Staging (Setup for Guest Arrival)
Staging is the process of preparing a property for the next guest's arrival separate from cleaning. This occurs after cleaning and prior to the new guest's check-in. This operational function is usually only found in luxury rentals or boutique hotels where a turnover specialist will perform an inspection after the cleaning team have completed their task.
Why it matters
Effective staging is crucial for maximizing occupancy and guest satisfaction. A well-executed staging process helps prevent negative reviews related to cleanliness or missing items and reduces the chances of delayed check-ins. By standardizing the turnover, operators can control labor costs and ensure a consistent guest experience.
Operator use case
Operators use staging to standardize the turnover process between guests. They implement detailed checklists to ensure that cleaning staff, maintenance personnel, and supply restockers are all aligned. This ensures that every property is consistently prepared for the next guest within the scheduled time frame.
Industry insight
A common mistake in staging is underestimating the time required for a complete turnover, leading to rushed work and quality issues. Another frequent error is not using a standardized checklist, which results in an inconsistent guest experience. In high-demand markets, operators often need more staff to handle tighter turnover windows.
Tech & tools relevance
Property Management Systems (PMS) are central to modern staging operations. They offer task templates and automated scheduling based on bookings. A central calendar helps in coordinating cleaning crews and maintenance staff. These systems can also integrate with housekeeping and other apps to streamline the entire process.
How Hostfully helps
Hostfully's platform aids in the automation of turnover workflows through features like task scheduling for cleaning and other staff members. It allows for the creation of checklists to ensure all staging steps are completed correctly. The system can automatically generate tasks when a guest checks out and send reminders if there are delays. This helps maintain a consistent and reliable process for every turnover. Hostfully is also integrated with Properly, which includes image-powered staging touch points.