staff. It answers questions before anyone walks down to reception, reminds guests of the timings, explains how the equipment in the room works and suggests extra services without pushing. A well prepared set of materials cuts the number of calls to the desk and lifts the rating of the stay.

What belongs in the room

The basis is a set of short cards rather than one long folder. Guests rarely read a multi-page booklet, but they will glance at a single card lying on the desk. It is also worth remembering that some guests speak another language - two versions on one card usually cover it.

• Welcome card - breakfast hours, check-out time, the number for reception.
• Door hanger - a request for service or for privacy, both sides readable from a distance.
• Menu and extras card - spa, parking, bike hire, transfers, all in one place.
• Notepad and pen - a small item guests genuinely use and often take home.

Coherence beats decoration

The materials in the room, the card in the restaurant, the document folder at reception and the coasters in the bar should look like one family. The same colour, the same style of headings and the same paper do more for the image than a single showy element. If the property has a distinct character - mountain, seaside, urban - hint at it gently, without turning an information card into a postcard.

Start by writing down the questions guests ask most often. The answers will shape your set of printed materials faster than any ready-made template.