The weeks before opening decide how the first months will feel. A property that opens with unclear roles, untested systems or unfinished standards will spend its early guests’ patience fixing problems that could have been resolved beforehand.
Key priorities include the right team in place early with clear job roles, and training that covers not only tasks but the service style the property wants to be known for. Standard operating procedures should be written and practised before guests arrive, not afterwards.
Procurement and inventory need to be planned so that essential items are on site and suppliers are confirmed. Booking, payment and front-of-house systems should be tested end to end, and the sales and marketing plan must be ready to convert interest into reservations from the first day.
A soft opening with friends, partners or invited guests is one of the most valuable tools available. It exposes weaknesses safely and gives the team confidence before the property opens to the public.
