An Independent Hotel Brand Built to Last Through Any Economy

It should certainly come as no surprise that independently owned hotels face many hurdles that chain hotels (commonly referred to as branded hotels) do not have to worry about. For this reason, it’s important to understand the pitfalls and risks associated with independently owned hotels, and how to combat them with a strategic vision and game plan.

These challenges are intensified during times of economic recession. Independent hotels don’t have the luxury of relying on a large brand name to help them cut costs during a changing economy. In fact, in a study conducted by John W. O’Neill and Mats Carlbäck and the International Journal of Hospitality Management, it was shown that big chain hotels experience higher occupancy rates during recessions. According to the study, it appears that chain hotels are able to sacrifice higher room rates during tough times to achieve these higher occupancy rates. Basically lowering rates, and putting independent hotels in a race to the bottom of their prices.

In short, independent hotels can’t compete against these dirt-cheap rates that big chains are marketing.

This is why it’s so important to adjust your brand strategy so that you don’t always have to compete by price alone. There are many other methods and approaches you can take in order to stay competitive, especially during economic changes. Your unique market position, guest experience, the compelling story of your hotel, and your deep and personal connection to guests are just a few ways you can shine against big chains.

Your brand is extremely important. Hotels live or die on their reputation. This study concludes that hotel brands, in general, are important, and especially matter during times of economic recession.

The study goes on to say that this information should be added to the complex discussion of the true value of these intangible assets. This seems to suggest that many hoteliers, hotel investors, and private equity firms may not realize the true value of a brand. However, just like any business – a hotel can benefit from the basic principles found in a brand strategy.

With a brand strategy, your hotel should know the answers to these:

Bottom line, if you want to experience the benefits of owning an independent hotel and freedom from franchise fees and payments you need to invest in your brand. If not, you will be taking some big risks that could sink your hotel. Are those risks worth it? I don’t think so. Especially not when companies like Longitude° exist to equip you with all you need to build a solid brand strategy.

This is also why you need resources, support, and a community behind you (Join our Hotelier Facebook Group if you haven’t already!). We are actively providing these resources with free access to articles aimed at helping you attract more guests, beat big-chain hotels, keeping your guests loyal, and general tips to keep your hotel from failing.

It’s can seem like an impossible task, but with the right strategy for building your brand, cultivating your identity, maintaining healthy operations, building your management team, and enhancing your revenue management system – you can certainly be competitive in this ruthless hospitality industry.

See Our Latest Hotel Branding Work

View our latest hotel branding case study here: The Allen Hotel – Manhattan, NY