Getting to Know Kinseth Hospitality Companies

Kinseth Hospitality Companies features a diverse portfolio of hotel’s and restaurants located in numerous cities across the United States. The companies motto is to provide World Class Service to Every Guest, Every Time. Achieving this commitment of excellence requires training their associates the passion, drive, and commitment they need to serve each guest with a smile. In a highly competitive market, treating every guest as the number one priority, being responsive, as well as present to their individual needs are all keys to generating a repeat customer.

A Bit Of History

Kinseth Hospitality Companies started as a vision from Kenneth Kinseth who was a successful business man that developed several hotels, apartment housing and golf courses. In the mid to late 50's Kenneth and his wife Cyrena bought a small hotel property known as the Deluxe Motel located in Decorah, Iowa. 

In 1963 they added a restaurant and the hotel name changed to Cliff House. Cyrena planned weddings and special events for customers, and was well known as the consummate hostess with a special knack for making all guests feel welcome. The parents along with their four children Les, Linda, Bruce, and Gary set out on an new adventure upgrading, managing and turning the property into a thriving 108-room hotel and restaurant.

Fourteen years later in 1977 the semi-retired Kenneth and Cyrena sold the Cliff House and helped their children become established in the hotel business. The family bought a Ramada Inn in Council Bluffs that they renovated into a Best Western. In 1981 they bought another Best Western located in Clear Lake, Iowa. 

Over the years the entire family had gained considerable hospitality experience, in addition they loved their jobs, and the industry. So much so, the four children set out to expand the portfolio to what it is today.

A Growing Portfolio

Thirty-nine years later the portfolio looks a bit different. The company’s corporate headquarters is based in North Liberty Iowa, and has grown immensely from 2 hotels to over 65 different hotels and 5 branded restaurants in 12 different states. The leadership team still consists of all four children. 

Additional management and staff was hired with the increased work flow. These individuals bring additional talent to the management team. The company expanded it services to offer hotel management, hotel development and hotel receivership.

Kinseth Fun Facts

1. The Total number of states the Kinseth portfolio spans is 12
2. States represented in the Kinseth portfolio are IA, Il, KS, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, SD, WI, WY
3. Total number of brand families in the Kinseth portfolio is 9 
4. Total number of independent hotels in the Kinseth portfolio is 3
5. Brands represented in the Kinseth portfolio are Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Carlson, Best Western, Choice, Hyatt, Starwood, Wyndham
6. Number of restaurants in the Kinseth Portfolio is 9
7. Number of branded restaurants in the Kinseth portfolio is 5
8. Newest Restaurants added to the portfolio are Twevle01 Kitchen & Tap, and River Rock Kitchen & Tap
9. Kinseth Corporate Headquarters is located in North Liberty, Iowa
10. Bruce Kinseth executive vice president graduated from the University of Iowa where he majored in Business, and was inducted into the Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Kinseth Hospitality Companies is always accepting inquiries for new hotel development and management opportunities. If you have a hotel development or management need please visit our website at www.kinseth.com.

Hotel Guest Satisfaction At An All-Time High

According the the July 2015 J.D. Power North America Index Study, Hotel Guest Satisfaction is at an all-time high. The number of guests reporting problems has fallen. The Hilton Garden Inn brand rated an exceptional 846, and the SpringHill Suites rated 840 out of 1000 points on the index, among the best for the Upscale Segment. 

Hampton Inn and Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, and Country Inn & Suites took second through fourth place within the Upper Midscale Segment. Hampton Inn placed second best in the study with 844 points. 

Upper Extended Stay Segment results were unique in that there was a near 4-way tie for the best ratings. The Homewood Suites by Hilton came in first with 857 points, Residence Inn by Marriott third with 850 points. IHG’s Candlewood Suites came in first within the regular Extended Stay Segment with 829 points.

The study measures guest satisfaction with the entire hotel experience, from reservation to check-out, based on a recent guest stay. The study evaluates eight market segments: luxury, upper upscale, upscale, midscale full service, midscale, economy/budget, upper extended stay, and extended stay. 

“Hotels that proactively meet guest needs have the ability to create a positive guest experience,” said Rick Garlick, global travel and hospitality practice lead at J.D. Power. “While service recovery is extremely important in the hotel industry, it’s most effective when the entire guest experience is a positive one. Hotel staff members need to maintain a proper balance between proactively addressing needs and responding to problems effectively. Doing so can help guests feel good about their selection of the hotel brand and increase the likelihood they will return for another stay or recommend it to others.”

As a whole the portfolio of hotels managed by Kinseth Hospitality Companies have also followed the larger trend, with increased Guest Experience Ratings and Positive Reviews from May 2014 to May 2015.

Kudos to the Kinseth properties and their staff who have demonstrated growth and contribute to this report by being a big part of the Guest Satisfaction success! Review the study for yourself and find out where your brand ranks among others. Are you surprised by the findings?

What To Look For When Choosing A Hotel Management Company

As a hotel owner or real estate developer contemplating the construction of a new hotel, you want to ensure you are maximizing the investment you have made in 'bricks and mortar'.  With many management companies to choose from, where do you begin this search?

When looking for the 'right fit' for your hospitality management company, you should consider the following key points in your search:

Previous Management Assignments.  There are many different types and styles of hotels today (full-service and limited-service; branded and independent hotels; rural locations and urban locations).  The hospitality management company you are interviewing should have experience and knowledge of the hotel segment your property competes within.

Geographic Location Of The Management Company.  Direct access to the property by an experienced hospitality management Director Of Operations and other corporate support staff is important to the oversight of the property.

References. Check the references and explore the past business relationships that are provided to you by the hospitality management company.  You will want to ensure that these references include properties and assignments that are similar to your location and your asset.

Services Provided By The Management Company.  A hospitality management company should be able to oversee capital improvements, renovation, and ongoing property maintenance at the hotel.  Many hospitality management companies do not provide services to implement a Product Improvement Plan (PIP).  Also, the hospitality management company should provide asset management, or consulting services for the ownership entity of the property, and understand your relationship with your lender, and act on your behalf.

Corporate Support.  A hospitality management company should have dedicated professionals that will oversee and support the hotel in key areas of business management such as negotiated purchasing contracts, sales and marketing oversight (especially in terms of e-commerce), technical support staff, accounting and financial controls, human resources, and insurance.

For more information about hotel development or management services with Kinseth Hospitality Companies, please contact Jeff Schrader at jschrader@kinseth.com or visit www.kinseth.com