With almost 75% of Americans drinking coffee on a daily basis, coffee is an important part of many markets including the travel industry. In addition to helping many start the day off right, java affords drinkers a variety of health benefits and is a staple of events from conferences to weddings.
For hotel owners, however, coffee provides an affordable and straightforward means of optimizing the guest experience. Offering quality cups of Joe via one-stop coffee stations can help hotels stand out for the right reasons, secure positive online reviews, and more. Here’s a quick guide to creating coffee stations that will check all the boxes for guests
Invest in a Quality Single-Serve Coffeemaker
As aficionados are apt to point out, cheap coffeemakers can inhibit the quality of otherwise delicious beans. While watery, not-quite-hot brews dampen the drinking experience, there’s a simple workaround: invest in a quality single-serve machine.
Reliable drip coffeemakers exist, but they’re comparatively difficult to clean and take longer than their cup-based counterparts to use. For obvious reasons, on-the-go hotel guests probably won’t want to wait for machines to brew.
And they won’t need to do so if a single-serve unit (or preferably units) is available. K-cup makers are cleaner than their brew counterparts, make coffee in comparatively little time, and enable drinkers to choose from a variety of options.
Unlike one-stop pots of coffee, these options include different flavors, decaf and regular, and even non-coffee beverages like tea.
Spring for High-Quality Disposable Cups
In today’s uncertain economy, it isn’t uncommon to try to save cash wherever possible – including by equipping a coffee station with the lowest-priced disposable cups, for instance. But doing so can compromise the drinking experience (and, more seriously yet, lead to possible burn injuries).
Plus, exclusively stocking non-disposable cups means guests will be unable to take their Joe on the go which makes it hard for people who are traveling that day or don’t have time to sit down and drink their coffee.
Enter the need for high-quality disposable cups. With more than a few products to choose from, coffee station organizers should pay a bit extra for cups that effectively shield drinkers’ hands from the beverage’s heat. For similar reasons, sturdy lids are also a must.
Don’t Neglect the Bells and Whistles
Overall, a hotel coffee station that’s clean, stocked, and complimentary will probably please guests. But it won’t necessarily stand out from the crowd and wow drinkers. That’s where bells and whistles – optional elements that go a long way toward making the drinking experience excellent – come in.
Notably, these bells and whistles are more about effort than cost; they won’t add much to a coffee bar’s expenses, but they’ll dramatically improve its reception. Single-use creamers are integral, but adding different flavors (each separated into a dedicated shelf or storage area) can take things to the next level.
Similarly, having non-dairy creamers on hand is advisable to accommodate those with dietary restrictions, while sugar and naturally derived substitute packets are important as well.
As a final touch, no coffee station can truly be complete without stocking the often-overlooked coffee stirrers, which should be individually sealed and positioned in an easy-to-reach vertical (not horizontal) container.
Maintain Cleanliness and Organization
No matter how well-stocked or thoughtful your coffee station is, cleanliness is key. A dirty or disorganized area can quickly deter guests. To keep the station appealing:
- Assign staff to check and restock the station regularly.
- Use vertical organizers for creamers, sweeteners, and stirrers to maximize space and maintain order.
- Provide trash bins nearby and ensure they’re emptied often.
A clean station looks professional and ensures guests can enjoy their coffee without hassle.
