What's the G-U-E-S-T model? And how do you use it in your daily Hospitality operations?
G-U-E-S-T is a customer service model that stands for:
G - Greeting: This is the first step in interacting with a customer, and it involves greeting them in a friendly and welcoming manner.
U - Use the guest's name: Using the guest's name helps to personalize the interaction and make them feel welcome.
E - Establish the guest's need: This involves understanding what the customer is looking for and can be done by asking questions or actively listening to their needs.
S - Suggest a solution: Once the customer's need has been established, the next step is to suggest a solution that meets their needs.
T - Thank the guest: After suggesting a solution, it's important to thank the customer for their business or for considering your solution. This helps to create a positive and memorable experience for the customer.
The G-U-E-S-T model is a useful framework for providing excellent customer service and ensuring that guests feel welcome and assisted, That is why international companies like Marriott have included it in their training plan for dealing with guest complaints.
G - Greeting:How can I greet my hotel guests with examples?
There are many ways to greet a hotel guest, and the best approach will depend on the specific context and the guest's preferences. Here are a few examples of how you might greet a hotel guest:
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"Hello [guest name], welcome to [hotel name]! My name is [your name], and I'll be assisting you during your stay. Is there anything in particular you need help with?"
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"Good [morning/afternoon/evening], [guest name]. It's great to have you with us at [hotel name]. How was your journey here?"
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"Welcome to [hotel name], [guest name]! We're so glad you're here. How can we make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible?"
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"Hello [guest name], it's a pleasure to meet you. We hope you have a wonderful stay at [hotel name]. Is there anything we can do to make your stay even better?"
It's important to be friendly, professional, and welcoming when greeting hotel guests. A warm and genuine greeting can set the tone for a positive and enjoyable stay. Is there anything else I can help with?
U - Use the guest's name: How can I use the guest name? tips and rules
Using the guest's name is a simple but effective way to personalize the interaction and make the guest feel welcome. Here are a few tips and rules for using the guest's name:
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Make sure you get the name right: Before using the guest's name, make sure you have it spelled correctly. You can ask the guest for their name if you're not sure, or double-check the spelling if it's written down.
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Use the name appropriately: It's important to use the guest's name in a respectful and appropriate manner. Avoid using nicknames or abbreviations unless the guest has specifically requested them.
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Use the name naturally: Using the guest's name should feel natural and not forced. Don't overuse the guest's name or make it obvious that you're trying to use it excessively.
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Use the name at appropriate times: It's generally appropriate to use the guest's name when greeting them, thanking them, or addressing them directly. Avoid using the guest's name in situations where it may be inappropriate or uncomfortable.
E - Establish the guest's need: how can I do it?
Establishing the guest's needs is an important step in providing excellent customer service, as it allows you to understand what the guest is looking for and better assist them. Here are a few ways you can establish the guest's needs:
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Ask open-ended questions: Open-ended questions, such as "What brings you in today?" or "How can I help you today?", can help you understand the guest's needs and allow them to express their thoughts and preferences.
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Listen actively: Pay attention to what the guest is saying and try to understand their needs and preferences. Use nonverbal cues such as nodding or making eye contact to show that you are listening.
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Clarify the guest's request: If you're not sure what the guest is looking for, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. You can say something like, "I'm sorry, I'm not quite sure I understand. Could you please tell me a little more about what you're looking for?"
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Offer assistance: If the guest seems unsure of what they need, you can offer assistance by suggesting options or asking if they would like help finding something in particular.
S - Suggest a solution: How can Suggest a solution from the G-U-E-S-T model?
The "S" in the G-U-E-S-T model stands for "suggest a solution," which involves offering options or suggestions to meet the guest's needs. Here are a few tips for suggesting a solution to a guest:
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Understand the guest's need: Before suggesting a solution, make sure you have a clear understanding of what the guest is looking for. This may involve asking questions or listening actively to their needs.
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Offer options: If the guest is looking for a specific product or service, it can be helpful to offer them a range of options to choose from. This allows them to make a more informed decision and helps you better meet their needs.
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Be helpful and informative: When suggesting a solution, be helpful and informative. Answer any questions the guest may have and provide additional information as needed.
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Be respectful of the guest's preferences: It's important to respect the guest's preferences and not try to push a particular solution on them. Allow the guest to make their own decision and offer assistance as needed.
Overall, suggesting a solution to a guest is an important step in providing excellent customer service. By understanding the guest's need, offering options, being helpful and informative, and respecting the guest's preferences, you can help the guest feel welcomed and assisted.
T - Thank the guest
The "T" in the G-U-E-S-T model stands for "Thank the guest", which involves expressing gratitude to the guest for their business or for considering your solution. Here are a few tips for thanking a guest:
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Be sincere: It's important to be sincere when thanking a guest. Avoid using a generic or canned response, and instead try to express genuine appreciation for their business or consideration.
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Use appropriate language: Use language that is appropriate for the specific context and the guest's preferences. For example, you might say "Thank you" or "We appreciate your business" to a casual guest, or "Many thanks" or "We are grateful for your patronage" to a more formal guest.
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Use nonverbal cues: Nonverbal cues such as a smile or a nod can help convey your appreciation and make the guest feel welcome.
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Thank the guest at appropriate times: It's generally appropriate to thank the guest after suggesting a solution, completing a transaction, or providing assistance. Avoid thanking the guest in inappropriate or uncomfortable situations.
Overall, thanking a guest is an important step in providing excellent customer service. By being sincere, using appropriate language, using nonverbal cues, and thanking the guest at appropriate times, you can help create a positive and memorable experience for the guest. Is there anything else I can help with?
Read more about: L-E-A-R-N Model