ACCOMMODATION
Billing the Guest Folio
Folio Overview
Charges
The folio records all charges incurred by the guest, including room rates, taxes, and ancillary
services.
Payments
The folio tracks all payments made by the guest, such as cash, credit card, or direct billing.
Room Revenue Charges
Room Rate
The nightly rate for the guest's accommodations, based on the room type and any applicable
discounts.
Fees
Any supplementary charges, like resort fees or destination marketing fees, that are associated
with the room.
Ancillary Revenue Charges
Food and Beverage
Charges for meals, snacks, and drinks consumed at the hotel's restaurants, bars, or in-room
dining.
Spa and Recreation
Charges for using the hotel's spa, fitness center, or other recreational facilities.
Discounts and Adjustments
Room Discounts
Reductions in the room rate, such as corporate or loyalty program discounts.
Promotional Offers
Discounts or complimentary services provided as part of a marketing campaign.
CASH OR CREDIT: THE CITY LEDGER
CASH PAID OUT
When cash is taken out of the F.O. cash and "paid out" to someone (Employee, Guest, Vendor,
Manager etc.,)
Refunds at Check-out
if the guest paid a large advance up-front and has money left over, they are refunded as a "paid
out."
Cash Receipts at Check-out
When guest pays their bill in cash on departure
Cash Receipts "On-Account"
When a guest makes a partial payment against their final bill
CREDIT CARDS
-a payment card, usually issued by a bank, allowing its users to purchase goods or services, or
withdraw cash, on credit.
DEBIT CARDS
-Transfer funds instantly from customers bank account
SMART CARDS
-with memory chips that can store other information-ID, medical info, insurance info etc-Slowly
becoming more popular
WHAT IS CITY LEDGER?
The city ledger is a record of all transactions between a business and its customers that do not
involve cash. These transactions can include credit sales, charge accounts, and direct billing.
CITY LEDGER CATEGORIES
TRAVEL AGENCIES
-A travel agency can become an account receivable in the city ledger when guest pays
the first night's room charge with the travel agency's coupon
BANQUET CHARGES
-An open account created by a catered party in the hotel, that a guest pays after-the-fact
DELINQUENT ACCOUNT
-May be transferred to "Bad Debts" account and "written off" if found to be uncollectible
NIGHT AUDIT
the process in the hospitality industry, particularly in hotels, where financial transactions and
records from the day are reviewed and reconciled. This process usually takes place overnight,
hence the name, and involves tasks like verifying guest charges, reconciling cash and credit
card transactions, and preparing financial reports.
Night auditor
A night auditor is an essential role in the hospitality industry, responsible for closing out the day's
business and preparing the hotel's financial records for the next day. They typically work the
night shift, ensuring smooth operations during the less busy hours.
Night audit as a process
The night audit process is a crucial step in a hotel's daily operations. It involves reconciling
various financial transactions, including guest charges, room revenue, and other financial data.
This process ensures accuracy and prepares the hotel for the next day's business.
Key Responsibilities of a Night Auditor
Balancing guest accounts and preparing daily reports.
Verifying room rates and occupancy.
Reconciling cash and credit card transactions.
Preparing deposit reports for the front desk.
Handling any guest inquiries or issues that arise during the night.
Skills and Qualifications
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Proficiency in using hotel management systems.
Excellent math and analytical skills.
Ability to work independently and efficiently.
Good communication and problem-solving skills.
Benefits of a Night Audit Position
Flexible work schedule.
Opportunity for career advancement within the hospitality industry.
Competitive salary and benefits.
Potential for overtime pay.
Current trend in Hotel Accommodation Design
1. Sustainable Practices
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of both the hospitality and vacation rental industries,
driven by the increasing awareness.
2. Smart room technology
The integration of smart technology within guest rooms is an ongoing trend aimed at enhancing
the overall guest experience
3. Eco-friendly rooms
establishments have a holistic approach to sustainability, implementing practices that minimize
harm to the environment and have a positive impact on local communities.
4. Multifunctional spaces
As hotel rooms become smaller and more expensive, Dray sees multifunctional spaces
becoming increasingly popular.
5. Wellness Offerings
Wellness is now a mainstream trend, with hotels and vacation rentals expanding their wellness
offerings to cater to healthconscious.
HOTEL VALUATION TECHNIQUES
In valuing hotels, there are three approaches from which to select: the income
capitalization, sales comparison, and cost approach.
Income Capitalization Approach
- The income capitalization approach is based on the principle that the value of
a property is indicated by its net return, or what is known as the "present
worth of future benefits."
Sales Comparison Approach
- While hotel investors are interested in the information contained in the sales
comparison approach, they usually do not employ this approach in reaching
their final purchase decisions.
Cost Approach
- The cost approach may provide a reliable estimate of value in the case of
new properties
Human Resource Management in Hotel Accommodation Services
Human Resource Management (HRM) is crucial in the hospitality sector, particularly in hotel
accommodation services, where the quality of service heavily depends on staff performance.
Effective HRM strategies help hotels attract, retain, and develop talent, directly impacting guest
experiences and satisfaction.
KEY FUNCTIONS:
Recruitment: Recruiting the right staff is essential for maintaining service standards. Hotels
must identify staffing needs, create attractive job postings, and implement selection processes
that assess both skills and cultural fit.
Training: Once hired, employees undergo orientation to familiarize themselves with hotel
operations, culture, and standards. Ongoing training ensures staff stay updated on best
practices and develop their skills, contributing to overall service quality.
Performance Management: Regular evaluations help set clear performance expectations.
Managers provide feedback and coaching, allowing employees to improve and align their
performance with the hotel’s goals.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Competitive compensation packages attract talent and reduce turnover. In addition to salaries,
benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and performance-based incentives can
motivate employees and improve job satisfaction, making them feel valued.
COMPLIANCE
HRM must ensure adherence to labor laws and regulations, including fair labor practices and
workplace safety. Compliance protects the hotel from legal issues and helps create a safe,
respectful environment for both employees and guests.
CHALLENGES
The hospitality industry faces high turnover rates, often due to the seasonal nature of
employment. Maintaining consistent service quality with a constantly changing workforce is a
significant challenge. HRM strategies must address these issues by fostering a strong
organizational culture and offering career development opportunities.
Yield Management in Hotel
Yield management in hotels maximizes revenue by adjusting room prices and availability based
on demand. It ensures the right room is sold to the right guest at the best price and time.
Dynamic Pricing
Room rates fluctuate based on factors like demand, time of booking, seasonality, and even
events happening nearby.
Inventory Control
Inventory control in hotels refers to the management of room availability to maximize occupancy
and revenue.
Forecasting
Accurate demand forecasting is critical. Hotels use historical data, trends, and market conditions
to predict future demand.
Segmentation
In hotels involves dividing customers into distinct groups based on characteristics such as
booking behavior, price sensitivity, purpose of travel or booking channels.
Distribution Channel Management
Hotels need to balance between direct bookings and third-party platforms like online travel
agencies (OTAs).
Competitive Pricing
Hotels monitor their competitors' pricing and adjust their own rates to remain competitive in the
market.
HOTEL ENTERTAINMENT
encompass events, theatre performances, musical shows and other avenues that provide a
recreational element to guests. The availability of entertainment options for both kids and adults
is one of the factors that influence a guest's choice of hotel.
Types of Hotel
Entertainment
Kids Entertainment
Kids Club
Outdoor Play Area
Pool Activities
Entertainment for Adults
Spa and Wellness
Fitness Center
Pool and Hot Tub
Live Music
Entertainment for Senior
Themed Events
Quiet Lounge
Yoga and Meditation Classes
Guided Tour