rest of the casino and hotel . We will be exploring current trends that have proven to be successful in increasing guest satisfaction with room accommodations , and especially those that create the desire to come back again for more .
MURPHY : One of the keys to our success has been the constant refreshing and reinventing of our existing facilities . Whether it is hotel rooms , restaurants or meeting facilities , we are regularly renovating the property in order to keep it new and exciting for our guests . In 2014 , we unveiled a major multimilliondollar renovation of our 22,000-squarefoot hotel lobby , two restaurants and the addition of two new dining outlets . We saw immediate improvements in the performance of these renovated outlets .
RIZZO : Management needs to be continually aware from customer feedback of upgrades and modifications that would increase revenues . This can be in the number and variety of food and beverage options as well the local and regional competition . Recently , we have seen a trend in adding and upgrading food court offerings and incorporating coffee , dessert and wine tasting to their venues .
STEELMAN : Every casino maximizes the amount of non-gaming revenue for every tandem used space . Simple techniques of advertising ( specials , etc .) can increase revenue and attendance . The idea is to develop non-gaming attractions that enhance the casino gaming experience . If that occurs , the activities will be made for one another and the non-gaming and the gaming areas will all be energized with people and profits .
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What are some of the factors to consider when adding a hotel to a stand-alone casino ?
EMERY : One of the biggest mistakes we see in the addition of hotels adjoining casinos is a lack of connection . Generally speaking , the entry sequence of the casino and hotel should have a “ WOW ” moment and allow the guests to make choices as to where to go . We always try to have a visual link between the hotel front desk and part of the gaming floor .
HOSKINS : Hotels are not just rooms . Hotels are market differentiators , and it ’ s critical to use them to that end . Having the ability to vary the room choices within a resort for the clientele desired is the most advantageous .
We work with our clients to understand these four fundamentals : 1 . The ratio of rooms to slots . It ’ s important to size a hotel based on anticipated occupancy and market potential . 2 . The need to differentiate your hotel from the competition . A solid market analysis will enable clients to make smart decisions about how they can fill a void in the marketplace and attract guests from the surrounding market or even become a destination magnet . 3 . Position the hotel as a core component of the casino resort . An integrated resort works when all the building types complement one another and there is a core purpose and design intent unifying the resort . 4 . Create hotel amenities to complement resort amenities .
KELLY : The weakest model we see , and the one to avoid , is the hotel that was not planned . The hotel with no narrative — the hotel that is not marketed to a defined group of guests . Do that and you end up being nothing to anybody rather than something for everyone . As you evaluate options and make decisions , put yourself in your guest ’ s place . Imagine walking into your room , putting away your clothes , washing up and having a snack . A design and amenities that satisfy you will likely do the same for your guests .
The Golden Nugget Atlantic City
KREFT : We have , from time to time , worked on properties that started out with just a casino . When this occurs , we meet with the team , which usually includes ownership , the architect / planner , general contractor and other operations-oriented team members , to discuss how the overall property will be “ masterplanned ” moving forward . All sorts of conditions need to be addressed early on when considering the addition of a hotel . The significance of a well-functioning porte-cochere ( for guests , valet , bus drop , etc .) is as significant as the entry drive approach , access to the pool area within the hotel , its convenience to your hotel guests and the amenities at the pool area that make most sense for a particular property and its guest profile . We know that your guests ’ first impression will be made as they arrive off the main thoroughfare into the casino property . The entry drive would likely need to be upgraded to demonstrate a fresh , new property image . We are only one of several consultants that need to be included at a kick-off meeting to ensure that the site plan is maximizing the best aspects of a property and its marketing intent .
MURPHY : From a tribal gaming per-
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