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April 8, 2021
In formulating a picture of the state of Memphis hospitality in March 2021, we asked four hotel general managers, two from out east, and two from downtown, to share a little bit of the problems they are still facing. We sent three questions that are relevant to the Memphis area hospitality industry this quarter, and these are their responses.
Doug Browne
General Manager
Peabody Memphis
Question 1: What does occupancy look like for you now that we are seeing large scale vaccinations and more people out traveling?
We have seen in March a 20% increase in occupancy and expect that number to grow steadily throughout the year.
Question 2: There have been several news stories out about an overwhelming need for additional hospitality employees at many Memphis area hotels. What can you tell me about that as it concerns your hotel and how are you working to solve it?
Presently, The Peabody Memphis has 70 open positions. We have done the following to recruit new associates: 1) Increased pay rates for numerous positions. 2) Added new incentives. 3) Created recruiting and signing bonuses. 4) Held a job fair and will be potentially planning a second one. 5) Heavily promoting job postings on social media and job search websites. 6) Hired recruiters for salaried positions. 7) Using staffing companies, but we are finding they are having the same issues finding staff. 8) Hiring J1 Interns to begin this summer.
Question 3: How have the new loosened COVID-19 restrictions of the Shelby County Health Dept. impacted your daily operations?
The new loosened COVID-19 restrictions have had only a minor impact on us. We will not see a big impact until they eliminate the restrictions.
Rick Patel
General Manager
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Germantown
Question 1: What does occupancy look like for you now that we are seeing large scale vaccinations and more people out traveling?
Business/occupancy is starting to trend up. It is still not what it was pre-Covid but customers are starting to return and planning to travel more.
Question 2: There have been several news stories out about an overwhelming need for additional hospitality employees at many Memphis area hotels. What can you tell me about that as it concerns your hotel and how are you working to solve it?
It is just not a Memphis issue. The problem arises from extended unemployment benefits offered by the government. It is a major concern. Extremely hard to find people. Plenty of jobs available.
Question 3: How have the new loosened COVID-19 restrictions of the Shelby County Health Dept. impacted your daily operations?
Still following the guidelines set by the county. In addition, we have other restrictions set by the franchisor.
Anne-Marie Famalette
General Manager
Courtyard by Marriott Collierville
Question 1: What does occupancy look like for you now that we are seeing large scale vaccinations and more people out traveling?
Occupancy is picking up and teams on weekends are committing to travel. Some Corp. is reaching out slowly.
Question 2: There have been several news stories out about an overwhelming need for additional hospitality employees at many Memphis area hotels. What can you tell me about that as it concerns your hotel and how are you working to solve it?
Hiring is very difficult. Some laid off people don’t want to come back. Some went to Amazon and then realized it was too difficult and came back. Housekeeping is the hardest hit department, but the front desk has been difficult. I now do a preliminary interview on the phone and some still don’t show up for the interview. I am starting to stabilize right now. Not sure how long that will last.
Question 3: How have the new loosened COVID-19 restrictions of the Shelby County Health Dept. impacted your daily operations?
Not much because I really don’t have a restaurant. We opened our Bistro with a limited menu per Marriott but the number of people to serve, etc. doesn’t affect us like a restaurant.
Bill Marvel
General Manager
Hotel Indigo Memphis Downtown
Question 1: What does occupancy look like for you now that we are seeing large scale vaccinations and more people out traveling?
We have seen a nice spike the last couple of weekends due to spring break. Near sell outs during each. We are also starting to see weekday occupancy levels at 55% & higher each day as well.
Question 2: There have been several news stories out about an overwhelming need for additional hospitality employees at many Memphis area hotels. What can you tell me about that as it concerns your hotel and how are you working to solve it?
This has definitely been our main concern recently. We have especially had difficulty in finding housekeepers. We placed an ad on Indeed & have also been in contact with a few staffing agencies locally.
Question 3: How have the new loosened COVID-19 restrictions of the Shelby County Health Dept. impacted your daily operations?
The loosened restrictions have helped in us being able to give more choices/suggestions to our guests during their stay with us.