Benefits Of Self-Service Bars In Modern Hospitality
In the hospitality industry, customer satisfaction is about more than just clean rooms. Guests want an experience that relieves them from the stresses of day-to-day life — whether that's soaking by the pool, dining in luxury, or refreshing with high-quality beverage service.
However, traditional bar service can be costly and inefficient, especially when long wait times prevent guests from getting on with their itinerary. Instead, self-serve draft systems provide operational efficiency for both guests and business owners, allowing for fast pouring at the perfect temperature, every time.
Want to learn more about how a new self-serve system can improve your hotel or resort? Read on to learn more!
What Are Self-Service Bars?
Self-service bars are an innovative hospitality solution that combines the latest self-pour technology with traditional beverage-on-tap service. The system, including kegs, gas tanks and blenders, tap lines, and the dispensing faucets, is all self-contained for easy maintenance and precisely-controlled pours.
Whether the cooler is distant or underneath the system (long-draw vs. direct draw), systems maintain a variety of beverages at the perfect temperature — draft beer, wine, cocktails, and even non-alcoholic options like cold-brew coffee. Guests choose exactly what they want from a user-friendly digital beer menu, and secure RFID-integrated cards or wristbands allow for simple purchasing and re-ordering.
Want to learn more about how GS Draft offers the best personalized self-serve bars in the hospitality industry?
How Self-Service Bars Improve The Guest Experience
In a world where long-distance traveling has never been easier, many guests look for seamless, modern experiences that help you stand out from the sea of typical accommodations. Self-service bars deliver just that, providing a user-friendly experience that's faster, higher-quality, and more personalized than the traditional one.
Here's how the system provides guest satisfaction without extra staffing or complexity:
1. Reduced Wait Times
Whether booking a room for a business trip or vacation, hotel and resort guests are often on-the-go, preparing for their next activity or meeting. Nothing sours this experience like waiting ages for a drink. Instead, self-service options empower customers by allowing them to pour at their own pace and convenience, cutting down bottlenecks during peak hours.
2. Customizable Beverage Service
The ideal beverage service is unique for every guest. Some guests might want a light splash of wine, rather than a full glass, while others might choose to try a variety of drinks in one night. This level of personalization can be difficult for bartenders, especially when language barriers become an issue. Conversely, self-serve systems provide maximum personalization with ease. Guests can pour exactly what they want, how they want, all while reducing waste.
3. 24/7 Access for Guests
When you want to streamline operations while also expanding access, rather than limiting it, self-serve systems are a revolutionary solution. These systems can remain active and functional all throughout the day, all without additional staffing. The result: whether guests return late from an event or rise early for a morning beverage, they can enjoy refreshments on their schedule.
How Self-Pour Technology Benefits Hotel & Resort Businesses
On top of enhancing guest experiences, self-service bars offer several unmatched benefits for businesses looking to grow sustainably. From reducing waste to simplifying staffing, these systems offer the ROI you need to succeed in a competitive market.
1. Higher Keg Yield For Maximized Profits
Seamless integration with carefully calibrated tap lines, gas tanks, and other components provide a higher keg yield than traditional taps. For example, the typical tap only has a yield of 70-80% per keg, while some of GS Draft's revolutionary systems can reach 99-100%. This reduces overall waste, boosting your profits and providing guests with a more sustainable operation.
2. Reduced Labor Requirements and Costs
Full-time bartenders are expensive, and one off day or a lack of proper training can lead to guest complaints. Instead, self-service bars minimize the need for additional staffing, allowing your existing employees to service other areas of the hotel. Need someone to handle a situation at the pool? With self-serve, you'll have more staff readily available for other value-driven roles.
3. Branding and Customer Loyalty
Self-service bars can be the marketing effort you never knew you needed. Not only do these systems drive guest engagement with their functional purpose, but they can also use personalized designs to reflect your unique branding. For example, GS Draft's systems can be designed with customizable finishes, cabinets, layouts, and more. Set yourself apart from the crowd and start building customer loyalty with an experience they'll remember!
4. Adaptable and Scalable Technology
Need a self-serve bar for a major event or unique location? From poolside bars to service for weddings and conventions, your new system is adaptable and scalable. Consistent temperature control and fast pouring, combined with customizable drink menus, assist guests and boost the hospitality experience for any occasion.
How To Successfully Integrate Your New Self-Service Bar
Thinking about taking your hotel or resort to the next level with self-service solutions? For the most strategic investment, it's important to know what exactly your business needs and how you can facilitate a hassle-free integration. Here are our step-by-step tips:
- Assess Ideal Locations: Analyze your building for high-traffic, high-impact areas that will benefit the most from a new self-service bar. For example, the pool deck, lobby, rooftop, and lounge are popular choices, as these are places where guests naturally gather.
ADA Compliance and Accessibility: Hotel guests come from all walks of life, meaning that your beverage station needs to be prepared to accommodate disabilities. GS Draft offers fully ADA-compliant systems to meet these needs without sacrificing style or efficiency.
- RFID Integration: For effective RFID usage, be sure to connect with your Property Management System (PMS). This allows guests to purchase things directly and securely using their card or wristband.
- Staff Training: While self-service bars generally reduce staffing needs, your remaining staff will need to know how to monitor usage, assist guests, and troubleshoot the system. Luckily, GS Draft includes staff training as part of our installation and maintenance process.
Promote the Experience: A little marketing goes a long way. Try introducing self-service at check-in, in-room materials, and on digital displays around the hotel. Highlight the ease, variety, and fun to encourage participation and maximize ROI.
Why Choose GS Draft To Install Your Self-Service Bar?
When you're ready to integrate a self-service bar in the lounge or by the poolside, you need an expert that works with you to ensure maximum ROI, every step of the way. That's where GS Draft System Solutions comes in. We prioritize your business goals and pricing strategies at every stage, from initial design to ongoing maintenance and repairs. Here's how we deliver unparalleled value:
- Custom Design Solutions: We design self-service bars to match your hospitality needs, budget, and building layout. Whether you need poolside drinks chilled to a perfect 38 degrees or a careful consideration in a historic lobby, we provide systems that are as functional as they are branded.
- Installation Expertise: GS Draft brings professional installation services to you, anywhere in the country. We guarantee precise operating conditions, even for complex and custom systems.
- Ongoing Maintenance Support: Never worry about ongoing maintenance and repairs again. GS Draft always here to support you, even after installation, providing regular maintenance and troubleshooting services that address issues early.
Improve ROI And Guest Satisfaction With A New Self-Service Bar
Self-service bars are a game changer for the hospitality experience, providing streamlined service for guests while maximizing ROI for business owners. You get reduced waste and staffing requirements, while your patrons get to enjoy perfectly-poured beverages in a fraction of the time.
So, if you're ready to invest, consider working with GS Draft. We take pride in our work and are here to address any inquiries about our self-serve systems and services, which are all created to help your hotel or resort run above the industry standard.
Explore our comprehensive installation options by calling us at (949) 421-3882. You can also email us at sales@gsdraft.com. We look forward to your message!