Improve operations and guest experience

October 20, 2024

The right software can transform a hotel’s success, impacting everything from operational efficiency to guest satisfaction.

As technology continues to advance, hotels have changed the way they manage daily tasks and interact with guests. Let’s take a look at some basic software solutions that every hotel should consider.

7 must-have software for hotels

1. Property Management System (PMS)

one Property Management System (PMS) It is the heart of hotel operations, handling everything from reservations and check-in to billing and room allocation. A good PMS can streamline these processes so employees can focus on delivering excellent service. Many modern PMS solutions also integrate with other software to provide hoteliers with a complete view of their operations.

Tips for hoteliers: Look for a cloud-based PMS that allows for real-time updates, provides mobile access, and can easily scale as your business grows.

2.Channel Manager

Manage multiple distribution channels from Online travel agency (OTA) Booking direct can be complicated without the right tools. Channel managers automate this process, synchronizing rates and availability across all platforms, reducing the risk of overbooking or pricing discrepancies.

Tips for hoteliers: A good channel manager can help hoteliers maximize their visibility across multiple online travel agencies (OTAs) and direct booking platforms. With real-time automatic updates, hotels can save time and avoid errors. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into booking patterns and performance across various channels, helping hotels make better decisions to optimize revenue.

example: STAAH Channel Manager

STAAH’s channel managers can synchronize room availability and pricing across OTAs, e.g. Booking.com, Agodaand Expedia.com. Hotels using this integration have reportedly reduced overbooking and increased room occupancy.

3. Revenue Management Software (RMS)

Revenue management software (RMS) optimizes room pricing by analyzing market trends, competitor pricing and demand patterns. By making smart pricing decisions, hoteliers can maximize revenue during peak and off-peak seasons.

Tips for hoteliers: Pairing an RMS with a PMS provides a clearer understanding of guest preferences, market conditions, and pricing strategies.

4. booking engine

Booking engines are crucial for hotels to get direct bookings from their website. The booking engine integrates with the hotel’s PMS, ensuring guests can easily check availability, book a room and make secure online payments. Providing a smooth and user-friendly booking process not only facilitates direct bookings but also improves the guest experience.

Tips for hoteliers: Meet the needs of your international guests with a booking engine that’s mobile-friendly and offers multiple language and currency options. Offering exclusive offers for direct bookings can help reduce dependence on OTAs and increase your direct revenue.

example: STAAH booking engine
STAAH’s booking engine Integrate with PMS and channel managers to provide guests with a seamless experience. It supports multiple payment options, allows hotels to manage promotions and packages, and provides real-time insights into booking performance.

5. Guest feedback and review management tools

Online reviews can significantly impact a hotel’s reputation. Manage guest feedback Effectively increase visibility and credibility. With guest feedback tools, hotels can improve their online presence by collecting, monitoring and responding to reviews in real time.

Tips for hoteliers: Make it a priority to respond to guest reviews in a timely manner. Both positive and negative feedback build trust and can turn dissatisfied guests into loyal ones.

Example: ReviewMinder
ReviewMinder by STAAH Collecting guest reviews from platforms like Google and TripAdvisor allows hoteliers to monitor and respond quickly. This integration not only improves the guest experience but also enhances the hotel’s online reputation.

6. Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

one Customer Relationship Management (CRM) The system helps hotels track guest preferences, communication history and loyalty programs. personalization Guest experience Critical to increasing satisfaction and encouraging repeat business, a CRM makes it easier to manage these interactions effectively.

Tips for hoteliers: Use your CRM data to create targeted marketing campaigns to meet the needs of different guest groups, such as frequent travelers or special occasion visitors.

7. Point of Sale (POS) Systems

For hotels offering food and beverage or spa services, an integrated POS system is crucial. A good POS system can be connected to the hotel’s PMS, allowing guests to charge meals, beverages, or service charges directly to their room. This creates a smoother guest experience and simplifies billing at checkout.

Tips for hoteliers: Ensure your POS system integrates seamlessly with your PMS to create a seamless guest experience from ordering to billing.

For hotels, investing in the right software is no longer an option, but a necessity. By integrating essential tools such as PMS, channel managers and CRM with STAAH, hotels can streamline operations and increase incomeand enhance guest experience. As the hospitality industry landscape continues to evolve, staying ahead of technology trends is key to long-term success.