Hotel fees that must die — and how to kill them

As a hotelier, we have seen many ways to make money, and add fees and surcharges...Is it time to back up and give a break until business gets back on track...

Resort fees. Mandatory tips. Concierge surcharges.

If you’ve stayed at a hotel in the last few years, you’ve become accustomed — if not anesthetized — to these annoying extras. You expect them. You’re indifferent to them when they appear on your bill.

You shouldn’t be............

Revenue Management: Dynamic Pricing

Dynamic pricing means that a hotel will change its room rates daily or even within a day if up-to-the-minute market information reveals the need for adjustments. It is based on the recognition that the right rate to charge for a room night is what the customer is able and willing to pay. By underpricing, the revenue manager leaves money on table; by overpricing, the hotel may price itself out of the market. Those who practice dynamic pricing believe that the hotel has to continually adjust rates in response to ever changing supply/demand conditions. The constant challenge, of course, is trying to determine the optimal price on a given day or afternoon.

A New Year, Renewed Focus and Best Revenue Management Strategies for 2010

For hoteliers in 2010, very few aspects of daily and strategic operations are going to be as crucial as revenue management. Of course, revenue management is important at all times but as the new year gets underway with a stronger recovery mentality – and about time too - it is especially important now: demand for hotel rooms is forecasted to increase only slightly more than 1%, and occupancy to essentially remain unchanged this year^[1]. It is vital, therefore, for individual properties to effectively manage their revenue streams to remain competitive and, well, keep the doors open for business. This means optimizing rates, managing multiple sales channels, embracing new and innovative revenue management techniques and technologies, and using as much information as possible to get the best rates from every booking.

Hotel News Now | Hotels News - Article

Three smart moves for 2010 hotel capital plans.........
Hotel News Now | Hotels News - Article

Innovation And Change | Addressing The “High Touch” Side Of Hospitality

This is a good article due to the ever changing industry we are in, and any industry for that matter..Here is the lead introduction...

The definition of innovate is “to bring something new to an environment.” Hospitality business owners and senior managers must embrace “high tech” changes available to keep the industry fresh. They must also understand as part of their responsibility the need to welcome and support business practices that address the human element of the business.

Getting Hired.... Is Technology Working...?

As I said I go into the field and apply for jobs, I do need to work, and I have a need to give back to an Industry that I learned so much from, and have love for. I applied online to a large hotel company as they tell you to through their website. If you know me, I have a rather distinguished career in the Hotel field. I am trying to stay local, and Consult at the same time. I applied to this company, did all the steps, and attached appropriate documents as requested and go though the steps when it sends me an email that I matched a position which is available. It sent me a lead on a Director of Outlets position at their premier resort here in the SW. I applied, being a former Food & Beverage Director, I was sent an email that stated I didn't meet their qualifications and they were pursuing a candidate that closer met their needs. Then I got an email that they were looking for an Assistant Outlet Manager...So I re-applied for that position as well...I got called in for an interview, and put on the suit and went up to the resort, and met with the Food & Beverage Director, a nice woman, I have monitored her moves, and I was the F & B next door, for Hilton a year ago, and was laid off, thus my return to Consulting, She Proceeded to ask Why I didn't apply for the Director of Outlets, I told the story, and so here we are, I am waiting to see how this will play out....But this goes to show that without a human eye looking at you and talking with you, you seem to fall through the cracks...I wonder how many times this has not only happened to me but others that seem to be "overqualified" for a position where they undoubtly have a passion for and unswerving ability to give back , and impart what they have learned to the "Next Generation" of hoteliers...who need to be shown the ropes...

Top 10 Revenue Management Opportunities for 2010

Revenue management professionals have an opportunity to shine in 2010, adding value to their organizations and the economy as the industry recovers its lost momentum. The following strategies and tactics should help position your revenue management efforts for success in 2010.