Unique Experiences, Top Youtuber Snacks, 50 hotels in 50 days, and AI HACKS
This month step into the world of Unique Experiences, Top Youtuber Snacks, 50 hotels in 50 days, and how I am using AI to make my life way more efficient.
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⭐️Join Us for The Hospitality Mentor Networking Event!
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Hospitality Mentor Networking Event on July 10 at the stunning Mayfair House Hotel & Garden in Coconut Grove, Florida. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow hospitality professionals, share insights, and foster new relationships in a beautiful setting.
Event Details:
Date: July 10
Location: Mayfair House Hotel & Garden, Coconut Grove, Florida
Tickets: Buy Tickets Here
🛎 Trending in Hospitality:: Crafting Unforgettable Experiences
Heli Fly Fishing Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
In today's competitive hospitality landscape, standing out requires offering unique and exceptional experiences that guests are willing to pay a premium for. As life’s uncertainties prompt people to seek out memorable moments, they increasingly prioritize spending on meaningful and bespoke experiences over material possessions. This trend is reshaping how hospitality companies approach their services, encouraging them to innovate and personalize offerings to captivate discerning travelers.
Hotels worldwide are responding by curating extraordinary activities that go beyond typical amenities. While infinity pools and posh spas have become standard, today's guests are looking for experiences that are hyper-customized to their interests. Whether it's heli-hiking on remote mountains or creating personalized perfumes in the heart of France, hotels are redefining luxury with unique, brag-worthy experiences.
The New Standard: Bespoke and Beyond
The demand for hyper-customized experiences has been growing, especially since the pandemic. Guests no longer settle for standard offerings, they seek something that speaks directly to their personal tastes and desires. Social media has amplified this trend, driving travelers to seek out experiences that stand out and surpass what others are sharing online.
Hotels are responding with innovative offerings. Guests are eager for elevated experiences, whether it's a familiar activity done in a new way or entirely new adventures. This push for creativity is redefining the role of concierge services and hotel activities.
Elevating the Experience
Private Horseback Tours
From canyoning and horseback riding in Vancouver's rainforests to master classes in photography with renowned professionals in New York, hotels are constantly pushing the envelope. Aman resorts, for example, offer guests exclusive access to artist studios and bespoke culinary experiences, providing unique activities that justify their high price tags.
At Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, guests can charter helicopters for mountaintop adventures, complete with a bottle of Champagne to enjoy while taking in the breathtaking views. This level of personalization and exclusivity is what sets top-tier hotels apart in today's market.
In Miami Beach, the Faena Hotel is a prime example of this trend. Known for its luxurious Art Deco style and cultural vibrancy, Faena offers guests a blend of artistic and immersive experiences. Guests can participate in private art tours, enjoy exclusive performances at the Faena Theater, or indulge in bespoke culinary experiences curated by world-renowned chefs. This commitment to creating unique, memorable experiences ensures that Faena stands out in a city known for its luxury hotels.
Faena Theatre
Personalized Service and Cultural Immersion
The trend towards personalization extends beyond activities to the entire guest experience. Hotels like Raffles Singapore offer holistic retreats that combine wellness treatments with cultural immersion, ensuring guests leave with both physical rejuvenation and rich cultural insights. Personalized shopping sprees, guided tours of historic sites, and exclusive culinary experiences with top chefs are becoming the norm.
Hotels emphasize the importance of guests engaging deeply with their experiences. Whether it's a master class with a Michelin-starred chef or a behind-the-scenes tour of a famous architect's home, these interactions provide a deeper connection and a sense of exclusivity that guests crave.
Raffles Singapore holistic retreats
The Future of Hospitality
As the demand for unique experiences grows, the hospitality industry must continue to innovate. The competition to offer bigger, bolder, and more creative experiences is intensifying. No experience is too outlandish if it provides the "wow" factor guests are looking for.
The future of hospitality lies in the ability to create unforgettable, personalized experiences. By focusing on what makes each guest's stay unique and exceptional, hotels can inspire loyalty and attract new visitors eager to fill their lives with remarkable moments. Let's embrace this trend and strive to offer experiences that guests will remember for a lifetime.
🍔 What I’m Eating: Embracing YouTuber-Inspired Products in Hotels
MrBeast Feastables
Lately, I've been spending more time watching YouTube with my two young children, and it's been an eye-opening experience. We’ve discovered some of our favorite YouTubers who have not only built gigantic followings but have also cleverly monetized their brands through various products. From chocolate bars to drinks and candies, these YouTuber-inspired products are gaining massive popularity, often selling out at retail stores across the country.
For instance, I've tried to find MrBeast Feastables chocolate bars at several Targets, only to find them sold out at every location. This got me thinking: hotels should start selling these popular YouTuber products in their marketplace, cafés and mini-bars. Here's why this is a great idea and how it can benefit your property.
Tapping into Current Trends:
YouTubers like MrBeast, Logan Paul, and Ryan Trahan have massive influence, especially among younger audiences. Incorporating their products into hotel offerings can help you stay on the cutting edge of what’s trending in culture and social media. When children see these familiar brands in a hotel, they'll be pumped, and their excitement can translate into increased sales and guest satisfaction.
Logan Paul Prime
Why It Works:
Guest Engagement: Offering these popular products shows guests that your hotel is in tune with current trends and pop culture. It's a conversation starter and a way to connect with younger guests and their families.
Unique Selling Point: By stocking items like MrBeast's Feastables chocolate bars, Logan Paul's Prime drinks, and Ryan Trahan's Joyride candy, you provide guests with unique and exclusive options they might not find elsewhere. This can enhance their overall experience and make your hotel stand out.
Increased Revenue: Kids and teens who are fans of these YouTubers will likely beg their parents to buy these products. This not only drives sales but also adds an element of fun and novelty to their stay.
Brand Perception: Featuring these trendy products can enhance your hotel’s image as a forward-thinking and culturally aware establishment. It signals to guests that you understand and cater to contemporary tastes and preferences.
Examples of Popular YouTuber Products:
MrBeast Feastables Chocolate Bars: Known for his elaborate stunts and philanthropy, MrBeast's chocolate bars are a hit with fans of all ages. Adding these to your hotel's offerings can attract guests who are fans of his content.
Logan Paul Prime Drinks: Logan Paul’s hydration drinks are popular among his followers. Stocking these in your hotel can appeal to fitness enthusiasts and younger guests looking for trendy beverage options.
Ryan Trahan Joyride Candy: Ryan Trahan’s Joyride candies are another great option to consider. These sweets are not only delicious but also come with the added appeal of being associated with a beloved YouTuber.
Ryan Trahan Joyride Candy
Make It Happen
I encourage you to think differently and explore these YouTuber-inspired products. At the very least, check out what’s trending on YouTube, as it’s quickly becoming a dominant platform, often replacing traditional TV for many viewers. By staying informed and integrating these products into your offerings, you can create memorable experiences for your guests that keep them coming back.
Incorporating popular YouTuber products into your hotel’s marketplace cafés and mini-bars is more than just a trend; it’s an opportunity to connect with your guests on a deeper level, showing that your hotel has its finger on the pulse of modern culture. Give it a try, and Ill bet you will watch your guest satisfaction and engagement soar.
📝 What I'm Working On: Completing the 50 Hotels in 50 Days Challenge
I'm excited to share that I'm nearing the end of my 50 Hotels in 50 Days challenge, a video series available on both LinkedIn and YouTube. Forty days ago, I set out to visit 50 different hotels in just 50 days, with the goal of showcasing one unique amenity or service at each location. The focus has been on highlighting features available to all guests, demonstrating that no matter the type of hotel, there's always a way to stand out and provide memorable experiences.
This journey has been incredibly rewarding. From discovering unique handmade coasters to relaxing in the hidden oceanfront cabanas of a resort, the range of creative touches has been inspiring. It’s a testament to the endless possibilities within the hospitality industry to be innovative and offer something special to guests.
Why This Challenge Matters
The idea behind this series is to inspire hoteliers and hospitality professionals to think outside the box. It doesn’t matter if your hotel is luxurious or entry-level, there is always something you can do to impress your guests. Sometimes, the smallest details can leave the biggest impressions. A creatively designed food item, an unexpected amenity in the lobby, or an inviting public space can all contribute to a guest's memorable experience.
Building Engagement and Community
Sarah Dandashy joined me at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
Throughout this challenge, the engagement with The Hospitality Mentor brand has reached new heights. It’s been wonderful to see the community come together, share their thoughts, and get inspired by the ideas presented in the series. This platform has not only allowed me to showcase these fantastic hotels but also to create a space for dialogue and innovation within the hospitality industry.
What’s Next?
As I complete the 50-day challenge, I’m excited to announce that I will be highlighting winners in several categories. More to come on that soon!
💭 What I'm Inspired By: The Transformative Power of AI in Hospitality
The Hospitality Mentor GPT - Now Available in the GPT Store
Lately, I've been deeply inspired by the incredible potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it's seamlessly integrating into both my personal and professional life. As someone who thrives on efficiency and innovation, I’ve embraced AI in numerous ways, and I believe that the hospitality industry should do the same. Here’s how AI is revolutionizing my workflow and how it can benefit your hospitality business.
Enhancing Marketing and Content Creation
AI has become an invaluable tool in my marketing efforts. From podcast editing and post scheduling to video editing, AI applications are streamlining my creative processes. For instance, I recently used an AI tool to make my eyes appear focused on the camera in a video where they weren’t. This level of precision and enhancement was achieved in minutes, something that would have taken much longer manually.
AI tool to make my eyes look straight at the camera
Optimizing Operations in Vacation Rentals
In the vacation rental sector, AI helps me process thousands of guest reviews to generate detailed action plans. These plans guide my teams in housekeeping, engineering, and guest services on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. The ability to quickly analyze large volumes of data and derive actionable insights ensures that we can continuously improve our services and address guest feedback effectively.
Boosting Team Efficiency
At Turk Hospitality Ventures, AI tools are enhancing team productivity and efficiency. Whether it's automating routine tasks or providing data-driven insights, these tools help us get the most out of our teams. I’m particularly excited about AI applications that facilitate communication across global teams, breaking down language barriers and enabling smoother collaboration.
AI in Decision Making
Help In Decision Making
AI is also proving to be a game-changer in decision making. Just today, I used an AI tool to compare three different employee benefit packages, weighing the pros and cons of each within seconds. This rapid analysis allows us to make informed decisions quickly, ensuring that we provide the best options for our employees.
Guiding AI Development in Hospitality
I've had the opportunity to collaborate with two tech companies, providing feedback on how AI can be effectively used in the hospitality industry. As a hospitality executive, my insights are helping shape AI tools to better serve our needs, ensuring that they enhance rather than replace human roles.
Embracing the Future
The potential of AI in the hospitality industry is vast, and it inspires me to know that we can achieve even greater things by leveraging these tools. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to explore the AI tools available. They can significantly improve your operations, enhance guest experiences, and streamline your workflow.
AI is not something to fear but to embrace. By integrating AI into your daily operations, you can unlock new levels of efficiency and creativity. Let’s learn about and utilize these powerful tools to make our lives and work better.
🎙 Listen: The Podcast
If you’ve read this far, send me a short reply and let me know what you enjoyed most from this newsletter. See you again in June!
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Cheers,
Steve Turk
Founder and Host of The Hospitality Mentor
