SHORT-TIME HOTELS

There is this category of hotel that we rarely talk about in the hospitality industry. It’s a money spinner and you do not have to break the account to start it. Return on investment is sure and commensurate to capital. The gestation period is shorter and operational expenses are down to the barest minimum. Clienteles are almost guaranteed with minimum advertisement and you do not have to necessarily worry about service delivery as services are delivered before the arrival of guests.  Do you still not know the category we are talking about? Well, with this last clue you may not have to call a friend before you know. This category of hotel is the rallying venue for ladies who are sympathetic to the pathetic desires of men. It is popularly called ‘short-time hotel’, but in stricter conformity with basic hotel configuration it will qualify as motel.

The operations in this type of hotels are basic and centered around one individual, which in most cases is the owner of the place. The rooms are limited to manageable number averaging between 10 and 15. The staffs mostly do not wear uniform but they are conspicuously noticeable by their prying eyes and the female worker by their heavy make-up and gum chewing attitude. There are no clear cut differences between departments or sections as the guy that swept your room and brought tissue could also bring in your food room service order in the next minute. Yes, it is either that bad or that innovative depending on your mindset on service delivery

Talking about service delivery, the staffs are far from being polite as their guiding principle is tip. You will not blame them as most of these hotels have no objectives or mission statement. They are largely untrained and barely educated. Don’t fault them; they are also not well paid. They work in tandem with their environment as there are no standard operating procedures anyway. The guy in charge mostly the direct relation of the owner handles everything from being the accountant to the barman, oversees the kitchen, security, reception and quite at home with the generator. He has so much power and ready to lord it over not just the staff but also guests.

Bed sheets are so recycled that white sheet looks brownish; towels are in short supply and suffer the same fate with the bed spreads. Names of the hotel are boldly written across both the sheets and towels in paint! The conventional television is in perpetual “prison” with the anti burglary cage it sits in. the air conditioner unit serves mores as aesthetics than conditioner. Carpets are worn and faded and if its tiles, you can hardly tell of the original pattern and colour. Beds are too low, mattress are saggy and uncomfortable. You are not supposed to stay long anyway going by the name of the hotel.

It’s however not all sad news, as security at those hotels are tight. Unfortunately not for the guests! You are not required to register formally before check-in. No identity card is needed; your evidence to pay ahead entitles you to immediate check in. There are no payment receipts as either the guests and management can do without it for security reasons. The management as represented by the supervisor- in- charge is the official pimp and at your prompt, ready to deliver bouquet of ‘services’ to you as you leeringly make your choice.

 

The attraction of these types of hotels is the confidentiality the operation provides, the relative cheap cost, the flexibility of time and duration of stay. There is no denying the fact that they render service to large percentage of the hospitality client base. The argument here is that this could be better done with minimum cost both to the guest and management. Contact a hospitality consultant. If you must have fun, do it responsibly!