It’s every hotel manager’s nightmare: an elevator breakdown. Not only are your guests inconvenienced, but you also have to deal with the cost and hassle of repairs.
So, what should you do if one of your elevators breaks down?
Here are a few tips.
1. Keep calm and carry on.
The first thing you need to do is stay calm. This can be difficult when your guests are angry and frustrated, but it’s important to remain calm and collected so that you can think clearly and make the best decisions for your hotel.
2. Assess the situation.
Once you’ve taken a deep breath and calmed down, it’s time to assess the situation. How many elevators are out of service? Are there any guests with disabilities who require the use of an elevator? What is the estimated time of repair?
3. Notify your guests.
Once you have all the information, it’s time to notify your guests. If possible, send an email or text message to all guests who are staying at the hotel so that they are aware of the situation and can plan accordingly. If you have disabled guests, be sure to offer them assistance in getting around the hotel.
4. Apologize and offer discounts.
No one likes dealing with an elevator breakdown, but unfortunately, these things happen from time to time. Be sure to apologize to your guests for any inconvenience caused by the breakdown and offer them a discount on their stay or future stays at the hotel as a gesture of good faith.
5. Prevent future breakdowns.
After dealing with the immediate aftermath of an elevator breakdown, it’s time to start thinking about preventing future breakdowns . Be sure to perform regular maintenance on all elevators and keep up-to-date on repairs. You may also want to consider investing in a backup generator so that elevators can still be used during a power outage .
Elevator Breakdowns are Inconvenient but Don’t Have to be a Disaster
By being aware of the most common causes of elevator accidents and taking precautions, you can help keep yourself safe when using this mode of transportation. Remember: if you find yourself in an emergency situation, stay calm and wait for help. Trying to force your way out could make the situation worse.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 10 elevator accidents per year. Out of these 10 accidents, three result in fatalities. When you consider that there are about 700,000 elevators in the United States, this number is actually quite low. However, fatalities from elevator accidents have been on the rise in recent years. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting into an elevator accident.
Tip #1: Keep a Record of Maintenance and Breakdowns
The first step to preventing major elevator disasters is to keep track of maintenance and previous breakdowns. This will help you identify potential problems before they become big ones. Create a log of all maintenance visits, including the date, time, and nature of the visit. When an elevator does break down, make a note of the time, cause of the problem, and any repairs that were made. This information will be invaluable when you’re trying to troubleshoot future problems.
Tip #2: Have a Backup Plan for Stranded Guests
If an elevator does break down, it’s important to have a plan in place for stranded guests. If possible, arrange for another hotel to take in your stranded guests for the night. If that’s not possible, set up cots or air mattresses in a common area for guests to sleep on. In either case, make sure that stranded guests have access to food and drink so they can stay comfortable throughout the night.
Tip #3: Offer Compensation for Inconvenience
Once the problem is resolved, offer each guest compensation for the inconvenience. This could be a discount on their stay or a voucher for a free meal at the hotel restaurant. Whatever you decide, make sure it’s something that will show your guests that you value their business and appreciate their patience during a difficult situation.
Conclusion:
Elevator breakdowns are always inconvenient, but with some advance planning they doesn’t have to be a disaster. By keeping track of maintenance visits and previous breakdowns, you can identify potential problems before they become big ones.
Having a plan in place for stranded guests, you can minimize the inconvenience for everyone involved. Finally, don’t forget to offer compensation for the inconvenience once the problem is resolved. A little bit of goodwill goes a long way towards keeping your guests happy and ensuring they’ll want to return to your hotel in the future.
Island Elevator is Ready to Help!
Island Elevator is here to help you understand all facets of your Elevator Repair, Maintenance, & Modernization costs in the new year. Our team is here to help ensure your home and business vertical transportation equipment receive the regularly scheduled maintenance necessary to help you avoid a major catastrophe, reduce the possibility of a costly repair, and ensure the safety of your passengers, tenants, and family.