There are a lot of solutions to help hotels run more efficiently. But the technology needs of a small, family run hotel are vastly different from a massive international brand. So how do you figure out the best hotel management system for your hotel?
Technology can help hotels of all shapes, sizes and business models, but it’s key to find the right type of solution for your style of hotel.
The hub of any hotel should be an effective hotel management system. However a solution designed with multi-property management functionalities can feel too big for a small, family run hotel, just as one that is limited in its functionality can’t effectively handle the day-to-day operations of a resort or boutique hotel group.
A hotel management system with the right technology mix is really important to hoteliers, who each have very specific needs. So what do you need to consider when you’re buying a hotel management system as a small hotel, a portfolio group, or a large international brand?
The best technology for independent hotels
Small independent hotels only thrive if they give personalised and intimate guest experiences. Their operations are typically more agile and less complex compared to larger hotel chains. But technology still has a critical role to play.
A property management system (PMS) that is user-friendly and cost-effective is a small hotel’s best friend. The ideal system streamlines day-to-day operations, including all the ‘big ticket’ tasks such as booking management, room assignments, billing and housekeeping coordination.
Integrated reservation management ensures online bookings are accurately captured and updated in real-time, reducing the likelihood of overbookings. Features like automated guest communications can enhance the guest experience, making it easier to manage check-ins, upsell services, and gather feedback. The benefit of using a modular PMS such as SIHOT.PMS is that small hotels can build a system that includes the functionalities they actually need and not the ones that they don’t.
A reliable PMS can free up valuable time, allowing hotel staff to focus more on interacting with guests and less on administrative tasks.
Hotel management software for portfolio group hotels
Portfolio groups run multiple hotels under a single management umbrella, and require a more sophisticated hotel management system – with the potential to scale too.
These groups need a system such as SIHOT.MPE – which supports multi-property functionalities. This ultimately allows management to oversee operations across various locations seamlessly. Centralised reservation management is a game-changer too, as it enables guests to book rooms across different properties through a single platform. This enhances operational efficiency and improves the guest experience.
One crucial feature for many portfolio groups is self-service check-in technology such as SIHOT.KIOSK. Self check-in kiosks and mobile check-in options streamline the check-in process and help reduce waiting times and staffing costs.
An essential tool for portfolio groups is an app for employees to manage housekeeping and maintenance tasks efficiently. Systems such as SIHOT.MOBILE enable this as well as managing aspects such as guest meal plans and lost property.
Technology to manage yield, such as SIHOT.YIELD, leverages data analytics and dynamic pricing strategies can help these portfolio groups maximise revenue and occupancy across all their properties.
Software for large international hotel brands
Multinational hotel brands have a lot of moving parts, necessitating advanced – and ultra-reliable – technological solutions. These hotels deal with high volumes of guests, diverse market segments, and various regulatory requirements. This makes an integrated hotel management system indispensable.
A particularly useful functionality is centralised guest profiles, ensuring consistent service levels and personalised experiences, no matter where the guest stays. Central management functionalities can also incorporate accounting systems for standardised financial reporting and streamlined accounting processes. This also helps compliance with international accounting standards.
Technological solutions that offer business insights – which could be performance data across different countries – is another vital component for large hotel chains. Systems such as SIHOT.INSIGHTS give advanced analytics tools that provide forecasts, track progress on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and generate performance reports, for leaders to make informed decisions and tailor strategies to different markets.
In essence, a hotel management system for large international brands should ensure operational excellence, enhance the guest experience on a global scale, and drive sustained growth.
Contact us to find out more about how the SIHOT hotel management system could improve the operations of your hotel.