And guess what? You don’t have to be a developer, nor do you need millions in funding, to tap into this market. With Booking Factory’s White Label Program, you can launch your own branded Property Management System (PMS) and offer it to clients under your name, your domain, and your pricing.

It’s like having your own tech company – without having to build the tech.

What Is a White Label PMS?

A “white label” solution means someone else (in this case, Booking Factory) has already built a powerful, fully functional PMS. But instead of pushing their name, they hand it over to you to brand, market, and sell as your own product.

Imagine opening up a SaaS platform tomorrow and having a dashboard, reports, automation tools, invoicing features, housekeeping app, channel manager integrations – all under your brand, ready to go.

Pretty cool, right?

Why This is a Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs and Hospitality Pros

This white label model isn’t just about reselling someone else’s software. It’s about owning a solution, building long-term client relationships, and creating a reliable revenue stream—all without having to worry about servers, code updates, or tech support.

Let’s break down the benefits that actually matter:

1. It Looks and Feels Like Your Own Product

You control the branding. That means your logo, your colors, your domain. Your clients log into your platform. Even the emails the system sends out will look like they’re coming directly from your business.

It’s not a half-baked plugin or a co-branded dashboard. It’s a fully white-labeled, professional solution you can proudly stand behind.

2. You Set the Pricing – and Keep the Profits

Once you’re a white label partner, you decide how to package and price your offering. Charge monthly or yearly. Offer setup services. Bundle in consulting or support. You’re not just earning a commission – you’re running the business. The recurring revenue model means you get paid every month your customers stay on.

3. Zero Tech Hassles on Your Plate

Here’s the kicker: Booking Factory handles all the heavy lifting. Software updates, server hosting, system maintenance, bug fixes, backups – it’s all taken care of.

You don’t need to hire a tech team. You don’t need to worry about security or GDPR compliance. You don’t even need to know how it all works behind the scenes.

You just focus on sales, branding, and customer relationships. They keep the engine running under the hood.

4. Solid Support from the Source

You won’t be left flying solo. Booking Factory offers a partner support channel where you can get help when you need it. They also offer onboarding guidance, technical support, and the tools you need to look like a pro from day one.

Need help integrating a client’s booking engine? Want to tweak some email templates? There’s help for that.

5. Super User-Friendly for Your Clients

Let’s talk about your future customers for a second. They’re not developers either. They need a PMS that’s intuitive, mobile-friendly, and ready to go.

With Booking Factory’s platform, they can easily manage reservations, send invoices, automate emails, track reports, and even assign housekeeping tasks from their phone.

So you’re not just selling a tool – you’re solving real problems for real people in the hospitality space.

Who Is This Program For?

This isn’t just for techies. In fact, most white label partners are:

• Hospitality consultants helping properties grow
• Marketing agencies offering a full-stack service to hotels
• Entrepreneurs targeting niche markets (like glamping, hostels, B&Bs, or eco-lodges)
• Former hoteliers who know the industry inside out
  

If you have industry connections, business savvy, or even just a knack for sales, you can build a serious business on top of this platform.

Fast and Simple to Launch

Here’s what it takes to go live:

1. Sign Up – Apply to become a Factory Partner.
2. Customize – Upload your logo, choose your colors, and connect your domain.
3. Onboard Clients – Use your personal network, social channels, or industry events to start selling.
4. Grow and Profit – Provide great service, and enjoy recurring revenue month after month.
   

You can go from zero to full-blown SaaS owner in a matter of weeks.

Final Thoughts: Build a Brand, Not Just a Side Hustle

There are tons of affiliate programs out there, and sure, you could earn a few bucks recommending someone else’s software. However, Booking Factory’s white-label program is different. This is about building your brand, controlling your pricing, and offering your clients a long-term solution.

No code. No developers. No hassle.

Just a rock-solid PMS, wrapped in your brand, ready to help you grow your own business in the booming hospitality tech space.

More direct bookings also mean more control over communication, guest experience, and your bottom line. In a competitive market, that kind of control is a big deal. So if 2025 is your year to take things up a notch and reduce your reliance on third-party platforms, you’re in the right place. Here are five proven strategies that can help you attract more direct bookings and keep your revenue where it belongs – with you.

1. Make Your Website a Booking Magnet

Think of your website as your hotel’s home base – it’s often the first impression potential guests get. If it’s clunky, outdated, or confusing, visitors won’t stick around. They’ll bounce to another site faster than you can say “check-in.” To win more direct bookings, your website needs to be sleek, easy to navigate, and fully optimized for mobile, because let’s be honest, most people are browsing and booking from their phones these days.

It’s not just about looks either. Functionality matters. A clean layout, clear calls to action, and fast loading times all help build trust. And when it comes time to book, having a smooth, reliable booking engine built right into your site can make all the difference. Take Booking Factory, for instance – it comes with a seamless booking engine that lets guests check availability and secure their stay in just a few quick clicks. No fuss, no frustration – just a simple path from interest to confirmation. That’s how you turn browsers into bookers.

2. Sweeten the Deal with Direct Booking Perks

Everyone loves feeling like they’re getting something special, and that’s exactly what direct booking perks should deliver. Offering exclusive deals to guests who book through your website can seriously boost conversions. Think along the lines of free breakfast, complimentary room upgrades, welcome drinks, or more flexible cancellation policies. These little extras create a sense of added value that OTAs just can’t match.

But it’s not enough to just have these perks – you need to shout about them. Make sure they’re front and center on your homepage, clearly listed during the booking process, and maybe even teased on your social media. When potential guests see there’s a real reward for booking direct, they’re much more likely to stay on your site and hit that “Book Now” button. It’s a simple, effective way to drive more direct revenue, while also giving your guests a little something extra to smile about.

3. Remind Them with Retargeting Ads and Emails

Most people don’t book a hotel the first time they visit a website – they browse, compare, get distracted, and move on. That’s where retargeting ads come into play. These handy reminders follow potential guests around the web, popping up on places like Facebook, Instagram, or Google to bring your hotel back into view. It’s like a gentle nudge saying, “Hey, remember us?”

Combine that with well-timed, personalized emails – maybe offering a special discount or simply reminding them about their recent search – and you’ve got a powerful one-two punch. This approach keeps your hotel top of mind and gives guests an extra reason to return and book directly. It’s a smart way to turn interest into action, without being pushy.

4. Show Off What Others Are Saying

Social proof is a game-changer when it comes to building trust with potential guests. People want to feel confident in their decision before they book, and nothing reassures them more than seeing that others have had a great experience. Glowing reviews, high star ratings, and authentic testimonials can tip the scale from “maybe” to “let’s do this.”

That’s why it’s so important to showcase your best guest feedback front and center. Highlight standout reviews on your homepage, feature real guest stories on your blog or booking pages, and don’t be shy about sharing user-generated content on social media. It’s like having a chorus of happy guests telling future travelers, “This place is amazing – you’re going to love it.” That kind of trust is hard to beat.

5. Don’t Forget SEO

Want to get found by people searching for a hotel just like yours? Investing in SEO (search engine optimization) is the way to go. By optimizing your website for key phrases like “direct hotel booking” or “best hotel deals,” you can attract more organic visitors who are actively looking to book – and preferably book directly with you. It’s the perfect way to complement your ads and email campaigns.

Conclusion

Boosting direct bookings in 2025 isn’t about finding a magic button – it’s about combining the right strategies into a smart, cohesive plan. A great-looking, easy-to-use website is the foundation. Add in some irresistible direct booking perks, strong social proof, and savvy marketing like retargeting ads and personalized emails, and you’re well on your way. Don’t forget mobile optimization – with so many guests booking from their phones, your tech needs to keep up.

The good news? You don’t have to do it all alone. Tools like Booking Factory make it easier than ever to bring everything together – from a booking engine to guest communication and revenue management. With the right setup, you’ll not only attract more guests but also keep more of that hard-earned revenue in-house.

So why wait? The path to more direct bookings is clear – schedule a call today!

A couple is planning their anniversary getaway. They’ve spent hours filtering, scrolling, and comparing dozens of listings on Booking.com. They’re dreaming of the perfect escape, and your property catches their eye. Stunning photos. Solid reviews. A price that fits their budget. Everything looks promising. Their mouse hovers over the “Book” button – but then, they pause..

They open a new tab. Type in your name. And wait for… what, exactly?

A Facebook page last updated in 2019?

A placeholder site with a blurry logo and a phone number that no one picks up?

A YouTube vlog about a haunted hostel in Canada that shares your name. (“We promise all of our guests survive the night.”)

Or maybe – just maybe – they land on a beautifully designed website.

One that truly feels like your place. That gives guests a real look at the actual rooms. That tells your story in your words. With your tone of voice, your personality, and the charm that makes your property unique. And most importantly: a “Book Now” button that connects directly, without taking a 15% cut.

Now we’re talking.

Here’s the thing:

Having your own website is not about looking fancy.

It’s about owning the story.

It’s the digital front door to your space.

The first “hello.”

The virtual scent of fresh linen and the quiet hum of your hospitality.

Direct bookings are golden.

Every time someone books directly, an angel doesn’t get its wings – but you do keep more of your income.

You own the conversation from the very first click. You set the tone, the pace, the experience. You skip the middleman and take control. And the guest? They feel like they’re booking with a real person – not a faceless machine or a generic listing.

Your website sells more than a bed.

It sells warmth. Care. Detail. It’s how you whisper, “Come stay with us. We’ve got you.”

A beautiful site builds trust without saying a word.

Clean design. Fast loading. Zero friction. People notice that kind of care. If your website feels polished, intentional, and thoughtfully put together, they’ll trust you’ve done the same with every detail of their stay – from check-in to check-out.

And then there’s data.

Data is how you grow. How you fine-tune. How you test, adapt, and get better over time. Third-party platforms keep most of it to themselves. But your own website? It listens. It learns from every click and scroll. It gives you the insight you need to shape your next move – with clarity and confidence.

So, do you need a website?

No.

You need electricity and running water.

You need coffee on Monday mornings.

You need love, a warm blanket, and someone to tell you your granola is better than the one at that other place.

But a website?

You want a website – because it gives you freedom, dignity, and control.

And because let’s face it: your guests are going to Google you anyway. You might as well give them something to fall in love with.

It’s fast.

It’s beautiful.

It’s smart.

It’s yours.

Because it’s a part of you.

You’ve poured your energy, your time, and your weirdly specific taste in doormats into making this place feel special. Every corner tells a story. Your website should reflect all of that – the effort, the personality, the heart you’ve put into it.

It’s not just pixels.

It’s a little piece of your heart – on the internet.

Want to get started? Let’s talk.

Whether you’re after a sleek, budget-friendly template or dreaming of a fully custom site with all the bells, whistles, and just the right touch of moonlight-on-the-pillow vibes, we’ve got you covered. Whatever your style, we’ll help bring it to life.

Get in touch, and we’ll help you build a site that works just as hard as you do – one that drives bookings, reflects your personality, and feels every bit as warm and welcoming as your place does in real life.

Why Booking Factory is a Game-Changer for Emerging Markets

Independent hotels in rising destinations often face hurdles such as limited technological infrastructure, tight budgets, and the need to scale quickly to accommodate increasing demand. Booking Factory addresses these challenges with a cloud-based, affordable, and scalable solution designed specifically for hotels in dynamic markets. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, properties can overcome infrastructural gaps and transform challenges into opportunities.

How Hotels Benefit from Booking Factory

Hotels integrating Booking Factory enjoy several key advantages:

• Multi-language and currency support to welcome a growing international guest base.
• Real-time OTA synchronization that prevents overbookings and maximizes occupancy rates.
• Direct booking capabilities that reduce dependence on third-party platforms and help retain more revenue.
• Mobile-first housekeeping and management tools that streamline operations and ensure staff remain efficient and responsive.
  

These features empower hoteliers to elevate guest experiences while reducing operational inefficiencies. Booking Factory’s intuitive interface also reduces the learning curve, making onboarding simple even for properties with limited tech experience. Additionally, its analytics dashboard helps owners make data-driven decisions, from pricing strategies to staff scheduling.

Unlocking the Potential of New Europe

Today’s travelers are increasingly drawn to destinations that offer authenticity, affordability, and adventure – places that stray from the well-trodden tourist paths. This shift in preference has positioned emerging European regions such as the Balkans, the Baltics, and the Caucasus as some of the most exciting and fast-growing travel markets in the world. Governments in these areas are actively investing in better infrastructure, improved transportation networks, and enhanced digital connectivity to support the influx of international visitors.

As tourism accelerates, local accommodations -particularly independent hotels and boutique properties – stand at a pivotal crossroads. On one hand, they face pressure to modernize operations, compete with global hotel chains, and meet the expectations of tech-savvy guests. On the other hand, they have a unique opportunity to thrive by offering personalized, culturally rich experiences that travelers can’t find in mainstream destinations.

Hotels that adopt Booking Factory are ideally positioned to succeed in this environment. The platform’s intuitive, cloud-based system equips properties with the tools needed to streamline operations, increase visibility, and improve guest engagement. At the same time, it enables hoteliers to preserve the character and individuality that make independent properties so appealing. By combining smart technology with human hospitality, Booking Factory helps hotels turn rapid market growth into long-term success.

Benefits for properties in up-and-coming countries:

• Scalable tech that grows with your business
• Enhanced guest satisfaction through smarter tools
• Increased visibility thanks to integration with over 200 OTAs
• More control over your brand and direct booking funnel
  

The Future of Travel Technology in Emerging Markets

The rise of before unknown tourist countries as must-visit destinations signals a major shift in travel preferences. Tourists now prefer authentic experiences away from overcrowded urban centers. As demand grows, hotels must respond with advanced digital solutions that boost revenue, improve efficiency, and enhance guest satisfaction.
“Booking Factory isn’t just about optimizing operations, it’s about empowering hotels to thrive in the global tourism arena.”
Whether you run a charming boutique hotel in Georgia or oversee a serene coastal retreat in Albania, the platform equips you with the tools to adapt, grow, and lead in an increasingly competitive industry.

Final Thoughts

Embracing cutting-edge travel technology is a necessity. With Booking Factory, hotels in emerging destinations can scale operations, build stronger guest relationships, and position themselves as frontrunners in Europe’s next big tourism wave.

Ready to transform your hotel?

Contact us today to schedule a personalized demo and discover how Booking Factory can support your business growth.

Let’s take a walk down the haunted halls of hotel horror stories – and see how a property management system (PMS) like Booking Factory can turn those nightmares into fairy tales.

The Case of the Double-Booked Honeymoon Suite

Photo credit: HBO’s The White Lotus

Imagine newlyweds arriving at your hotel, excited to spend their first night as a married couple in your luxurious honeymoon suite. Now, picture another couple already in that room – a VIP guest who booked last-minute. A front desk scramble ensues, tempers rise, and reviews plummet.

This classic double-booking horror happens when hotels manage multiple booking sources manually. Without a centralized system, errors are inevitable.

How Booking Factory Helps:
Booking Factory offers real-time inventory synchronization across all booking channels. Whether a guest books through your website, Booking.com, or Expedia, your availability updates instantly. No more awkward knock-knock jokes at 10 PM.

The Phantom Reservation

A guest arrives insisting they booked a room, but there’s no record of it. The receptionist scrolls, refreshes, checks emails, and calls the manager. The guest is frustrated, and a perfectly good room sits empty because no one realized it was still available.

Manual tracking systems, spreadsheets, or siloed booking processes often result in these “phantom reservations.”

How Booking Factory Helps:
With all bookings centralized in one dashboard and an intuitive calendar view, no reservation slips through the cracks. The system sends confirmation emails automatically and stores guest data securely, eliminating confusion and ensuring no one is left out in the cold.

The Cleaning Catastrophe

A guest checks into their room, only to find the bed unmade and towels on the floor. The cleaner was never notified that the room needed attention. Not only does the guest leave a scathing review, but your reputation takes a hit.

Disorganized task delegation and communication breakdowns are common in hotels without an integrated system.

How Booking Factory Helps:
Staff receive real-time updates, ensuring rooms are spotless and ready for guests without the need for constant back-and-forth communication.

The Billing Blunder

A guest approaches the front desk to check out, only to find their bill includes minibar charges from another room, and discounts that were promised weren’t applied. Sorting through receipts and logs in front of the guest is embarrassing and erodes trust.

How Booking Factory Helps:
With built-in billing and invoicing tools, Booking Factory organizes all charges and automatically links them to the correct guest profile. You can easily apply discounts, add extras, and generate accurate invoices in seconds.

The No-Show Mystery

You block off rooms for a group that never shows up. No credit card guarantee, no deposit – and now you’ve turned away other potential guests for nothing. Poor booking policies and a lack of enforcement tools can lead to significant revenue loss.

How Booking Factory Helps:
Booking Factory allows you to customize booking policies, require deposits or prepayment, and automate cancellation rules. No-shows become less costly, and your revenue stays protected.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Your Hotel Become a Horror Story

Running a hotel is hard enough without living through avoidable nightmares. While ghosts might not be real, operational disasters certainly are. From guest experience to staff coordination and revenue management, a smart property management system like Booking Factory is every modern hotel’s digital ghostbuster.

Don’t just survive the chaos – simplify, automate, and sleep soundly knowing Booking Factory is keeping the horrors at bay.

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1. Overbooking & Reservation Conflicts

Nothing frustrates guests more than arriving at a hotel only to find their room isn’t available. Overbooking happens when reservations from multiple sources—OTAs, direct bookings, and walk-ins—aren’t properly synced.

Solution: Use a cloud-based Property Management System (PMS) like Booking Factory, which syncs reservations across all booking channels in real time. This prevents double bookings and ensures availability is always accurate. Additionally, setting up clear overbooking policies (such as securing backup accommodations) can help mitigate damage if an overbooking does occur.

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2. Handling Guest Complaints Effectively

No matter how well a hotel is run, guest complaints are inevitable. Common issues include room cleanliness, noise levels, slow service, or billing disputes. The way these complaints are handled can make the difference between a bad review and a returning guest.

Solution:

• Train staff in active listening and empathetic problem-solving to resolve issues quickly.

• Use guest feedback tools (like automated post-stay surveys) to catch complaints before they turn into negative online reviews.

• Offer solutions, not excuses. Whether it’s a room change, refund, or future discount, resolving complaints proactively shows guests that their concerns are valued.

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3. Managing Seasonal Demand Fluctuations

Hotels often struggle with inconsistent occupancy, experiencing high demand in peak seasons and struggling to fill rooms during off-seasons.

Solution:

• Implement dynamic pricing strategies to adjust rates based on demand. Booking Factory’s revenue management tools can help set competitive prices to maximize revenue.

• Create seasonal promotions and packages to attract guests during slower months, such as offering discounts for extended stays or adding extra perks like free breakfast.

• Diversify marketing efforts by targeting different traveler segments (e.g., business travelers during the week, leisure travelers on weekends).

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4. Staff Retention & Training

The hospitality industry faces high turnover rates, leading to staff shortages, inconsistent service quality, and increased training costs.

Solution:

• Invest in continuous training programs to ensure staff feel valued and have opportunities to grow.

• Use automation to reduce staff workload, such as automated check-ins, smart room assignments, and AI-driven customer support.

• Foster a positive workplace culture by recognizing employee achievements and offering incentives for long-term commitment.

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5. Ensuring Operational Efficiency

Hotels that rely on manual processes and outdated systems often struggle with inefficiencies, from slow check-ins to inconsistent housekeeping schedules.

Solution:

• Upgrade to a cloud-based PMS like Booking Factory to streamline reservations, housekeeping coordination, and guest communications.

• Automate daily reports and performance tracking to gain real-time insights into occupancy, revenue, and guest satisfaction.

• Use mobile and contactless solutions to speed up check-ins, payments, and guest requests, reducing wait times and improving service.

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Conclusion: Smart Solutions for a Smoother Operation

Hotel management comes with challenges, but with the right tools, efficient processes, and a proactive mindset, these obstacles can be overcome. Booking Factory helps hoteliers tackle these challenges head-on with automated booking management, revenue optimization, and guest engagement tools—allowing you to focus on providing an exceptional guest experience.

Ready to simplify hotel management? Book a free demo of Booking Factory today! 

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1. Optimize Your Website for Seamless Bookings

Your hotel’s website is a key asset for driving direct bookings. As the first interaction many guests will have with your brand, your site should offer a smooth, user-friendly experience. An attractive, mobile-responsive design with a clear, easy-to-use booking engine can significantly increase conversions.

Providing a seamless booking experience with clear navigation, price comparisons, and guest reviews helps build confidence. Optimizing for mobile users is essential to capture travelers browsing on the go. Finally, offering flexible payment options goes a long way in accommodating diverse guest needs, enhancing the likelihood of direct bookings.

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2. Upsell to Enhance Guest Experience

Upselling can be a highly effective way for small hotels to stand out and improve the guest experience. Offering personalized upsell options, such as room upgrades, early check-ins, or late check-outs for a small fee, adds a customized touch that makes the guest’s stay more memorable.

You can also promote local experiences like guided tours, spa packages, or unique dining options that reflect the surrounding area’s culture. Creating special packages that combine popular amenities, like breakfast, parking, or airport transfers, can be especially appealing during holidays or slower seasons. Consider exclusive discounts for returning guests to encourage loyalty—while loyalty programs are often seen as a big-brand tactic, even small hotels can benefit from fostering repeat business through personalized offers.

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3. Emphasize a Best Rate Guarantee

Price is often a deciding factor for travelers, and a Best Rate Guarantee (BRG) assures them they’re getting the lowest price available on your website. Highlighting your BRG, which matches or beats the rates offered by OTAs, can instill confidence and encourage guests to book directly with you.

While OTAs offer convenience, many travelers still check hotel websites for additional assurance. Featuring a prominently displayed BRG allows them to feel certain that booking directly with you offers the best value. This transparent pricing strategy not only rewards direct bookings but also builds trust, encouraging guest loyalty over time.

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4. Flexible Cancellation Policies

In today’s travel landscape, guests value flexibility more than ever. A clear and flexible cancellation policy can significantly impact a traveler’s decision to book with you. Offering adaptable terms, such as a full refund for cancellations within a specific window, demonstrates an understanding of guests’ needs and provides reassurance.

A study shows that flexible cancellation policies positively influence guests’ willingness to book. Travelers are more likely to choose accommodations that respect their peace of mind, particularly when unexpected changes arise. Setting a flexible cancellation policy makes your hotel more appealing, ultimately driving more direct bookings.

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5. Encourage Guest Reviews to Build Trust

Encouraging online reviews is a powerful way to build trust and a positive reputation. Automated follow-up emails can make this process easy and timely, reminding guests to leave feedback right after their stay. Offer small incentives, such as a discount on their next visit, loyalty points, or entry into a prize draw, to motivate guests to review their stay.

In-room reminders, like QR codes, can prompt guests to leave a review during their visit. Personalized requests from staff members who have built rapport with guests can also increase review participation. Engaging with guests on social media by displaying your social handles around the property can encourage guests to stay connected. A quick thank-you message after their stay, paired with a gentle reminder for feedback, can strengthen your relationship with guests and leave a lasting impression.

By applying these strategies, your small hotel can build direct relationships with guests, encourage repeat bookings, and stand out in the competitive hospitality market.

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Booking Factory got together with RoomPriceGenie to have a look at one of the most important factors for your hotel’s success – your pricing.

And today, on a joint mission to provide dynamic pricing to everyone, we gift you our new service that makes getting started with pricing even easier.

We present you our amazing new service called GenieIntelligence, also known as ‘The Email’. Together, we have managed to squeeze a great deal of our knowledge and a lot of data into a daily email that gives price recommendations, and we would love for you to try it.

We have priced thousands of hotels and seen the pricing of many thousands more. So, we thought we would share a few tips for better pricing with you. What would we do if we were to price your hotel?

Pricing Step 1: Setting up the next year ahead:

The first step of pricing is to make your best guess at prices for the year ahead. This is generally a combination of art and science, especially in the current circumstances.

To do this, you could first look on a seasonal basis at how your hotel performed in previous years in different months. What was the average price you charged and how quickly did you fill up? If you filled up too quickly then you can try starting off higher this year. If you were below expectations, you may like to start your prices lower this time.

Then you would do the same thing for days of the week. How did you perform on Sundays and what adjustment would you like to make to your average price for Sundays compared to previous years? Ditto for all the other days of the week. You should create a regular weekly cycle of prices.

In current circumstances, history may not be the best guide and you can look at what other hotels are charging. In particular, you should look at what the best-run hotels are doing. The Google Hotel Search tool is excellent for this. Simply click on a hotel and then click on the calendar for dates to see the prices for the future. You can use their patterns to inform your judgement.

Then lastly, think about special dates that you need to be higher. You can use the information from other hotels here too, as well as your own knowledge of local events and holidays.

You can use all of these forecasts to create a pricing pattern for your most popular room standard rate, then you can price all other rooms and rates from that with an offset.

All of this process can be assisted by revenue management software, such as that offered by RoomPriceGenie, but a traditional excel spreadsheet will also do the job.

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Pricing Step 2: Day-to-day management of prices:

At least once a week, but preferably every day, you should be checking what is happening. There are two important things to keep an eye on.

What are your competitors doing? This is very important in these times of uncertain demand. Are they raising or lowering prices? If you are caught on the wrong side you will either miss out on profits by selling too cheaply, or miss out on occupancy by not selling your rooms.

By keeping track of the prices of the best-run hotels you will make sure not to miss out on special dates you may have missed, or even an increasing booking trend for the whole season, as we saw in a lot of European hotels in summer 2020. The faster you spot these trends, the better.

It is also important to bear in mind that your potential customers are not looking at your pricing in a vacuum – they will be comparing your hotel to their other options. If you are not aware of your competition they can be a step ahead of you.

How is your own performance? You should be always aware of your own pick-up and occupancy for two reasons.

The first is that it signals when demand for your hotel is not what was previously expected. By being aware of this means you are able to change prices sooner to reflect changing demand.

The second is that by knowing how many rooms you have left to sell, you can change your price to try to sell that number. For example, if I have one room left to sell for 2 weeks time, I may like to charge $250 and if I have 40 left, I may want to only charge $150.

By keeping track of what your competitors are doing, how the best-run hotels are changing prices, and how you yourself are performing, you can keep your prices competitive and as high as possible.

Once again, technology can help here. By signing up for the free trial of the GenieIntelligence email, or indeed the full RoomPriceGenie product, a lot of this number crunching can be done for you. ‍

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Pricing Step 3: Promotions, restrictions etc:

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The next step is good use of restrictions and promotions. There are too many possibilities to list here, but here are some examples:

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• On busy nights with quieter nights on either side, you may want to look at minimum stay restrictions rather than raising prices very high.

• When your cheapest available room is no longer available, but you have a large number of the deluxe room, you can upgrade people to more expensive rooms to make the cheaper room available. Otherwise you may miss out on guests who would book the cheaper room but not the more expensive one.

• On nights where you are charging your minimum price but still not filling, you can try increasing your commission on the OTAs for those nights only to try to get your ranking higher.

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We offer more tips in our free book of 49 tips for smaller hotels.

Summary

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Good pricing can seem like a big deal, but when broken down into smaller parts it is both achievable and extremely valuable. Take the time to get it right and you will be rewarded many times over.

And please don’t forget to sign up for the extended free trial we are offering all Booking Factory users of our new and very special GenieIntelligence pricing email.

Changing your PMS doesn’t have to cause a headache, don’t let unnecessary fears and concerns prevent you from upgrading to a new solution that will increase your property’s productivity and profits.

Technology for property management is in an exciting phase, constantly evolving and innovating to increase efficiency and the guest experience. To stay competitive, it’s important to use a PMS system that meets your property’s current needs and future plans.

In order to make the process of changing your PMS smooth and easy, plan ahead and prepare for the changeover period.

A well thought-out action plan will pave the way to a smooth implementation and help to ensure that nothing gets missed.

Booking Factory team will work with you every step of the way to make the transition as smooth as possible.

What we offer

• Import future reservations from your old PMS.
• On-boarding meeting to guide and help you set up the PMS with our team member.
• Timeline that works with your property on a going-live date.
• Depending on the complexity of hotel operations, you can be fully up and running within a few days.
• Channel manager set up and mapping (if you do not have your preferred one).
• Access to articles and training videos that explain all features that the system has to offer.
• A live chat through our system directly with our support team.
• Newsletters when an update or a new feature has been added to the PMS.
• Ongoing customer support at no extra cost.

Book a free demo with our sales team to evaluate how you would manage daily tasks, how the system will improve productivity at your property, and how it can grow with your business.

In an industry that’s notorious for the sheer number of reviews its customers leave, it’s imperative that hoteliers don’t just to meet customer expectations, but blow them away.

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Improve their virtual experience

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The customer’s experience beings at your website. If your hotel’s website is outdated, looks unprofessional, or takes them a millennia to navigate, then it’s not a good sign for things to come. If you want to impress your guests, start here.

Use a clean design that showcases the most stunning shots of your hotel, the rooms, and the surrounding location.

Include a full list of your facilities. Are you handicapped accessible? Do you have hairdryers in all your rooms? A children’s play area? Then say so! It’s frustrating for guests to have to phone or email to find this information, and even more so to turn up expecting something only for it not to be there.

Make it easy to navigate by having clear calls to action, such as a “Book Now” button that’s always visible. If you install an online calendar that shows dates that are unavailable and allows them to book by selecting which days they’d like to stay, then great!

The trick is to make their journey through your website as smooth as possible with no obstacles getting in their way of booking.

Get to know the Customer

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Customer satisfaction isn’t just about a friendly greeting upon arrival. Really knowing and understanding the customer base is what great customer service is all about.

Every customer will have different needs and expectations — for example, a customer booking a stay at a seaside resort will have different expectations to one staying in a city hotel.

When you learn to identify the needs of the customer and deliver consistently and effectively on those needs, you start to excel at customer service and improve customer loyalty.

Great hotel managers and their employees understand this and ensure they provide the services expected, and even throw in some extras the customer might not have thought about. The beachside hotel aimed at families might offer poolside games or a kid’s club, while the city hotel that caters primarily to corporate guests might provide super fast Wi-Fi and bookable events/presentation rooms.

Be sure to ask your guests on arrival if there’s anything you can do to make their stay more comfortable, and try your best to accommodate these needs. Remember: you should strive to exceed their expectations, not just meet them!

Train your staff

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A well-trained staff will put an emphasis on working together to benefit the customer. When a hotel is running smoothly and efficiently, this results in greater customer satisfaction.

Just like any other industry, product knowledge is a must. Your team need to be confident in their own knowledge and abilities so they can build trust with your guests. Keep your staff up to date on what’s happening in their own departments as well as other ones, especially if things change on a weekly or daily basis.

Be open with your staff about any problems that could impact the guest’s experience, such as problems with the website, traffic congestion, potential disruptions to major functions, staff shortages etc. While these situations may be unavoidable, if your team are prepared, they’re in a better position to deal with and empathise with any guests’ concerns or complaints as they arise.

A hotel that has staff who can manage complaint is good, but one that avoids complaints in the first place great.

Ask for feedback and read reviews

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No matter how efficiently you run your hotel, you’ll always come across a handful of customers who’ll complain regardless. Look at these complaints as opportunities to learn why customers are disappointed and where you can improve to achieve better customer satisfaction.

Ask your customers to fill out a quick feedback form, complete a short survey about how much they enjoyed their stay and if the service was up to scratch, or simply ask them in person when they check out. Send guests a follow up email encouraging them to write a review. This will let you know what you’re doing well at and where you can improve.

Check your review sites regularly to keep up to date with customer opinions, and make sure you respond to any negative feedback to try and resolve their issues.

Recognise and reward staff who go above and beyond

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To encourage all staff to do their absolute best, pay attention to and reward those who go the extra mile to exceed the customer’s service expectations. Listen to guests’ feedback and pass it on to your staff: this helps them understand what customers appreciate and value, and identify where they may be falling short.

Share any successes and positive results so everyone can see the impact their efforts have. Publically reward staff members who’ve excelled at their job — this doesn’t need to be something extravagant, even simply acknowledging their efforts can make staff feel appreciated and incentivise others to do better.

Remember: each customer is different, so it’s important to communicate with them before their stay so you can ensure you meet their individual needs and make their visit as pleasant and hassle free as possible.

Keep your staff well trained and motivated, and listen to feedback: your guests should leave feeling happy, relaxed, and ready to leave a glowing review.