independent hotels
Soft Brands – A Third Alternative
Robert Mandelbaum and Paul Isaacson | September 4, 2024
By Robert Mandelbaum and Paul Isaacson Historically, hotel owners have had the option to either affiliate with a known brand or operate independently. Affiliating with a brand provided access to a reservation system, loyal customers, communal marketing programs, a known identity among consumers, and a sense of stability within the finance and investment community. Brand affiliation, however, comes with costs. Owners pay a variety of fees for royalty, marketing, reservation, and guest loyalty programs, and need to conform to facility, service, and operating standards. Operating independently relieves owners from the burden of the franchise-r...
Takeaways From the 2024 Boutique Hotel Investment Conference by BLLA: Reviving the Spirit of Boutique Hotels
MARCUS R. LEE | June 14, 2024
By Marcus R. Lee, Patricia Shih, and Lizzette Casarin FIAF Florence Gould Hall Theater was bustling in early June with another successful Boutique Hotel Investment Conference. Kudos to the BLLA team for executing a great event! This article presents some key takeaways from HVS attendees Patricia Shih (HVS Consulting & Valuation) and Marcus Lee (HVS Asset Management & Advisory). In the ever-evolving landscape of hospitality, the term “boutique hotel” has transformed. Once synonymous with personalized service, unique design, and intimate experiences, “boutique hotels” as a phrase has recently blended with some nation...
To Brand or Not to Brand
Robert Braun | February 22, 2024
by Robert Braun, Co-Chair, JMBM Cybersecurity and Privacy Group; Senior Member, JMBM Global Hospitality Group While some companies in some industries have a tendency to consolidate and eliminate brands, the hotel industry is different. Most of the leading hotel companies with brands, such as Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and Accor, regularly acquire or create new brands or flags. Today, Marriott has 30 flags, Hilton has 22, IHG has 14, Hyatt has 29, and Accor has 40, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With so many flags to choose from, it’s easy to overlook another choice – no brand at all. While picking a brand is an obvious ...
Independent Hotels: Guest Experiences Like No Other
Andrew Benioff | October 13, 2023
By Andrew Benioff According to the legendary Coco Chanel, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Unlike the familiar patterns of franchise hotels, independent hotels shine with their distinct threads of individuality and charm. These establishments rise above all others in their unique designs, echoing tales of history, local culture, and visionary themes. Every corner and every wall convey a story, making them a favored choice for travelers seeking more than just a bed for the night. One might walk into such a hotel and instantly notice the difference in architecture and interior design. There's no standa...
Curator Hotel & Resort Collection Welcomes Three New Members in California and Oregon
Curator Hotel & Resort Collection | October 10, 2023
BETHESDA, Md.--October 10, 2023--Curator Hotel & Resort Collection (“Curator”), a distinct collection of unique and experiential hotels and resorts, today announced the addition of three new members: Bernardus Lodge & Spa nestled in the enchanting Carmel Valley, California, The Pierside Santa Monica centered in the heart of the vibrant culture of iconic Santa Monica, California, and Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels, located on the central Oregon Coast near beautiful Siletz Bay. These three remarkable properties celebrate nature, adventure, health, wellness, and the finest local cuisine, making them the perfect choice ...
Why Full Service & Luxury Independent Hoteliers Are Going ‘All In’ on All-in-One Tech
Warren Dehan | September 12, 2023
All-in-one PMS technology has evolved to encompass nearly every aspect of hotel operations, leveling the playing field for independents across the industry By Warren Dehan Independent luxury and full service hotel and resort groups are not willing to settle for less regarding operations technology. Still, their search for the best tools for the job has left many operators bogged down in complexity as they manage too many disparate systems at once. No hotelier can circumvent the rising complexity of operations today, but independents need more time and support to navigate these challenges and remain profitable. Rather than seeking indivi...
How Online Platforms Help Independent Hotels Compete in the U.S.
July 17, 2023
By Maryam Mujica OTA participation boosts profitability and proves net positive for travel accommodations, particularly for smaller properties. This is how. The US accommodation market is iconic. It’s 1950’s motels lining empty desert roads, sun-soaked Miami beach resorts, old-world luxury with park views and much more besides. No wonder the US is the world’s largest tourism market and its third most visited destination. Even after 3 years of pandemic shutdowns and restrictions, hospitality entrepreneurs remain resilient. Due to increasing consumer demand, many are expecting 2023 to be their best year yet. The market remains dy...
With Pace of Progress in Hospitality Slated to Move Onward and Upward, Maestro Presents Its PMS Roadmap for 2023
Maestro | January 10, 2023
The leading provider of property-management systems for independent hotels is poised to meet the rising demand for cloud hosting, mobile tools, enhanced two-way texting, marketplace integrations, heightened security, and online gift carding in the new year MARKHAM, ONTARIO, January 10, 2023 — “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” When it comes to hotel property management system technology, this quote by Socrates is apropos. Last year, Maestro made five industry predictions for the evolution of PMS. While contactless technology did become more prevalent within the PMS ...
