How HotelFriend Helped Gästehaus Villa Casamia Achieve a 25% Increase in Booking Efficiency
Client
hotel-casamia.deProperty Type
Guesthouse
Location
Schmalkalden, Germany
The project launch
June 2024
About Gästehaus Villa Casamia
Gästehaus Villa Casamia, an elegant villa situated on a south-facing slope on the edge of the Thuringian Forest, provides a tranquil retreat for adult guests. This charming guesthouse in Schmalkalden, a town known for its half-timbered architecture and rich Reformation history, offers eight conveniently furnished double rooms.
To enhance its operational efficiency and guest experience, Gästehaus Villa Casamia decided to implement the HotelFriend Property Management System.
Challenges Faced by Gästehaus Villa Casamia
Gästehaus Villa Casamia faced several operational challenges that were in dire need of a technological upgrade:
Working with an outdated Property Management System
The existing property management system needed to be upgraded to the one with a more user-friendly design and functionality. The inefficiencies in the system led to manual errors, time-consuming processes, and a lack of integration with the necessary online booking tools.
Accepting online booking and payments
The inability to process bookings online directly affected occupancy rates and revenue, as many potential guests prefer the convenience of online reservations and secure payment options.
Setting booking restrictions
The property required the ability to set specific booking restrictions, such as making the day of arrival unbookable while allowing other days to be booked. This is essential for managing peak times, special events, and maintenance schedules without disrupting the overall booking flow.
Exporting to DATEV accounting format
The lack of integration with DATEV meant additional manual work for the accounting team and compliance issues that could lead to penalties or fines.
Paying high interest rates on payment processing
The high interest rates associated with traditional payment processors were a financial burden for the guesthouse. These costs ate into the margins, reducing profitability and limiting the ability to reinvest in property improvements.
Solutions Provided by HotelFriend
The property adopted HotelFriend's Grow Suite, which includes a modern PMS, Channel Manager, and Booking Engine, to address these challenges.
- A brand new Property Management System: HotelFriend's PMS replaced the outdated system, offering an intuitive that enhanced daily operations and management efficiency. This modern PMS provided robust features such as real-time room availability updates, automated invoicing, and guest communication tools.
- A robust Booking Engine: The integrated booking engine enabled Gästehaus Villa Casamia to accept online bookings and payments seamlessly. The engine also allowed for the setting of customized booking restrictions, enhancing operational flexibility. This capability not only increased direct bookings through the hotel's website but also improved the guest experience by offering a smooth and secure booking process.
- An integrated Channel Manager: HotelFriend's Channel Manager facilitated the connection to two OTA channels–HRS and Booking.com, ensuring broader market reach and better room distribution. It also streamlined the process of updating room rates and availability across multiple platforms.
- Personalized support services: HotelFriend provided comprehensive support, including the initial setup of the Channel Manager, OTA channel activation, and ongoing assistance via personalized Zoom consultations. The continuous support meant that any issues of the client could be quickly addressed, minimizing disruptions to operations.
Integrations Featured
To meet all the property's needs, HotelFriend ensured a seamless workflow by integrating the HotelFriend Payment processor and incorporating a DATEV Export feature for tax office compliance.
Results Achieved
The implementation of HotelFriend's Grow Suite brought about a string of notable improvements at Gästehaus Villa Casamia.
The efficiency of the Booking Engine increased by 25%
The new booking engine improved the online booking process, resulting in increased direct bookings and revenue. Guests appreciated the convenience of booking through the hotel's website, and the secure payment options enhanced their trust and confidence.
Easier management of peak and off-peak seasons
Customizable booking restrictions provided better control over reservations, optimizing room availability and guest satisfaction. This flexibility allowed the hotel to efficiently manage its inventory, catering to both peak and off-peak seasons without compromising on guest service.
Better visibility on global OTA channels
The connection to HRS and Booking.com boosted the property's online visibility and occupancy rates. Being present on these major platforms attracts a wider audience, particularly international travelers who might not have found the property otherwise.
Automated accounting processes
The DATEV export feature facilitated efficient financial operations and ensured accuracy. The automation of financial data exports reduced the workload for the accounting team, minimized the risk of errors, and ensured timely and accurate financial reporting.
Transaction interest rates reduced by up to 1.16%
Adopting HotelFriend Payments reduced transaction fees, enhancing the property's financial health and operational savings. The lower interest rates freed up funds that could be reinvested into the property, such as upgrading facilities or expanding marketing efforts.