by Joshua Ortiz

Created on: December 03, 2008

Customer service is a very important concern for those involved in highly competitive industries. Business managers know that spending money on advertisements attracting new customers is futile if existing clients are leaving for competitors. Travel and tourism is no exception to this rule. Lodging is one division of travel and tourism that finds it exceedingly critical to satisfy its clientele because so much of its revenue depends on repeat business. Of particular interest within lodging is a hotel type that has grown in popularity for nearly a decade. Luxurious castle hotels have gained widespread acclaim not only for the concept of a hotel within a fortress, but also for the level of customer service offered to guests before, during, and after scheduled stays.

A recent survey conducted by 12travel.com, a premier website specializing in travel itineraries to Ireland, found that the majority of those surveyed chose one castle hotel over another based on the level of customer service they received even before booking. In many instances clients called or e-mailed the prospective hotels to find out more information on amenities and services offered. Hotels with friendly staff that were able to answer questions asked by the potential clients received more bookings than hotels that did not possess such staff. What does all this mean to the luxury hotel market? It means that good customer service should be made available at all times and not only after the client checks-in.

However, if for whatever reason a hotel is unable to provide good customer service prior to the arrival of guests, either because the hotel lacks such service or none is required to attract the customer, it is absolutely vital that during the duration of the stay service is flawless. Of course, mistakes do happen, but a hotel should be able to remedy the situation in a timely manner. That is one factor that inspires consumers to choose castle hotels as their choice for lodging during a vacation to Ireland.

For some hotels, activities and amenities draw the greatest number of clientele. In fact many advertise themselves as luxurious and all inclusive. Many estates offer activities that are steeped in the tradition of the castle's history. Equestrianism and archery are among the oldest sporting events available at nearly ever hotel of this type. The Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland even offers its guests the opportunity to learn the art of falconry. Less "exotic" but still relatively uncommon

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