Large corporate hotel chains and online travel agencies are dominating the hospitality sector. There’s not much room for error if you’re an independent hotel owner. The high fees for booking platforms are offputting for small owners who are trying to cut costs. Small marketing budgets make it hard for independently owned hotels to get advertised online.
New technology is leveling the playing field for small hotel owners. With the help of modern solutions, they can become just as accessible as corporate chain hotels. Now, customers can enjoy the benefits of staying with a small-owned hotel that genuinely cares about each individual customer experience.
What Technology Can Help With
Many booking sites that corporations use are too expensive for an independent hotel. Instead, they often resort to in-person booking and word-of-mouth marketing or opt for sites that don’t wow customers. Customers will frequently interact with the booking site first. It’s essential that they have an easy-to-use, modern, and effective site to create a positive first impression of the hotel.
Even further, AI can maximize hotel stays by cross-referencing availability. It’s important that a hotel doesn’t overbook guests but also maximizes the number of people who can stay every night.
Additional features that can help engage guests are creating itineraries and recommending events in the area. Customer loyalty is great for assured visits and getting positive reviews about the business online.
Fountane’s StayNow Platform
Tools like Fountane’s StayNow Platform offer support for independent hotel owners striving to compete with industry giants. Co-founder Saawan Patel explains, “Our mission is to level the playing field for small-scale hoteliers by equipping them with the tools they need to provide exceptional guest experiences without the high commission rates of traditional platforms.”
The startup was founded by two University of Minnesota business students who wanted to empower small businesses to stay competitive with corporate giants.
The StayNow platform utilizes AI to make the booking process more straightforward. They also have loyalty programs that keep guests returning to owners’ independent hotels. It’s essential to engage customers before they’ve booked, during the booking process, and even after they have stayed at the hotel. Maximizing guest returns is vital for building a loyal customer base who is more likely to spend money at your business and recommend it to other potential guests. This helps small hotels stay competitive against corporate chains that have more funding for marketing.
Broader Trends in Hospitality
AI is also being used to assist hotel guests 24/7. Rather than having a paid employee working around the clock, AI allows hotels to save money and provide quick services to customers. A satisfied customer is more likely to leave positive reviews online and become a recurring customer over the years. This is just one more way to give guests a supportive experience at the hotel.
Technology can also be used to recommend the best stay to guests based on budget, location, views, and amenities. This provides tailored experiences to individuals looking for the perfect vacation stay. Customers are more likely to book if they believe they have found the ideal place.
Digital check-ins are a preferred feature for some guests looking for a touch-free experience or to reduce paper waste. Contactless concierge services are an attractive option to many guests.
The Path Forward for Independent Hotels
Balancing efficiency and personalization is important for optimal guest booking and the personal attention of a small hotel. Tech alone is not enough to drive customers to independent hotels– the tech must match the authenticity of the hotel and create custom guest experiences.
Independent hotels should look into adopting scalable, cost-effective solutions that can improve business operations. Long-term strategies may include integrating better technology into daily operations while maintaining the caring touch of a small hotel.
