Independent hotel operators enjoy many freedoms, but the job also presents unique operations, marketing and ownership challenges, sources said.
“Being independent allows local management to be flexible and attend to individual guest needs and not be restricted by brand standards or procedures,” said David Benton, GM of the Hotel Providence in Rhode Island. “Typical hard-brand corporate protocol on topics such as revenue management, menu offerings and standard room amenities often limit creativity and adaptability to meet guest needs.
“An independent hotel can take full advantage of making the rules, and breaking the rules, to ensure guests have a memorable experience,” he said.
Benton is one of a group of executives participating in a series of virtual roundtables conducted by Hotel News Now via email. The executives were speakers at last year’s Independent Lodging Congress, which this year will be held 29-30 September at The Rittenhouse in Philadelphia. This discussion focuses on operational challenges for independent owners and operators. In previous stories, the group discussed financing and marketing issues.
Independent hotel operation presents hurdles, which the panelists addressed in the email roundtable. Read more
By: Ed Watkins (Editor, Hotel News Now)
The above is an extract of the original article available at: HNN
