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Boutique Hotels: The New Face of Lodging?
In cities and towns across America you’ll find at least a couple of nationally recognized hotels. From Hilton to Hyatt these mid to upper priced chains have been a staple of businessmen and women, weary travelers and those on vacation for many years. Now in addition to cookie cutter properties, B&B’s, hostels and airbnb’s, boutique hotels are making quite a splash in the hospitality industry. In fact, some are saying boutique hotels are the future of lodging. Consumer behavior is changing and unoriginal hotel chains are being challenged by these affordable design and forward thinking accommodations that feel a bit more like home.
Frequently called lifestyle hotels, the developers of these alternative properties understand a quality overnight stay doesn’t need to come with an expensive price tag. “Most people would rather save some money to go on another trip than splurge on one night’s stay,” mentioned Chris Sewell, co-owner of the Shelter Social Club. The hotel industry is adapting by introducing independent unbranded hotels offering smaller rooms with clean sleek décor, personalized service far above the usual “turn down with a chocolate on the pillow” and integrated technology.
Not located off the nearest interstate exit, boutique hotels are designed to blend in, while at the same time, enhance the surrounding neighborhood and reflect the local culture. Breathing new life into everything from a defunct downtown department store, a 1960’s styled motor inn, a closed candy factory and a vintage Victorian mansion, lifestyle properties generally include many of the same features.
Properties are fairly small, anywhere from 10 to 100 rooms. Keeping the overall room count low allows for a more intimate experience between staff and guests. They each come with their own sense of style and character. Often located in the hip urban part of town, these properties are frequently on the cutting edge of bringing that area back to life. The bars, restaurants, coffee shops and lobbies tend to be a major feature, inviting not only out of town guests but local residents to come linger, partake and enjoy. Luxurious and service oriented, depending on the property, guests may have the option of a personalized pillow menu, locally sourced toiletries, rooms complete with voice controlled assistants and fresh flowers, and dining options reflective of the local cuisine.
Seeking employment in the St. Louis restaurant or hospitality industry? Partner with Staffing One Services and let us help you find the job of your dreams. Connect with us online or by calling 314-361-2444 today for assistance.
Three Common Service Industry Interview Questions
If you’re applying for your very first job, or have never worked in the food & beverage or hotel business, you may be surprised at some of the interview questions. These questions are asked due to the nature of the business which include long irregular hours, dealing with a vast number of different people and the fact that the job itself can be both physically and mentally challenging. Therefore, human resources or the hiring manager wants to be certain you understand what a service industry position entails before being hired.
When these questions are asked take a moment and answer truthfully. This will go a long way in ensuring you don’t end up in a situation you aren’t prepared for.
Why do you want to work in the food & beverage/hospitality industry? This may seem like a pretty general question but it’s asked in order to determine what a potential employee is looking for. Do they simply want a job for the money or are they looking for a career? Are they interested in a fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? Perhaps they really like the back of the house side of the business and their goal is to make people happy with their culinary skills.
What does hospitality mean to you? There is no question that making and keeping customers satisfied and coming back is a challenge especially in today’s world of so many different food, beverage and lodging options. Add to that the rise of demanding patrons and real time social media reviews and now more than ever it’s vital a potential employee understands what outstanding customer service means.
Tell me about your extracurricular activities; for example what hobbies do you enjoy? It is important to remember there are several questions hiring managers are not allowed to ask during an interview, but this is not one of them. The hospitality industry has a high burnout rate which can often be balanced by maintaining a healthy work-life mix. Plus activities other than work often allow an employee to potentially connect with patrons over shared interests. It’s the little things that can turn a one-time guest into a regular customer.
Begin your search for the best service industry job in and around the greater St. Louis area by connecting online with Staffing One Services today.
Advantages of a Food & Beverage or Hospitality Career
Searching for a career that offers plenty of opportunity, a flexible schedule, competitive wages and the ability to showcase your finest customer service skills? Then look no further than a position in either the food and beverage industry or the hospitality business. Both careers are interesting, exciting and diverse enough that no two shifts are ever going to be the same.
Both these fields are full of outstanding opportunities and most positions don’t require a college degree unless you are interested in going directly into management or a specialized field such as food science or product development. Most other F&B jobs provide on the job training and the more experience you have, the more valuable you become to both your current and your future employer.
Once you get some experience under your belt, job security is never a worry. From food trucks to mom-and-pop diners, fine dining establishments to locally owned farm to table cafes, the F&B industry is growing at unprecedented rates all across the country. And with the uptick in national chains you are no longer limited in where you live and work. Moving to St. Louis from Florida or Massachusetts and currently employed by a nationally known restaurant or hotel? Chances are pretty good there will be a job waiting for you, making this the perfect situation for college students or families where one member is frequently transferred.
Like having cash in your pocket? Working as a restaurant server pretty much guarantees daily tips. Plus many restaurants offer a free or discounted shift meal along with an employee discount when not on the clock. Mandatory uniforms including shoes are often provided at no cost, saving wear and tear on your own personal wardrobe. Searching for ways to attract and keep the brightest and the best employees, many restaurants and hotels are also offering health insurance, retirement benefits and college tuition assistance.
If you’d like to explore F&B and hospitality job opportunities in and around the greater St. Louis area please contact Staffing One Services today for more information.
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