VIPS PMS Articles

The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and external economic pressures are a frequent disruptor. From surging energy costs and inflationary pressures to sudden hikes in VAT or supply chain shortages, hoteliers often find themselves backed into a corner where raising prices is unavoidable. These changes can lead to tough decisions, especially when it comes to communicating increases to guests who are accustomed to a particular value proposition.How do you implement necessary price increases without eroding guest satisfaction or loyalty? The answer isn’t simply to raise rates and hope for the best. It requires a thoughtful strategy that combines pricing intelligence, guest-centric value creation, brand storytelling, and operational innovation. In this article, we’ll explore multiple practical strategies to help hoteliers navigate rising costs effectively—ensuring they retain existing guests, attract new ones, and future-proof their operations.

Effective cross-department cooperation is fundamental in hotel operations, dramatically affecting guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and overall hotel performance. The hospitality industry thrives on seamless collaboration between departments such as front office, housekeeping, maintenance, and food and beverage (F&B). Without proper cooperation, hotels risk operational inefficiencies that can damage guest experiences, harm their reputation, and ultimately affect profitability negatively.When hotel departments collaborate effectively, they not only meet but exceed guest expectations. Such cooperation streamlines workflows, optimizes resources, and enhances the guest experience by ensuring services are consistently high-quality and responsive. For instance, when front desk and housekeeping staff coordinate closely, guest rooms are prepared promptly, reducing wait times and enhancing satisfaction right from arrival. Consequently, fostering a collaborative environment becomes a strategic priority for hotel managers aiming for excellence in service delivery.

Choosing between an independent hotel and a chain used to be simple for guests. If you wanted predictability and points, you went with a brand name. If you were feeling adventurous, you’d take your chances with an independent. But that’s no longer the case.Today’s guests are prioritizing experience over predictability. They’re not just looking for a bed, they want a story to tell. They want to feel like they’ve discovered something unique, something tailored to them. This shift is particularly evident among younger travelers and digital nomads, who often bypass chains altogether in favor of properties with a soul.

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.

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 hotel industry, two essential metrics that gauge financial success are Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) and Average Daily Rate (ADR). While these terms may seem technical, they offer crucial insights into a hotel's profitability and occupancy performance. Understanding the relationship...

The hotel tech landscape is evolving rapidly, with innovations reshaping how properties manage day-to-day operations. At the heart of this transformation are Property Management Systems (PMS). New-generation platforms often present themselves as revolutionary—sleek interfaces, cloud-first architecture, and automation promises that sound like a dream.But behind the polished demos and flashy presentations often lie layers of hidden complexity. Many PMS providers paint a picture where setup takes just minutes—yet in their documentation, they quietly acknowledge the need for manual data migration and comprehensive staff training.One of our recent partners was considering switching PMS providers. They were drawn in by a competitor’s confident claim: “We can import everything automatically.” Everything from future bookings and guest data to historical financials. It sounded ideal—until they dug a little deeper.As it turned out, the “automated migration” involved multiple manual steps. Reservations and rate mappings had to be checked. Guest profiles needed to be exported, reformatted, and de-duplicated. Group bookings lost linked room data. The client quickly realized that “automatic” was more marketing language than operational reality. The transition was delayed, and staff had to juggle between systems—causing unnecessary stress and confusion.This article is a reality check for hoteliers: an honest look at the promises made in the PMS space, and what it really takes to implement a new system effectively. It’s not about cynicism—it’s about clarity, preparation, and working with partners who walk their talk.In the sections that follow, we’ll debunk common myths, highlight the real challenges, and share how to make your next PMS transition smoother.