DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
222 | Flying Solo: What it takes to go from franchised to independent
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
Independent hotel supply in the U.S. has decreased in the past 10 years, reports STR.
The lodging-data company reports independently owned and operated hotels account for less than 40 percent of all hotels. About 1 percent of those close each year.
But that trend may take a turn.
It appears more and more hoteliers who have grown their companies with franchised brands are considering going independent.
We’re talking about entrepreneurs are converting existing branded properties into non-affiliated hotels.
The franchise contracts are approaching the end, and thanks to the internet, online distribution channels and sophisticated operating and marketing technologies, flying solo is no longer a day dream.
However, before lowering your brand flag, listen to the advice of three hoteliers who either have done it or are planning to do it.
You may discover that franchising is the best model for your business, after all.
In today’s episode, we talk to San Diego hoteliers Bobby Patel of Hotel Investment Group which has nine independent hotels, and Vipul Dayal of VNR Management who is converting a family-owned franchised property and writing a book about it.
We also hear from Timesh Patel of Ohm Culture Hotels in Inglewood, California, who, as he puts it, was “punched in the face” when he transitioned from franchised to independent.
Resources and Links
- Timesh Patel of Ohm Culture Hotels
- Bobby Patel of Hotel Investment Group
- Vipul Dayal
- “From Brand to Boutique: Analyzing Operating Models.” The first chapter is available on Amazon.com.
DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT
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287 | The Long Haul: Extended-stay hotels show their strength in a crisis
Extended-stay hotels are weathering the coronavirus crisis better than their transient cousins, according to reports. The Highland Group’s half-year report shows economy and mid-priced extended-stay hotels are faring better than upscale extended-stay accommodations. Second-quarter earnings reports from companies such as Extended Stay America prove the resiliency of the sector, especially when sales teams shift their focus to new prospects such as college students, leisure travelers who value the kitchen and essential workers in it for the long haul. Long Live Lodging examines what gives extended-stay its muscle in a weak economy. This report is part of our ongoing coverage of the coronavirus crisis and its impact on the hotel industry.
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285 | ‘Allure of the Door’: Exterior-corridor hotels trending in COVID-19 pandemic
Almost overnight, the roadside motel is a hot commodity. Travelers are going by car and when they stop they want the safest stay possible. The coronavirus pandemic has pushed health and safety to the top of hotel guests’ most-favored-amenity list and exterior-corridor properties appear to provide more of a risk-free stay than their interior-corridor cousins. Long Live Lodging examines the new shine travelers have put on exterior-corridor motels during the COVID-19 crisis and how brands heavy with motel-style properties are responding to the trend. This report is part of Long Live Lodging’s ongoing coverage of the coronavirus crisis and its impact on the hotel industry.