The safety and comfort of hotel guests is essential – without this principle it is difficult to achieve success in the hotel industry. Especially as the customer is becoming more and more demanding and expects practical solutions, and these undoubtedly include safes and mini-bars.
Today, many managers in the industry no longer ask themselves the question: "should I buy a safe?" but rather: "which safe to choose?". Such equipment was once associated mainly with prestigious locations. Nowadays it can be found in many hotels, regardless of the standard offered. Entrepreneurs in this industry know that the lack of a safe can result in fewer guests. In addition, in many rooms guests have minibars to keep drinks cool. The purchase of this equipment is justified by the needs of customers and has a positive impact on the brand perception of the hotel.
The range of safes is tailored to the needs of hosts and guests. The common denominator for many models remains simple and intuitive operation, as well as trouble-free and reliable performance. However, investments that increase the comfort or safety of customers are useful not only in the hotel rooms themselves. It is worth thinking about equipping the reception area with guarded deposit boxes. On the one hand, they secure valuable and expensive items of guests. On the other hand, they ensure the peace of mind of the entrepreneur, who is responsible for valuable things brought into the hotel. This is a substantial liability, amounting to the equivalent of one hundred room rates, and in some cases it is not subject to limitations.
On the other hand, purchasing a key safe or a key cabinet can improve the operation of the facility. For economic reasons, many hoteliers do not decide to run a reception desk 24/7. Once a key issuing system is implemented, customers will be able to arrive at night or in the morning, for example, without worry. They know that even if they do not find the reception staff, they will still be able to use the accommodation. A key cabinet will also make it easier for the facility owner/hotel manager to manage the circulation of keys among the staff, which allows for better supervision of technical rooms and significantly increases security.
Safes are available in various sizes and variants. In order to make the best choice, it is necessary to adapt the given model to the available space in the room. A common solution is therefore to install the safe in a built-in piece of furniture, e.g. a wardrobe.
In modern buildings, room safes with electronic locks are used almost exclusively. They function without keys, which is the best solution for most guests. They do not have to think about where they will store the key. All they need to do is set any code, consisting of three to six digits. In more advanced models, opening can be done using a hotel card (RFID) or a smartphone (via NFC).
Among the safes, you can find ones the size of a laptop. They can accommodate not only a portable computer, but also a notebook. Inside the laptop room safes there is a charging socket, which allows you to charge your electronic devices while they are stored in the safe.
If an entrepreneur wants to make maximum use of available furniture, a so-called "top-open" safe will come in handy. It can be placed in a desk or wardrobe drawer as it has sufficient capacity to secure a laptop.
Minibars are becoming an increasingly important feature in many hotel rooms. They are often designed so that they can be fully integrated into furniture, so that they can be discreetly integrated even into stylish surroundings. Minibars with glass are also available, for a more designer look. Minibars operate quietly so as not to disturb your guests, are efficient and yet consume little electricity.
Some of these cooling units are A+ energy rated. As with safes, minibars are available in a variety of capacities – from the smallest around 20 litres to almost 50 litres, so you can easily fit bottles of champagne, for example, in an upright position.
Please note that the hotel operator is responsible for items lost by hotel guests. Customers' requirements are growing – a hotel safe is not enough in facilities of a higher standard. That is why the reception desk should be equipped with safe deposit boxes to ensure storage of more valuable items, jewellery or electronic devices. Not without significance is the comfort of guests, providing them with a sense of privacy – hence the increasingly common use of minibars in hotel rooms.
The specific nature of the tourist market makes the battle for customers increasingly difficult. It is not without reason that hoteliers take advantage of offers prepared by manufacturers of safes and mini-bars. This is not only a tribute to guests who travel with valuable and expensive items, but also a clear message: we adapt to the expectations of guests, because comfort and security are a priority. And investments in branding a safe facility should quickly pay off. And they will more than pay for themselves.
If you want to learn more about the safe use of hotel safes, read also: Travel safety: the hotel room safe – can you trust it?
