Our five senses evoke emotions that hoteliers can capitalize on to create a unique experience and space. Through using all five senses we can transport our guests to a different time, space, reality, or state of mind. So how do we use all five senses to accomplish this task?
Smell:
My family and I travel to the Fairmont Southampton Bermuda every couple of years and one thing that we all never fail to comment on is the smell of the hotel. It is so unique, and every time we visit we all immediately take a deep breath to take in the scent we love. It is not anything super fancy, but it is something that immediately relaxes us. It is not necessarily the scent itself, but rather the association we all have with it. By creating or having a signature scent in your hotel people who visit frequently will associate that scent with how your establishment makes them feel.
Sight:
People automatically make assumptions about the quality and cleanliness of your hotel by how it looks. Through design and creating a clean space hoteliers can create a relaxing and comforting experience. Through cultivating an experience based on the history and architecture of our building we can transport our guests to a different time. Through making sure our guests are fully immersed into the city and landscape where the hotel is located we can transport our guests to a different space.
Sound:
Music based on your space is essential. Music is said to be the strongest of emotional triggers of the five senses. Whether you choose more lively music in your hotel bar or more relaxing music as people wait in the lobby, having sound is critical in cultivating the emotion necessary for the space. Think about the type of emotion you want to evoke and implement the music to match.
Taste:
Food and drink cultivate memories and friendships. Having unique and delicious food and drinks will provide just one more way for your hotel to stand out among the rest. If you do not offer food on property make sure you provide recommendations and ways for guests to find delicious options in a close proximity.
Touch:
Touch might be the most important sense in the hospitality industry, specifically for hotels. Having comfortable furniture in every room is vital. Comfort may be one of the top desires of guests. They want to relax and the way they do that is through comfortable furniture from everywhere from the lobby to their guest room.
