Assignment:
Your initial paper in week two must include the name of the business and a review of your concept and theme. Your paper should be a minimum of 500 words.
As you consider your course project, think about what types of lodging operation interest you the most and what you have the most experience with. For example, you have a variety of lodging operations to choose from that includes franchises and independent lodging operations. It can be a full-service hotel, limited-service hotel, lodge, resort property, country inn, bed and breakfast, or something else entirely. Ask yourself: where do I feel most comfortable when I stay at a lodging operation? The answer is probably a good place to start in developing your concept.
On another note, you will want to develop a concept that has some precedence: Is there available information on a similar concept? Can you do the research online or in your town? If not, you may want to focus on something that has a lot of existing material that can be applied to your new idea. As always, give credit where credit is due: Cite your sources!
You will need to explain your the concept itself (theme, style, product type and quality, functionality and general appearance), the design of your rooms, concept for each department individually such as restaurants, bars, sports, health and fitness sections (including identified target market , type of product and services, menu design, decoration and other identity implementations.
I have included below how you should approach this paper for week 2 below. Furthermore, keep it brief for this assignment. You do not have to fully detail every aspect listed below. However, give an overview of these areas. Only 500 words are required. More if you would like. Please make sure you meet the minimum otherwise you will lose points.
Step 1
Describe the type of lodging accommodations you will have. Choose lodging theme that's broad enough to allow you to innovate but narrow enough for customers to easily understand. For example, "American hotel" is too broad, "Miami Hotel " is too narrow, while "Comfort Stay all Suite Hotel" provides both identity and wiggle room. Explain the possibilities and limitations associated with your concept, as well as your unique qualifications for creating a lodging operation based on the accommodations type you describe. You would discuss this in your concept for week 2. Check out the internet for ideas on how to come up with the name of your business. (This would not apply if you decided to become a franchise of a major hotel chain.)
Step 2
Describe the ways that your lodging decor will work in synergy with your lodging operations theme. For example, if you plan to open a Bed n' Breakfast lodging operation you would focus on decor based on your concept theme or from what the local area has to offer. If your operations was in Sonoma, California you might want to have decor representing the wine country, the history of the area, and more. If you're opening a resort destination lodging operations and your concept / theme was sun and fun, you might include decor based on your concept/theme. .Select decor inspired by what your target market would perceive your lodging operation should be. all about. This would include the interior and exterior of the lodging operation. You would discuss this in your concept in week 2.
Step 3
Identify the target market for your lodging operation's concept and explain how your idea will appeal to this core group of customers. For example, if you plan to open a Bed n' Breakfast (Let's say your Bed n' Breakfast 30 minutes from the ski slopes in Aspen, Colorado) you might focus on attracting guests that come from a tri-state area that are going on a skiing and participate in other winter activities. Along with guests who ski, maybe in the off season you would change your target market. You will have to determine this. You would discuss this in your concept for week 2
Step 4
Describe the way your lodging business model will earn revenue and make a profit. Provide specifics about particular amenities. Use this part of your lodging concept statement to demonstrate that you have a clear idea of where your revenues be coming from. Would it be from room catering, meeting /convention/conferences, restaurant operations, night clubs and bar operations, fitness and health operations (spa's), golf and other recreational activities, or just room sales. (Just to name a few), You would discuss this in your concept for week 2