MINNEAPOLIS—Carlson’s Country Inn & Suites brand may have reached the 500-property milestone within the last year, but that doesn’t mean the chain has not lost focus on guest satisfaction.
The 25-year-old brand’s latest initiative, an expanded breakfast offering, is proof of just that. Competing in the limited service segment, one of the most competitive segments, brand management recognized the need to step it up with its complimentary Be Our Guest Breakfast. A new breakfast program was one of several initiatives laid out by the company at its annual brand conference earlier this year, including upscale bath amenities and more stylish employee uniforms.
“We are responding to guest feedback and lifestyle exchanges by providing a comprehensive breakfast offering with a lot of variety,” said Steve Mogck, executive vp and COO for Country Inn & Suites by Carlson in a statement. “One of the key priorities of our strategy is to know the trends that are important to travelers and to enhance services that add value for guests who choose to stay with us.”
The breakfast features enhancements that include a hot rotating menu. In response to evolving market trends, including guests desiring healthier eating choices, the breakfast buffet also includes array of healthier breakfast options. The expanded breakfast provides a new “to go” station for guests on the run, and an assortment of breakfast favorites such as waffles.
The brand also added rotating daily entrees along with diverse build your own entree options, including omelets and breakfast burrito bars and a yogurt parfait bar. Complementing the enhanced breakfast is the brand’s new signature coffee, Highridge Country Reserve that is Rainforest Alliance certified.
Mogck noted the brand remains focused on more than just hot breakfast. “Complimentary breakfast is a key component of guest satisfaction in midscale hotels. Country Inn & Suites prides itself on providing an outstanding value to our guests, including relevant amenities like out newly expanded breakfast, complimentary high speed Internet access, freshly baked cookies, weekday newspapers and exercise facilities and pools at many properties.”