Seasonal reopening or post-renovation launches are pivotal moments for hotels. They represent a chance to reset, refresh, and make a strong impression on guests. However, many properties stumble through them by repeating the same operational mistakes, which often lead to poor reviews, guest dissatisfaction, and staff burnout.

One of the most frequent issues is rushed staff onboarding. When hotels reopen after a period of closure, it’s common for new or returning staff to receive inadequate training. This leads to inconsistent service and mistakes that could easily be avoided with proper preparation. Taking time to retrain your team and align everyone with current service expectations is crucial.

Another problem lies in outdated standard operating procedures. The hospitality world changes rapidly, and what worked last season may no longer meet today’s expectations. Whether it’s updated hygiene protocols or new guest preferences, SOPs must be reviewed and refreshed regularly to ensure relevance.

Internal communication is often underestimated but critically important. When departments do not communicate clearly,especially during a reopening,gaps in service are inevitable. Guests notice when teams are not on the same page, and the result is a disjointed experience.

In many cases, hotels overlook the importance of internal audits or trial runs before reopening. Performing mystery guest evaluations or test stays helps identify weak points in service delivery, allowing teams to correct issues before real guests arrive. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference.

Reopening also requires emotional readiness, not just technical preparation. Staff must be motivated, confident, and customer-focused from day one. Ignoring soft skills training is a mistake that can undermine all other operational efforts.

Technology must also be tested thoroughly. From property management systems and mobile apps to in-room tech and Wi-Fi, everything should work seamlessly. Technical hiccups are one of the fastest ways to frustrate guests, especially in today’s digitally connected world.

Avoiding these common mistakes is easier when you have expert guidance. At Hoteltraining.gr, we provide reopening consulting services that help you optimize operations and ensure your hotel is ready to impress from the very first guest.