Frequent travelers know how to maximize their elite status perks, but there are more ways than ever before to maximize the value of their hotel stay. We asked travel pros for their expert hacks and tips.
Keep in mind that booking hotels closer to your travel date could save money; however, prices could increase during high demand periods such as conferences or holidays.
1. Check Rates
Once you know exactly what it is that you want from a hotel stay, searching online will allow you to find a great hotel deal that offers everything without overpaying.
Hotels may also provide nonrefundable prepaid rates that can save a considerable amount of money. This option is ideal for travelers unable to be flexible with their travel dates but still want the maximum value from their stay at a hotel.
Monitoring competitors’ prices and pricing strategies is integral to being successful in the hospitality industry. A business intelligence tool combined with channel management can assist in keeping up with real time market changes so that you can respond immediately to demand fluctuations or forecasted data so as to maximise occupancy levels and maximise occupancy levels.
2. Check Perks
Of course, frequent travelers typically receive upgrades, drink vouchers and other perks when checking in – but that doesn’t mean only they can benefit. Anyone can find ways to maximize their dollar.
Registering with a hotel loyalty program can be done for free and can reap many rewards over time, including room upgrades, early check-in and late checkout times, complimentary amenities such as breakfast or wifi and room upgrades.
Groups will benefit greatly from offering amenities such as transportation and gear storage in their promotional materials and during the booking process, so as to facilitate their arrival experience. Offering branded merchandise is another effective way of adding value to guest stays while building brand recognition and encouraging repeat business.
3. Check Reviews
One of the key aspects of hotel experiences is how comfortable they make you feel, which is why reading online reviews before making your selection is vital in finding an accommodation that’s ideal.
Though you should take any reviews with a grain of salt (i.e. people writing negative reviews in exchange for money or free stays), positive reviews can greatly bolster your hotel’s popularity rankings.
Give guests access to your review platforms in their checkout emails, and encourage them to leave feedback. Unfortunately, not every traveller leaves reviews – therefore having an effective plan in place that allows guests to quickly rate their stay is also beneficial. Create an SMS system so guests can rate quickly.
4. Book Direct
Travellers want to know that booking directly with hotels will secure them the best rate available and avoid extra fees, and showing that on your website can encourage guests to book directly.
Perks such as free WiFi or spa entrance fees or unique activities and experiences are often provided to encourage direct bookings. Furthermore, these offers allow hotels to build loyalty among guests through post-stay emails linked with email capture forms on exit pages of their websites.
Loyalty program members who book directly are less likely to be “walked out” if the hotel oversells, making their experience unmatched by online travel agencies (OTAs). Furthermore, loyalty program members can leverage their status for upgrades or extra nights in such circumstances.
5. Stay Local
If you want the best value from your hotel stay, try selecting accommodations near major tourist spots to reduce transportation costs while also avoiding crowds and crowding issues.
Hotel prices can change depending on demand – particularly around holidays or major events taking place in your city. Be sure to look out for discounts through hotel booking sites or book directly with the hotel for best-rate guarantees.
Hotels can add even greater value by collaborating with local businesses. This provides guests with an authentic experience while supporting the community, as well as showing commitment to it and creating positive word-of-mouth advertising. Many hotels partner with nearby restaurants to offer discounted stays coupled with dinner or discounted tickets to an attraction; retailers even work with hotels to provide “safe shopping,” whereby customers can order clothing online before having it sent directly to the hotel for try-on purposes.