2015 is the slowest since 2005 - pre-ensuite bathroom!
Himself thinks it was the rate hike. I think it was a combo of: gas prices down so drilling/pipeline shut down so old hotel rooms opened up at the same time NEW hotels opened with more rooms (right at the exits of the Interstate) AND the proliferation of Air with rooms way less and whole houses at the same price as my best room.
It is what it is and I will keep on plugging away. This year I will have to "find" the money for the pro photographer and new rack cards..
Have you applied for the free air photographer? - we are lucky and he came out within 4 days (I know you are more rural but eventually you will work up the list) Air recommend it as then the people know they are verified pictures ie what you see is definitely what you get so they have more confidence than they would have in other properties. Was hoping to have the pennies saved to have a professional photographer in to do the rooms while its quieter but don't think that's going to happen.
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Actually, I am in downtown Shinnston with parking lots on 3 sides of me. I dropped Air. I do not like their new way of payment and when I saw what they are touting around me, I just decided to not get sucked into the OTA world.
I could not believe reading on 2 other Forums that some rely on the OTA world b.c especially for 80 - 90% of their business. I do not want that much dependency on ANY one source of business. It is like being a company town - the business goes as the company goes and if it goes bust, you do too.
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I work on the pillar system - lots of induvidual pillars holding my roof up so if one goes Im not left with no roof! My new years resolutions are
(1) stronger line with min nights
(2) keep saying "we are not a charity" if people can't afford us they should go somewhere cheaper or not go (we are not expensive) stop being a soft touch for ruddy cheapskates! If I can't afford to go I don't go - I don't expect someone else to subsidies my holiday
(3) maximize revenue at busy times
(4) hold out on weekends and busy times for as long as possible for direct bookings before putting on the internet to reduce commission.
(5) push add on's better
(6) do more blogging - at least 1 article a week
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