Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of the quality of the physical environment on the hotels’ image in Thika town. In particular, the study sought to establish the influence of three components of DINESCAPE model (that is: facility aesthetics, lighting and ambience) on the hotels’ image. A descriptive cross-sectional study of 60 customers through self-administered questionnaires was conducted. Convenience sampling technique was used to select the 60 customers. All variables were measured using adapted and modified constructs from previous researches. Content validity technique was used to assess the validity of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics (means, mean rankings, percentages, and standard deviations) were used to summarize data. Inferential statistics using Pearson correlation was used to test the study hypotheses. Results demonstrated positive significant correlations between the DINESCAPE model dimensions and the hotel image. The study recommends that the managers of fine-dining hotels need to know the relative importance of each of these elements with regards to the hotels’ image to better understand the distinct role of each individual component. The findings of this study further reveal that out of the three components, ambience is the strongest contributor of hotel image. The study suggests to the managers of fine-dining hotels in Thika that priority be given towards ensuring that the hotels maintain good ambience in order to distinguish them with their competitors
Keywords: Ambience, facility aesthetics, lighting, quick-casual restaurant, hotel image