Well it’s that time of year again, and as usual, it seems to have come around extremely quickly.

EOFY is approaching, and as tax time gets closer, most businesses are scrambling to maximise their deductions and claim as much as possible before June 30.

How are you going to maximise your deductions this year?

Here are a few ways to make the most out of your tax-time spending:

Property repairs/upgrade furniture

Perhaps it’s time to replace those tired old sheet sets? Or fix that ottoman in the corner that needs to be re-covered? Do you need to upgrade your signage? Take a look around your property and see if there’s anything that looks worn, broken or in need of replacement.

Refresh linen

Generally hotel linen should last 5 – 8 years, so if it has been longer than that, it might be time to replace your sheets, commercial towels or blankets. Check for stains that can’t be removed, frayed edges and just general wear and tear, which all indicate it might be time for some new linen!

Magazine subscriptions

Do you have magazines in your foyer, on your coffee table or inside your holiday accommodation? A magazine subscription can be a good tax deduction, and will also keep your guests entertained during their stay.

New artwork

When was the last time you re-decorated? Is the interior of your hotel/motel room, holiday house or Airbnb looking a little old? Does your artwork need to be upgraded? Check out our range of artwork before EOFY.

Re-order guest amenities

Now is a great time to do a stock take and replenish your guest amenities. It’s not long until the June/July school holidays begin, so make sure you have enough hotel supplies to get you through this busy time and put your orders in now.

Staff training/team building

Do you employ staff? Why not spend a few extra dollars and organise a team building activity, employee get-together or some training for your staff.

Marketing

In most cases advertising and marketing is a tax deduction, so if you’ve been considering placing a newspaper/magazine ad, or spending money on advertising, you still have time to do this before EOFY.

It’s important to remember, before you make any purchases you need to understand your business structure, speak with your accountant and be clear on exactly what you can and can’t claim at EOFY.

The days are getting shorter and the mornings colder, and the chilly weather is definitely creeping in. As the season changes it’s time to dress your beds for the cooler nights, layering them with cosy blankets and fluffy doonas to keep your guests warm and toasty during their stay.

But how do you care for your winter bedding and ensure it’s hygienic and clean for every guest? How is it different caring for blankets than ordinary sheets?

We’ve done some research and talked to people in the know to give you some tips.

Blanket care

Whether you manage a hotel/motel, resort, Airbnb or private holiday rental, your guests will love the warmth that cosy blankets bring. To ensure your blankets last more than one season, it’s important to keep them clean and soft, and care for them appropriately.

Blankets should be cleaned as often as needed between guests, and simply smelling them should give you a good indication if the blanket needs to be laundered. It should smell fresh and clean, and have no marks. While all blankets are different, and most come with care instructions, here are a few extra tips for caring for fleece blankets.

Washing

Always treat the stains before washing. We don’t recommend using harsh chemicals on your blankets, especially fleece, as it will affect its longevity. A small amount of dishwashing liquid should do the trick, and be enough to take away any stains.

When washing:

• Give the blanket a shake to remove any dust or loose dirt
• Always wash similar colours together
• Use a gentle cycle on a warm or cool wash
• Never use bleach or fabric softener (this will damage the fleece)
• Only use a small amount of washing powder/liquid, as using too much will stay in the fabric.

Drying

Never wring out your blankets, and never iron your blankets! Fleece blankets can be tumble-dried, but never on a high heat, this will damage the fabric.

Tip: fold straight after drying to keep the blankets soft and fluffy!

Storing

Once winter is over and your blankets are no longer needed, store them in a dry linen closet free from any smells. If you want them to smell extra nice next winter, pop a little dryer sheet inside the folds.

Doona/quilt care

If you’re taking the winter quilts and doonas out of storage then it’s important to be prepared and know exactly how to care for them over winter.

Quilts need to be washed approximately every 6 months or so. Most are machine washable, but depending on the size of your machine, you may have to get them professionally cleaned.

If you’re cleaning them yourself you need to remember that there are 3 main types of doonas/quilts. Wool, feather or down and microfibre/polyester, and each one requires different care when washing.

Here’s a breakdown:

POLYESTER AND MICROFIBRE
These are probably the most popular type of quilts used, especially in the hotel industry. Follow the care instructions, but, in most cases, don’t be scared to put them through a warm cycle in your washing machine. Some polyester and microfibre quilts can even be dried in a clothes dryer on the cool setting, or dried in the sun, which makes them nice and fluffy!

WOOL
Woollen quilts HATE hot temperatures and there’s a big chance they’ll shrink in water that is too hot, so keep the temperature below 30 degrees. Woollen quilts are best dried in the shade.

FEATHER
Feather and down quilts can be harder to look after, and the care instructions might instruct you to have them professionally cleaned.

If you do it yourself, only ever use a delicate cycle, or if you’re a small Airbnb, in a bathtub with soap flakes, then dry it in the sunshine.

No matter what, before washing always read the care instructions on the label of your blanket or quilt, this will ensure your winter bedding sees out more than one season.

If you’re due for some new winter bedding, take a look at our range of blankets, call us for a chat on 1300 557 415, or email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

Easter is one of the most popular times for families to get away and spend time together. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, and parents and children are more than overdue for a break after the craziness of the first term of school.

As an accommodation provider you can make this time even more special, and easier for parents, with the addition of a few added extras or hotel supplies.

To help you think outside the box, here are a few things you can offer this Easter to make your premises more family-friendly.

An Easter themed welcome gift

A special Easter themed welcome gift is a lovely surprise for your guests when they arrive. This could include wine, crackers, cheese, snacks and of course plenty of chocolate Easter eggs!

Easter fun for the kids

If you know you have young children staying over the Easter break here are a few fun things you can do especially for them:

• Have a prearranged Easter hunt ready to go.
• Put together ingredients for some delicious Easter bunny cookies that the family can make together during their stay.
• Head to the art and craft shop and leave supplies for Easter egg painting.
• Leave a note from the Easter bunny reminding the kids that he will still visit even though they aren’t at home on Easter Sunday.

A child friendly turndown service

This idea is adorable! As adults we love a great turndown service, so why not modify it to cater for children over the school holidays. Milk and cookies, an Easter egg or even a simple Easter themed storybook on their pillow will make their day.

Games and toys

If you have a luxury holiday house or Airbnb it’s always a good idea to stock up on board games, puzzles and colouring-in activities that will keep the little ones busy while parents get some much needed R and R. For the outdoors, don’t forget bikes, garden games and swimming pool toys (for those with pools).

Onsite activities

If you’re a larger establishment why not involve the staff and create themed activities for children to attend over the holidays. These can be tailored to your environment and location, and could include things such as cooking classes in the kitchen, an Easter egg hunt, or visits to the chicken pen if you have a farm onsite. This is a great way to keep the kids occupied while their parents relax during their stay.

Family fun off-site

It’s always great to have information handy about local attractions or family activities. Compile a list of your favourite attractions, local parks or child-friendly restaurants and have it in a folder for your guests to access.

Local partnerships

Take this one step further by partnering with local businesses to offer special deals for families during their stay. This could include discount vouchers for local attractions, discounts on SUP hire or surf lessons, or just advertising local business promotions.

Early restaurant opening hours

Do you have an onsite restaurant? All parents know the benefits of an early dinner… early bedtime! So if your restaurant doesn’t normally open until 6pm, open the doors earlier during the school holidays to cater for parents with small children.

Sleep-ins for parents

Remember, it’s not all about the kids! The Woolley Grange Hotel in the UK offers a baby breakfast club and we love this idea! The childcare staff visit the room at 8am to pick up the little ones so parents can have a sleep in. Good for the kids and the parents!

In the room rate they also include a couple of hours a day of complimentary baby-sitting, a special treat for tired mums and dads.

If you don’t have the capacity to offer babysitting services, always leave a list of babysitter recommendations and contact details so the parents can book themselves.

In room luxuries

It may sound funny, but having an in-room sanitizer for bottles, or a couple of packets of baby wipes will count as luxuries for many parents on holiday, especially if they’ve forgotten their own. When travelling with young children there are so many things to remember, so parents often forget something.

A kid’s step in the bathroom, block out blinds, tubes of sunscreen, potties, toys for the bath, a night light or a children’s dining set can all make the world of difference to parents with small children.

If we can help you with any of your Easter hotel supplies call us on 1300 557 415 or email info@nationalhotelsupplies.com.au

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?