
5 lessons accommodation owners can learn from big chain hotels
Being a small or independent accommodation can set your property apart from large chain hotels. You can offer a more personalised and unique experience for guests. While smaller accommodations may not have the same capital and budgets as larger chain hotels, there are still lessons that can be learned and applied to your small accommodation.
Invest in the same technology – a PMS and channel manager
You can distribute your rooms through OTAs just like the big hotels do. Using a channel manager and a property management system will help you manage your online distribution avenues. They will also ensure that you don’t oversell or double book your rooms. At Preno, we have both a PMS and channel manager, which connect seamlessly to OTAs (we also connect with channel managers STAAH and SiteMinder).
Create a website that’s just as useful as those of a larger chain hotel – make sure it’s mobile friendly
Like you, big hotels also want to capitalise on direct bookings. To facilitate this, they optimise their website to be mobile friendly, and they make it easy for a guest to book. This means having the booking button placed prominently throughout your website. As guests research across multiple devices, having a mobile optimised website will encourage guests to book when they are at their most interested.
Welcome beverage for returning customers or special occasion groups
A nice and simple touch to welcome back returning guests, or to welcome groups that are staying for a special occasion, is to offer them a welcome drink. Resorts and hotels use this to make guests feel welcomed and appreciated. It also keeps guests occupied while they are waiting to head to their room.
Big hotels are consistent, and boutique hotels can provide the same consistency in service
Big hotels pride themselves on their consistency in service. You can do the same! Help set guests expectations about the check in and check out process in your pre-stay or confirmation email. Giving the guest all the information they need about getting to your property and your check in practices will make your service as thorough and consistent as any big chain hotel.
Loyalty
Acknowledge and reward returning guests. It’s as easy as greeting them by name, and acknowledging that they’ve stayed with you before. You don’t need a loyalty scheme to thank guests for staying with you a second or third time. You can easily do this through some food items as a reward for choosing you. A small packet of chocolates or some local treats can easily help a returning guest feel valued. Another option to that is a handwritten card, simply saying “Welcome back, we are so pleased to have you stay with us again!”
Conclusion
While you may be a small, boutique, or independent accommodation provider, you can easily implement the above tips. Preno can help you provide that personalised service, and delight returning guests!
To talk to one of our friendly customer success team members click here
Subscribe to our newsletter
Other Blogs you may also like

5 reasons why TripAdvisor is important to your hotel
TripAdvisor reviews have the power to make or break a guests decision to stay with you For years, TripAdvisor has held significant weight in the tourism and hospitality industries. Almost every hotel and tourism operator in the world is listed on TripAdvisor (and if they’re not, they should be). But how did TripAdvisor become so […]

Hotel Revenue Management: Are OTAs Friend or Foe?
In recent years, the rise of online travel agencies (OTAs) has had a significant impact on the hotel industry. While OTAs offer numerous benefits, such as increased visibility and access to a broader audience, the relationship between hotels and OTAs is not always straightforward. In this blog post, we will examine the dark side of […]

20 Hotel Amenity Ideas That Will Impress Guests
Whether it be the busy business traveller in need of a peaceful night’s sleep, vacation-goers seeking local attractions, or event attendees wanting convenient accommodation, guests choose hotels for an array of reasons. But one thing remains a constant – the amenities and experiences your hotel provides can greatly impact your business growth. So, we’ve crafted […]

How to market your property on social media
Social media has an increasing importance in our everyday lives. Here, we share with you how you can use social media to market your property. Why you need to be on social media Social media allows you to connect with your guests on a more personal and authentic level. It also provides a low cost […]

Preno Was a Refreshing Change at NoVacancy 2023
We have just wrapped up the NoVacancy Hotel + Hospitality Business Expo in Sydney, and we are thrilled with the outcome. Our booth was a hit – we were thrilled to see so many people interested in what Preno has to offer. We had the opportunity to chat with numerous hoteliers, all while sipping on […]

7 Ways To Use Guest Data To Improve Hotel Sales
As a hotel owner or operator, you understand that the success of your business depends on the satisfaction of your guests. That’s why it’s important to gather and use data that can help you make decisions that will improve their experience and increase sales. In this article, we’ll provide 7 ways to leverage guest data […]