News of a VIP guest arriving at your hotel is both exciting and concerning. Of course, you want to provide the best hospitality possible, but you also must ensure safety. Being unable to create a secure environment for a VIP presents a risk to your establishment’s reputation. It all starts with a security plan that includes several criteria, beginning with a security guard service.
Having a security plan that includes a security guard service ensures a secure stay for a VIP.
Furthermore, consider employing the following four strategies in your security solutions:
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- Beef up security staff
- Guard information
- Understand threats
- Follow a written plan
Beef Up Your Security Staff
VIP guests are great publicity for a hotel. They choose accommodations that are comfortable, reputable, and secure. When people learn that VIPs select your hotel, they feel it’s an authentic endorsement. Your hotel must be a safe and luxurious retreat from the hectic day-to-day world.
Publicity also brings unwanted guests. Paparazzi, curiosity seekers, and even unbalanced individuals may enter the hotel for a glimpse at a celebrity, an autograph opportunity, or to harass a public figure, such as a politician or media figure they despise. Keeping these potentially unruly elements in line is a vital responsibility of the hospitality industry.
Most often, this requires increasing security staff while the VIP stays at the hotel. Security officers need to keep a careful eye on the entrance and exit points for suspicious behavior, such as photographers lurking in doorways hoping to take pictures of a VIP during his or her private time. In addition, should the VIP use common areas, such as the pool or exercise room, security personnel must be available to ensure he or she can enjoy the facilities without unwanted attention.
Many VIPs employ their own security team. When this is the case, proactively reaching out to them to coordinate security helps the process run smoother. Your team should augment the VIP’s personal security while also safeguarding the hotel’s interests. If the VIP has no security, your team should be prepared to provide any necessary help.
Guard Information
The internet and social media era have made maintaining privacy exceedingly difficult for publicly known hotel guests. Because of this, hotels hosting VIPs risk being overrun by fans and media. Worse, the criminal element, including thieves and con artists, may also be attracted to the hotel.
Because of this, it’s crucial to guard information about VIP guests and their itineraries. In addition, hotel employees need to avoid the temptation to gossip. Such news travels fast, resulting in the VIP guest having a poor experience, a black mark for the hotel.
Instead, consider your staff members and which ones can be trusted with private information. These staff members can assist with issues related to the VIP stay so that you can keep the people in the know to a minimum. In addition, a pseudonym for the VIP helps maintain his or her stay on a need-to-know basis.
Understand Threats
Some threats toward VIPs are apparent. For example, a famous entertainer comes with the risks of throngs of fans overwhelming the premises if word of his or her stay leaks. A high-net-worth person is at risk from thieves, and famous parents want to ensure their children are safe.
Other threats may be less obvious. For instance, a recognizable person may wish to see the sights without being identified, treated differently, or heckled. The hotel concierge may be of help in booking tours with trusted vendors who will exercise discretion.
Follow a Written Plan
Both the VIP’s and the hotel’s security personnel need to know the plan for handling the logistics of the security operation. A written plan, disseminated on a need-to-know basis, provides the most organized and effective way of keeping team members working together.
For example, the plan can detail how to prep common areas of the building, the grounds, and private rooms for the VIP’s stay. In addition, safe entrance and exit points can be identified. Also, an emergency evacuation plan can literally be a lifesaver should a dire emergency strike.
Additional aspects of a written plan may include the following:
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- What security measures are already in place?
- Who will handle room service and cleaning?
- Are further background checks needed on these individuals?
- What outside vendors will provide services?
- What record-keeping procedures should be in place for the VIP’s stay?
- How will privacy be maintained?
A briefing with the hotel’s security guards allows you to relate the plan, field any questions, and address concerns. If possible, include the VIPs own security service in this meeting.
A VIP at your hotel provides a boost to your establishment’s reputation. Your business becomes a trendy spot that caters to the rich and famous.
The need to provide security goes hand in hand with the glamour. Maintaining a safe perimeter, safeguarding private information, and understanding potential threats allow you to create a plan that keeps your hotel and VIP guests safe.
Hire an Experienced and Trusted Security Guard Service
A security guard service plays a crucial role in maintaining order, safety and enjoyment for all guests, not just VIP’s. Make sure you have the right security guards in place with Talon Security Guard Services in Troy. From hourly rounds on foot, securing emergency exits and entrances, verifying hotel entry, monitoring security cameras and more. When it come to security, our task list is robust so that you know your hotel or business is in good hands.
If you are looking for a top-rated hotel security guard service, call our Michigan security guard service and speak with a specialist today! Free Estimates