Front Office Manager

High season is one of the most exhilarating—and challenging—times for hoteliers. As the floodgates of demand open, every room seems to fill up, and the opportunity to boost revenue is huge. For many hotels, the success of the entire year depends heavily on how well they perform during these crucial months. Yet alongside the promise of packed lobbies and bustling restaurants comes the stress of maintaining quality service standards while running at full capacity. Those who succeed during high season aren’t necessarily the hotels with the most resources. More often, they’re the ones that prepare early, think creatively, and implement agile systems that allow them to adapt fast. Whether it’s flexible staffing, intelligent pricing, or nimble upselling, thriving during peak periods is all about smart planning and execution. In this article, we’ll break down the key pillars that forward-thinking hotels use to dominate their high season—and hint at a few even deeper strategies reserved for the real industry insiders.

A Property Management System (PMS) is essential for running a hotel efficiently, but not all PMS solutions are created equal. Different types of hotels, from boutique hotels to large resorts, require specific features that cater to their unique needs. Let’s explore the most important features that a PMS should offer...

Hotel check-in has long been seen as little more than a transactional formality. Guests arrive, present identification, confirm their booking, and receive a room key. Yet this seemingly simple process is actually one of the most influential moments in the guest journey. The experience at check-in often sets the emotional tone for the entire stay, shaping how a guest perceives the property, its staff, and its values.In the modern hospitality industry, where travelers are increasingly time-conscious and digitally empowered, check-in has become far more than just an administrative step. It has evolved into a strategic touchpoint that combines guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and revenue opportunities all in one moment. A smooth and well-designed check-in process can spark delight, encourage loyalty, and even unlock upselling potential. On the other hand, delays, confusion, or impersonal service at this stage can cast a shadow over the rest of the stay, something no hotel can afford in an era where online reviews travel faster than ever.

In the ever-evolving world of the hospitality industry, hoteliers face many challenges, such as efficiently managing online distribution, upselling, and the guest journey. Traditional providers of hotel reservation systems have often struggled to keep up with technological advancements. This has led to the rise of specialized providers focusing on these specific areas. But now, it’s time for the next generation of hotel reservation systems to integrate these functions into one comprehensive solution.

The hospitality sector is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by technology, changing guest expectations, and shifting market dynamics. For hotels, staying ahead of these trends is not just a way to attract guests but a vital part of building loyalty and remaining competitive in the future...

Krispijn Westerink has seen a lot of innovations come and go in the two decades he’s been in the hospitality and hotel technology business. The head of sales & partnerships at VIPS PMS also believes that the...