It’s a great time to be an independent hotelier. AAHOA has always been committed to determining key strategies to engage the association’s independent hoteliers.
Some of the key elements of focus are increasing buying power for independent hoteliers, developing revenue streams for independent hoteliers, increasing vendor relationships, and leveraging technology to strengthen the bottom line.
Many AAHOA Members got their start with independent hotels, and AAHOA continues to be a resource for all hoteliers as they navigate the world of hotel ownership.
Whether you’re an independent or a franchised hotel owner, it’s important to keep in mind that digital and social marketing are more important than ever when it comes to maximizing your hotel’s online presence through local search and SEO, creating stronger content marketing, generating business through social platforms, and driving ROI through digital media advertising.
As a hotel owner, winning the game of profitability and helping your bottom line starts with building your business digitally.
Luckily, independent hoteliers pride themselves on being unique and understand they must keep up with the evolving times and technology to compete in the business.
They also possess the freedom to do as they please in their hotels, without strict brand guidelines determining what they can and cannot do – such as following any of the prototypes or designs required by the brands.
Many AAHOA Members got their start with independent hotels, and AAHOA continues to be a resource for all hoteliers as they navigate the world of hotel ownership.
We recently featured a father-son team, who also are AAHOA Members, in the June issue of Today’s Hotelier. Victor and Rushil Desai explained how they risked it all to take the independent hotel route. Today, they own and operate the Southern California Lexen Hotels.
They said it best when they explained how there’s always a risk in being an independent hotel owner when you have to compete with all the nearby brands. But, they reiterated that it’s certainly possible to stay in the game by providing a unique style and design, adding all the amenities found in high-end hotels, and providing excellent customer service and marketing opportunities.
Being able to showcase what you have to offer that’s unique, different, and something that guests cannot experience at major hotel chains makes it possible to be independently owned, stay in the market, and compete with higher-end brands.
While the Desais are just one example of hoteliers proving that independent hotels are here to stay, AAHOA has plans in the works to demonstrate its commitment to independent hotels, and be the foremost resource and advocate when it comes to staying one step ahead no matter what type of hotelier you choose to become. Stay tuned for exciting announcements ahead.
