{"id":23251,"date":"2016-07-27T10:01:42","date_gmt":"2016-07-27T10:01:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.xotels.com\/uncategorized\/independent-hotels-have-a-strong-advantage-over-chain-properties"},"modified":"2025-06-18T09:11:55","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T09:11:55","slug":"independent-hotels-have-a-strong-advantage-over-chain-properties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.xotels.com\/en\/hotel-management\/independent-hotels-have-a-strong-advantage-over-chain-properties","title":{"rendered":"Independent Hotels have a strong advantage over Chain properties"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Independent<\/a>Reading the industry press over the last couple of months, I could not help but notice, all the upheaval about the large chains and the mergers and acquisitions<\/strong> happening. After Marriott acquired Starwood the industry is talking about the era of the mega hotel chains.<\/p>\n

However, as the CEO of a hotel revenue management consulting<\/a> company see actually rather a big opportunity for the independent hotels<\/a> in the current marketplace. Independent hotels thrive currently and from my experience are outperforming chain hotels in results.<\/p>\n

Actually looking at Conde Nast and Travel and Leisure, the leading luxury travel magazine’s, independent luxury hotels tend to outshine the chain hotels. Going through offers on popular lifestyle travel websites like Mr&Mrs Smith, Voyages Priv\u00e9 or Secret Escapes, all are focussed on authentic experiences incorporating mainly original boutique hotels and luxury independent hotels.<\/p>\n

Millennials<\/a>, the golden market segment everyone has been raving about, also seems to appreciate more authentic and original personalized experiences over a cookie cutter, of the shelve type of product. So for the years to come I would say this is quite a good outlook for independent hotels.<\/p>\n

And this does not only count for the high-end or luxury market. In the mid-ed and budget or economy segments independent hotels are making in-ways as well. Refreshing concepts with original design, personal guest service are popping up and moving up the charts everywhere. Even in the youth hostel market we have seen a product upgrade happening over the last few years with some cool new places to stay.<\/p>\n

\"Independent<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0What has inspired or triggered this phenomenon? The world has changed, people have become more aware and expressive of their needs. The modern consumer is much more conscious of what he appreciates and wants. The consumer is not looking for a standardized industrialized product. He is looking for a fun time at a nice place. And the industry is catching on.<\/p>\n

Review scores and OTA have levelled the playing field when it comes to distribution reach of an independent hotel vs. a chain branded hotel. By leveraging the online travel agencies and distribution platforms, independent hotels gain a global reach. And the original experience of an independent hotel drives very good review scores, giving your hotel an immense global reach and exposure.<\/p>\n

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Key advantages of independent hotels over chain properties:<\/p>\n