The Meaning of Luxury
When the word luxury comes to mind, a litany of adjectives also come to mind… posh, relaxed, extravagant, delightful, indulgent, special and superior are just a few. To use the word luxury to describe anything confers these attributes to that item. Whether it is a luxury car, a luxury vacation, luxury clothing or a luxury hotel, when a luxury item is encountered there are certain expectations that follow.
In the luxury hotel business it seems the expectations are multiplied, because of the joining of high-end quality and attention to an industry that already aims to please. The hospitality industry is one that succeeds based on how well it pleases its customer and therefore adding the standard of luxury adds a level of quality control that takes time and attention to properly maintain.
A Step Above the Rest
Those in the luxury hotel business understand the difficulty that comes with maintaining exceptionally high standards. It is the crux of what makes your business function. High standards are upheld in customer service, maintenance of grounds and rooms, quality of products and amenities, cleanliness, food and overall ambient experience.
From the moment your guests steps out of their car to the moment they pass through the lobby door the last time, your goal is to create a luxurious, calm, relaxing experience that leaves them wanting for nothing. This is no easy task. And what many managers and owners of luxury entities have come to know quite well, is that when it comes to luxury, it is the fine details that matter. Many places can offer exceptional service, quality products, clean rooms, delicious food and special amenities; however, it the business that goes the extra mile and adds the next level of greatness to the small things that is a step above the rest.
It’s all in the Details
Ultimately luxury hotels do the same things that every other hotel does; they offer guests a place to stay while traveling and away from home. However, it is the way that they do it that makes all the difference. And that difference is found in the small things. One thing that is very often overlooked even in regular circumstances is furniture casters.
Furniture casters are small items that make a big difference. A caster’s job is to make something mobile. However, this powerful object is hardly ever noticed, except when it is causing a disturbance. If a piece of furniture or equipment is not rolling smoothly or if the caster is making an unruly noise then it is given attention. However, an important aspect of paying attention to details is giving attention to them before they become problems.
In essence, you want your guests to walk away not being able to think of a single incident where they were bothered or annoyed. Think, for a moment, the annoying sound of a piece of equipment rolling by that has a loose caster, the repetitive rattling can be just enough to disturb a resting guest, or interrupt an important phone call. By ensuring that the everyday minute details are taken care of, and that even the smallest things are in top shape and working order, you remove the possibilities of unwanted disturbances.
Matching the Job to the Caster
Making the best choice means understanding your options. And when it comes to small details like casters, there are many options. Generally speaking, casters are available in light, medium and heavy. This distinction refers not to the caster itself, but to the load capacity that it is able to handle. The casters themselves will be differing weights due to the material they are made of and the structural design, however the weight distinction refers to load.
It is important to know what the casters will be attached to, and what they will be used for to ensure that they are matched accordingly to the job at hand. One of the fastest ways to ruin a caster and push it into early destruction is to use it for the wrong job or under the wrong circumstances. Although they may hold up for a while, it is always best to match it according to its designed capabilities. This will ensure that you get the best wear and tear out of the individual caster, which in the long run will save you money.
Stems and Material Options
Once it is determined what the caster will be required to handle, there are many other options to be considered. Depending on how the caster will be attached to the furniture or equipment will determine the type of stem or attachment plate that is needed. Some of the available options include: top plate, threaded stem, stainless steel, expanding adapter stem, square stem, grip ring stem, pipe thread stem, modular stem, top plate swivel, and the kingpinless top plate.
After determining the best attachment method for the job, there are still many other options to consider. The rolling balls of the caster are available in many different materials. Again, it is important to know the type of job that is going to be done so as to know which material is best suited. Certain materials work better on hard floors versus soft floors. Some are made to go over rough terrain. Some materials are designed specifically to glide smoothly to reduce noise. Some of the options of material include performa, performa conductive, polyolefin, polyurethane Hi-Tech, phenolic, cast iron, maxim, and thermo.
In addition to the material of the rolling ball, the structural part of the caster is also available in different materials and colors, making it possible for the look of the caster to also play an important role. These small details can make all the difference in how a caster looks and works and can be a finishing touch on the furniture and equipment in your luxury hotel.
Making the Right Choice
When it comes to making the right choice amidst so many options, we understand it can be difficult. We at Douglas Equipment, with more than 50 years in the material handling business know and understand this. We strive to share our knowledge of the field and have products available to ensure that our customers are well-informed to be able to make the decision that will best benefit them and their business. Please contact us Toll-free at 1-800-451-0030, locally at 305-888-3700, or by faxing us at 305-883-9563. You can also reach us electronically through the Contact Us section on our website.
