Little Rock hotels are struggling to fill vacancies as more people get off and travel again this summer.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Some Little Rock hotels are struggling to fill vacancies as more people get off and travel again this summer.
The Residence Inn and Homewood Suites in downtown Little Rock are almost always sold out these days. For Stephanie Harkness, Market Director of Sales at McKibbon Hospitality, this is a welcome surprise.
“Very busy. It looks very promising for both my hotels and the city,” she said.
She didn’t expect hotels to recover so quickly amid the pandemic.
“Last year’s metrics told us we wouldn’t get to that point until 2023, and as an industry we’re seeing the numbers go back to 2019 levels,” said Harkness.
While it’s good news that people are traveling again, Harkness is struggling to keep full staff at all four of their Little Rock hotels.
“We’re in 16 different states and we’re seeing the same thing in all of our markets,” she said.
The restaurants inside are still closed and housekeeping has been reduced for the rooms.
“Both brands have implemented something that calls for housekeeping when you need it,” said Harkness. “We close our inventory sometimes so as not to overwhelm the housekeepers we have.”
In addition to being multiple housekeepers, she has several other positions open.
“Reception, technology, bistro staff. We really need everything, ”said Harkness.
As Harkness tries to get people to work, she hopes people will understand.
“Just be patient with us if it takes a little longer to check you in or if we don’t have all the amenities you might be used to. Hotels as a whole, not just my hotel, are trying to get back to pre-Covid times “said Harkness.
If you are interested in a position at McKibbon Hospitality, Click here.
