by Steve Short | Mar 14, 2025 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
For independent lodging operators, direct bookings are the ultimate goal. Yet, many struggle with optimizing their online presence to achieve this.
Tarun Goyal, Founder & CEO of Simplotel, discusses how their Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions are helping over 3,000 hotels worldwide improve their booking processes and maximize direct reservations.
Now expanding into North America, Simplotel offers independent properties a better way to increase margins, reduce OTA reliance, and enhance the guest booking experience.
We are very thankful to Tarun for sharing his insights with us.
You can learn more about Simplotel at simplotel.com.
by Steve Short | Feb 14, 2025 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
Many owners dream of selling their properties for maximum value down the line. While operational efficiency is key, one critical aspect is often overlooked — marketing.
Chris Kelly, a seasoned consultant at White Stone Brokers, shares invaluable insights on why regularly auditing and optimizing marketing strategies is essential. Not only can this boost your revenue, but it can also significantly enhance your property’s overall market value.
We are very thankful to Chris for sharing his insights with us.
You can learn more about White Stone Brokers at whitestonebrokers.com.
by Diann Turner | Oct 3, 2024 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
It’s hard to believe that fall is upon us. It’s time to put away the sunscreen and pull out the sweaters! To many, it will be a welcome relief from those 100+ degree days. There’s nothing better than crisp autumn days and all things pumpkin!
Fall not only ushers in cooler temps and maybe a little snow on some mountain peaks, it also marks the beginning of state, regional and national lodging association conferences. These conferences provide a great opportunity for both aspiring and experienced lodging providers to come together to exchange ideas, learn new business strategies from respected speakers and discover innovative products and services.
The first conference will be here before you know it. So get planning and register for a conference or maybe two! Where will we see you?
For your convenience the following list of upcoming conferences has been compiled for you.
• October 27th – 29th, 2024: Michigan B & B Association at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, MI.
• November 3rd – 6th, 2024: Select Registry at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, CA.
• November 12th – 13th, 2024: Washington Independent Inns Network at The Winds Casino Resort in Arlington, WA.
• November 12th – 14th, 2024: New England Inns & Resorts Association at the Cliff House Maine in Cape Neddick, ME.
• November 18th – 20th, 2024: Mid Atlantic Innkeepers at the DoubleTree Resort in Lancaster, PA.
• December 3 – 5th, 2024: Midwest Association of Independent Inns at the Holiday Inn & Suites Bien VenU Event Center in Cedar Falls, IA.
• March 24th – 27th, 2025: Association of Lodging Professionals at the Galt House in Louisville, KY.
by Steve Short | Jun 13, 2024 | Frictionless Innkeeper Podcasts
For state independent lodging associations to thrive, there’s a need to be nimble and continually provide value to their members.
The Wisconsin Bed & Breakfast Association recently rebranded itself as the Midwest Association of Independent Inns (MWInns) to expand its market to 13 Midwest states. MWInns also focuses on marketing the region and offering property listings for travelers to book their stays.
We are very thankful to Kerri Thiel, Executive Director of MWInns; and Randy Bangs, who is the Board VP Marketing Chair of MWInns, for sharing their insights with us.
You can learn more about the Midwest Association of Independent Inns at mwinns.com.
by Steve Short | Feb 29, 2024 | Frictionless Guest App Posts, Frictionless Tips
Attracting new guests and keeping them coming back has always been an ongoing challenge for the independent lodging industry. This was especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it remains true today.
Property owners and managers have to get creative to survive and thrive. One way to do this is by developing unique experiences for their guests that standout from other lodging properties and B&Bs in their area.
For example, Doug Bagnasco and Jim DeBlasi, the co-owners of the Devonfield Inn, have successfully put this kind of practice into place at their charming inn nestled in the beautiful hills of the Berkshires. By partnering with local businesses, here’s what they offered:
- Created a guided horseback trail ride package that provides stunning views of the Berkshire Mountains.
- Brought in local musicians to perform lawn concerts.
- Offered private yoga sessions from instructors from the Kripalu Center For Yoga & Health.
- Hosted kayaking tour down the Housatonic River.
- Created a fun ziplining package that has become quite popular.
Here are some other creative ideas for creating unique on-property experiences from innkeepers we’ve interviewed:
- Christine Boeke, former owner of the Westcott House Bed & Breakfast, would invite people who work at local attractions to have breakfast with her guests, so they could have an intimate conversation about the area.
- Share your passions with guests, and create an offering around it. For example, beer is the central attraction at WildManDan’s Beercentric B&B.
Much of this hard work does pay off. For example, The Devonfield Inn has been a repeated top-rated bed and breakfast by TripAdvisor and Expedia.
To learn more from Doug and Jim on how to create unique guest experiences that will attract and keep your guests coming back, listen to their podcast here.
