Hotel inspection forms can help on fam trips

SECAUCUS, N.J. -- On a well-planned, land-based familiarization trip, you or your staff will usually have a chance to visit several hotels in addition to the ones you stay in.

Requiring the regular use of a standard form for hotel inspections is a good way to build an office file of first-hand reports to supplement sources that you may subscribe to, such as the Star Service.

And don't merely put all those staff-generated reports into a file somewhere. Provide copies of the newest reports to all of your counselors, perhaps even for discussion at staff meetings.

Relying on a hotel form or some other relatively rigid format is not enough. Ask staff to supplement any section, as appropriate, with comments in narrative form and maybe with photos.

Also, many forms do not include a box where you or your agents can indicate the nature of the visit. In other words, was the inspection a quick visit? Was it an extended visit, perhaps including a lunch? Or did the reviewer stay overnight? It is a good idea to provide this data, too.

Finally, collect information from clients on their hotel experiences. Depending on how important a property or resort might be to your business, you could ask particular clients to complete an evaluation form of this type.

The form and hints on its use are courtesy of Claudine Dervaes, president of Tampa, Fla.-based Solitaire Publishing and the author/publisher of various manuals, videos and teaching items.