How Storytelling Can Give Hotel Sales a Boost

Storytelling has had a profound effect on humanity for thousands of years. From prehistoric cave paintings to parents reading a bedtime story to their children, storytelling has been effective in conveying anecdotes as well as one’s thoughts and feelings.

Hoteliers can also use this powerful communication tool to give their business a boost, especially in sales. Hotels and resorts can have all the competitive advantage in the world, such as excellent location, outstanding facilities and amenities, great customer service, competitive prices, among others. But if they cannot get these across to their potential and existing customers, they might find it difficult to contend against competitors.

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A solution for this is using a storytelling approach when interacting with guests, either in person or digitally.

They must make good use of all available online channels, including the website and social media pages. By posting authentic content in an engaging manner, it becomes easier to market the hotel and resort as potential clients get a clearer picture of what awaits them should they decide to book or visit the place.

Storytelling can also be instrumental in providing guests a memorable stay. By teaching employees how to interact with and what to say to guests or using audio-visual designs or triggers to share what sets the hotel – its features, location, and the experience it provides – apart, guests are more likely to become repeat customers.

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John Jefferis is renowned for his hands-on approach in managing his hospitality businesses. He has been in the industry for more than four decades now, already recognized as one of the most successful hoteliers in the world. Read more insights on hotel management here.

Top Honeymoon Sights And Things To Do In Bermuda

Bermuda has a singular charm and natural beauty having tourists from around the world coming back for more. It’s especially appealing to honeymooners seeking the ultimate island escape in the Caribbean, and wanting to pair it up with impeccable hotel service and entertainment throughout their stay. Here are some sights and things to do for lovebirds.

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Couples can have a taste of Bermuda’s history and culture by visiting sights such as the Unfinished Church in the Town of St. George, which is unsurprisingly one of the island nation’s popular wedding destinations. The stone edifice boasts of massive arches and regal walls, along with a manicured grass carpet and beautiful skyline to enjoy. Moongates, or horseshoe-shaped limestone passageways aplenty in Bermuda, traditionally offer newlyweds good luck as they pass through.

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Stroll in places beyond the beach and marvel at Lover’s Lane in the Paget Marsh, which is aptly named for its romantic cedar and palmetto covered forest teeming with wildlife and the songs of birds. Have a quiet walk or bicycle ride, too, on Railway Trail, a mid-20th century rail route and national park where lovers can encounter secret beaches, an old drawbridge, and remnants of the island’s past. Ride horses on the beach to take the romantic adventure up a notch.

Finally, luxury hotel destinations such as Coco Reef Resort and the assortment of luxurious spa resorts around mix romance and relaxation, not to mention gastronomic delights that will call paradise to mind.

John Jefferis is a Bermuda-based hotelier who has been named the Premier Hotelier of the Caribbean by the Caribbean World Television. Visit this blog to learn more about the hospitality industry.

A Caribbean Island Nation’s Booming Hospitality Industry

The architectural landscape of Cuba for years has been dotted with vacant ancient buildings, exuding an eerie atmosphere of abandonment. The gloomy air of neglect is expected to perk up as real estate development started to roll since the thawing of the country’s relationship with the United States.

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Construction cranes line the horizon; construction sites are mushrooming in not a few locales of the island nation in the northern part of the Caribbean. Primary targets are the unutilized structures for conversion into hotels to accommodate the increasing influx of visitors from the country’s rich and powerful neighbors.

The reinvigoration of building structures is further boosted by the loosening of bureaucratic reins, welcoming foreign hotel developers into the fray. Restrictions on private enterprise are likewise lifted with the objective of arresting the decreasing growth of gross domestic product in 2016, a startling occurrence for the first time in two decades.

Ahead of the pack of newly refurbished luxury hotels is the 246-room Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, which occupies a vast space in a renovated European-style shopping arcade that constitutes an entire block. It is scheduled to open in early June. Another, Hotel Inglaterra, located on the other side of Parque Central, which has been in existence in 1875 and boasts of having Winston Churchill as one of its guests, is set to start accepting bookings and guests by December 2019. Several other luxury hotels run by professional managers from Spain and France surround the vicinity.

Foreign experts known in the hospitality industry worldwide are being tapped to help manage the hotels, which, per structure and nature of Cuban economy, are all under the proprietorship of the government. For example, the Manzana which thrives on the investments by the Cuban state company Almest Investments is co-managed by the Swiss luxury hotelier Kempinski and the Gaviota Group of Cuba. Meanwhile, The Inglaterra will be under the management auspices of Marriott International. The successful international market penetration of Cuba’s luxury hotels, however, has to reckon with several hurdles. Utility services such as water and electricity are still lacking. Sources of steady supplies of reliable raw materials for preparation of quality meals are scarce. Widespread poverty is still very visible, which may not be attractive to tourists.

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On the other hand, many Americans and Europeans have been intrigued and lured towards a cultural exploration of Cuba owing to the country’s isolation for so many years. The Cuban Ministry of Tourism recorded over four million visitors in 2016, up 13 percent from the previous year, enough to propel its hospitality industry.

Born in Hampshire, UK, John Jefferis is an acclaimed hotelier who has 40 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He is the chairman and owner of Coco Reef Resorts, a high-class tourist spot located in Bermuda and Tobago. Mr. Jefferis is famous for his hands-on approach in managing his businesses. His strong involvement in the various aspects of his business, from conceptualization to logistics is one of the qualities for which he is truly admired, and also the reason behind his indisputable success. Visit this blog for more updates in the hospitality industry.

Hotel booking mistakes to avoid

While booking a hotel seems quite straightforward and entails only picking a destination, travel dates, and a payment method, there are a number of blunders one can commit in the process. And these mistakes could prove costly and easily ruin one’s long-planned trip. 

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Here are things to avoid doing when making hotel reservations. 

Expecting the best and everything you requested Typically, those booking through the hotel website, along with loyalty members, get first dibs on room assignments, including better views and quieter locations. Most booking engines also allow guests to make requests or comments regarding their stay, but this doesn’t mean such requests are guaranteed. If this is the case, politely speak to the front-desk agent to request your desired change. 

Not accounting for taxes and resort fees There are fees that hotel guests could dodge if they don’t wish to avail themselves of certain services, such as housekeeping or newspaper delivery. But note that there are mandatory ones such as resort fees, so one needs to account for the added cost when booking a hotel room. 

Booking non-refundable rates Non-refundable rates are cheaper that the regular rates for a reason: the hotelier benefits from the lower price when a room is locked in. If you ever find yourself needing to cancel the hotel reservation due to bad weather, illness, or a personal reason, it’s inevitable to forgo the non-refundable rate. The fix: pay the heftier yet refundable rate instead for when you need to put the trip on hold. 

Other hotel booking faux pas Common booking mistakes include failing to check the exact location and surrounding establishments; skipping the user review sites; inquire if there’s available airport shuttle, internet access, or breakfast (and if they are complimentary); and sign up for a loyalty program that rewards frequent stays.

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John Jefferis is a highly-respected hotelier who establishes a myriad of activities and amenities in all of his hotels to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of his guests. For more on the hospitality business, like this Facebook page.

A Number Of Reasons To Visit Bermuda On Your Next Vacation

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Bermuda is a truly special place on earth, with its offerings uniquely its own. Here are some reasons to book your next holiday in Bermuda.

Contrary to popular belief, vacationing in Bermuda does not have to be very expensive. The area is as plain and simple as can be, with its offerings of the nature experience. This is hardly expensive to maintain, and so there really is no reason to dig deep into one’s pocket just to experience the naturally occurring elements that are there.

The beaches are very pristine. Bermuda communities have truly done their part in maintaining the natural beauty of its collective coasts, where one can have the most fulfilling experience of bathing in the turquoise blue waters and exploring many secret coves and islets.

The amenities are quite complete. On top of the exhilarating view of the ocean, many guests have enjoyed relaxation to the hilt, with stone massages, various kinds of spas, or just the simple act of detaching from the familiar and being at peace with nature.

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Bermuda is quite the party place too, for more sociable guests who intend to meet other people from around the world. Flanagan’s Irish Pub is a melting pot for people of various cultures. Listening to live music while drinking a few bottles of English beer has been an inviting idea for merriment. Bermuda also happens to be a home to some of the rarest and most exquisite variety of alcoholic drinks.

All of these are well within one’s reach, as traveling to Bermuda is not very complicated. It also helps that the fun comes in cheap too.

John Jefferis is a Bermuda-based hotelier most recognized as the owner and chairman of a chain of world-class hotels in Bermuda and Tobago called the Coco Reef Resorts. Visit this page for more updates about the hospitality industry.

Building a Good Hotel

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Any business establishment has at least two major aspects – the infrastructure and its people. Both have to address a guest’s expectations, or it will fail. What this means is that the brick and mortar definitely have to be accompanied by stellar service. Without these two being exceptional, a hotel cannot really be described as good much less great.

A building needs the best plumbing, lighting, fixtures, furniture, and appliances. There has to be consistent and reliable phone and internet connection that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to use. The beddings, of course, have to not only be clean, but they also have to be spotless and a pleasure to touch. People are tired when they get to bed, and they need this experience to be like an embrace away from home. These material concerns are important especially since all travelers still need a sense of home regardless of where they are.

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As many will tell though, those material considerations are not as important as the human touch accompanying it. A hotel is a home away from home, and a home is made by people who care. It is the same for hotels. Genuine service is attentive, unobtrusive, and consistent. This service is also personalized as much as possible, so no guest ever feels like just another cash cow. This implies addressing possible needs like providing a doctor and the necessary medication if a guest suddenly falls sick.

John Jefferis has been in the Bermuda hotel and resort scene for years. For more on his field of expertise, click here.

A Frequent Traveler’s Guide To Affordable Hotel Accommodations

Searching for a place to stay can be one of the most stressful parts of planning a trip. Frequent travelers are not spared from the difficulty, especially during peak seasons. Read on for some tips that will help guests get the most out of their time and money.

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Book early

There are guests who plan their vacation months before the actual trip. Reserving a room early not only takes one item off the to-do list but it also lands a guest discounts, especially during off-peak seasons.

Go for flight and hotel packages

There are many platforms where guests can book their flights and hotel stays. Contrary to popular belief, package deals are affordable and convenient. This also means that guests coming from a certain flight will have the option for early check-in.

Make use of loyalty cards

There are banks and hotel chains that offer points for loyal clients. There are sign-up bonuses for certain credit card holders that are made available for a short period. Guests availing of a certain promo can get upgrades and other freebies. There are also hotel chains that offer extra services for holders of their loyalty cards. Frequent travelers can choose to go with a certain chain to earn points that might accumulate enough value for a free overnight stay.

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Inform hotel staff of special occasions

When booking over the phone or when checking-in, guests should casually inform staff of special occasions. Stating an engagement, honeymoon, birthdays, or family gatherings as one’s purpose for staying can help guests get upgrades and even special treats. Hotel staff are keen on giving their guests a memorable stay so they might go to great heights to make someone’s day special.
Having a comfortable stay at a hotel is the goal of its management and staff.Guests should make the most out of promos so that they can avail of topnotch services for less.


Bermuda-based hotelier John Jefferis is the chairman and sole shareholder of Coco Reef Resort located in Bermuda and Tobago. Mr. Jefferis has been working in the hotel industry since the 60’s and is responsible for developing and acquiring some of the famous hotels, resorts, and restaurants in Caribbean region. Visit this blog for more information.

Most Guests Don't Know This: How To Make The Most Of Your Hotel Stay

Most people don’t fully maximize their hotel stay. There are a lot of reasons for this, but the most common one is that many guests don’t know. It is enough for them that they can enjoy a few nights (or perhaps just a weekend) in a place other than their home. However, hoteliers are encouraging their guests to maximize their stay with some of these tips.

Book on your birthday: Most hotel chains provide a complimentary champagne or even just a bouquet of flowers when they know it’s their guest’s birthday. Do note that they also check if the guest is telling the truth. This is done through a simple ID verification. However, booking during this time will add an extra oomph to the guest’s stay.

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Use the hotel spa: Guests always pass by the spa without trying out its services. This is a shame since many hotels take the time to really indulge their guests with exquisite spa services. Guests can ask the concierge if room service is available. Even for hotels that do not have an in-house spa, guests can relax and unwind with a nice warm bath and cucumber slices over the eyes as they lounge in their fluffy bathrobes.

Sample the hotel bar: Every hotel comes with their own bar. The good ones even hire the best bartenders to make unique drinks. Guests should try asking their local bartender for the house special. Guests are often surprised how these concoctions are better than what they can sample outside.

Ask for a tour: Guests rarely ask for this but is actually part of every hotel’s services. It is not enough that guests can browse the website, hotels encourage their guests to ask for a guided tour. This way, they can fully see all the amenities and features.

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Another great way to maximize one’s stay is to get a really good night’s sleep. Hotel beds are made for comfort and relaxation. This is why more people are choosing hotels as their mini-vacation destination.

John Jefferis is a highly-respected hotelier. For more on the hospitality industry, like this Facebook page.

Edible Resorts: A New Tasty Trend In The Hospitality Industry

In choosing a hotel or accommodation, consumers consider many factors. The most common are the location, price, and their or others’ previous experiences with the hotel. But the demographics of travelers is continually evolving, and so are their preferences in choosing which hotel to stay in.

Now, travelers are looking for places where they can have new experiences; some examples are culture and cuisine.

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This is why travelers have hotels that offer farm-to-table and ocean-to-plate dining high on their list. Not only do they enjoy the place, they get to try local produce and food choices. What hotels and resorts typically do is work with local partners, harvesting and bringing in their crops to either use as ingredients or market to customers.

But this has leveled up in recent years. Instead of sourcing produce from outside, some hotels and resorts grow their own plants – giving rise to edible resorts.

In Cikat, Croatia, the Bellevue Hotel has transformed their once-vacant and redundant roof spaces into attractive and useful fragrant herb gardens. As soon as the guests wake up, they can watch the kitchen staff harvest the herbs, which are then used in the restaurant.

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In the Kittitian Hills in St. Kitts, they added organic plant nurseries and arable landscapes around their golf course, where goats are also free to roam around and graze. The produce are brought to the restaurant, sold at the farm, or given to those in need within their community.

For more interesting reads about the hotel industry, visit this John Jefferis blog.

The Business Of Smiles: How Hotels Thrive On Customer Service

No other industry relies more on customer service than the hotel sector. It can be argued that an excellent staff - and consequently how they make guests feel - can make or break a chain. Customer service in hotel management is critical because it can directly impact revenue generated. Several financial market studies reveal that guests place a premium in exemplary customer service, more so than other factors such as food, ambiance, and sleeping facilities. Listed below are some ways hotels thrive on providing their customers with a positive experience.

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Repeat client pool: Satisfied customers appreciate an energetic staff. Businesses are aware that customers typically leave feedback on popular media channels about their experience. If most of the reviews are negative, hotels often do not get repeat guests or even new ones. Hospitality outlets need to be mindful of this.

Keep the realism: Hotels should always be upfront about their chains. Hotels that are not five-stars should not label themselves as such. This only sets unrealistic expectations for the customer. They become disappointed, even if the service and amenities themselves were great. Remember that it is better to overdeliver than underperform.

Deliver on promises: That said, hotels need to keep their guests happy. This is done by assuring clients consistent and efficient service. Aside from proper representation, managers should take extra precautions to deliver on all proclaimed promises. This is ideal for repeat business and referral purposes.

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If - for whatever reason - a guest has a bad experience in a hotel, it is proper to understand how and why this happened. Feedback, even a negative one, is essential to maintaining a good hotel chain. Managers are asked to be understanding and diligent with complaints. Guests are usually more responsive when they feel their experience and feedback is important.

Learn from the expertise of trusted hotelier, John Jefferis by following this Facebook page.

Level-up your Tobago Vacation with Coco Reef Resort and Spa

Accommodation is an important part of any vacation. Mediocre lodging can ruin plans for a relaxing time out of town. On the other hand, stellar services can make a trip truly memorable. Coco Reef Resort and Spa is a place that has earned the loyalty of tourists whenever they stay in Tobago.

The award-winning resort is located a mile away from the airport, in the western town of Crown Point, close to Store Bay and Pigeon Point beaches. Despite its proximity to Tobago’s best beaches, the resort is known for its spacious and relaxing rooms, mostly with sea views. Visitors can also enjoy the well-manicured gardens, ocean view, and the refreshing sea air from the resort’s beachfront lounge.

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With a gym and a spa, guests can enjoy first-class service from the resort staff. Those who are looking for activities under the sun can sign up for water sports or have a chill day hanging by the pool. The resort also has a private white sand beach best for families, especially those with little kids.

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Tourism in Tobago is a fast-growing industry. Sites like Coco Reef that showcase the nation’s natural wonders draw in more tourists, who become frequent visitors through the years. This proves that excellent service makes people feel at home.

Top Caribbean Hotelier John Jefferis is the chairman and sole shareholder of the Palm Reed Hotel Development Company Limited and the Island Resorts International Limited. He is also a multi-awarded personality in the hotel industry, receiving the prestigious recognitions Caribbean Hotelier of the Year in 1990 and Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000. For more articles on the hospitality business, visit this blog.