SHR Soundbites

John's family owned and operated hotel, in the heart of NYC, has been challenged like most every other hotel in the world, amid COVID-19. But, he's found alternative means to drive revenue. Listen in to found out how.

Are hoteliers using metasearch amid the COVID-19 recovery? If so, how effectively? Dorian answers these questions along with what you need to know about metasearch: 1. Understand where your travelers are coming from, 2. Understand which types of travelers they are, 3. Choose the right platform, 4. Be present online.

Formerly a Hilton performance brand manager, Kristen, saw the negative effects of COVID-19 coming to the US early on. Hilton was able to prepare their US properties with sanitation guidelines as well as providing discounts to front line workers. With occupancy rates starting to climb, she is seeing about a 1/3 of the US is traveling--leisure travelers. She recommends auditing all your digital channels and marketing promotions, leaving nothing to chance.

Shona Whitehead, from Cogent Blue Ltd, out of England, talks with us about the U.K. hotel re-opening and revenue management amid COVID-19 recovery.

Loss of staff, limited know-how, no budget, what's a hotel to do about marketing amid the pandemic? Katie Hokin gives us some tips.

As VP of Distribution, Performance, and Membership for Luxe Collection Hotels, Bianca Porto Barga, was seeing the COVID-19 storm coming out of Asia as early as last December, and was putting together a plan. But, before she could put the plan into action, all of Luxe's senior leaders were let go. While she may be another hospitality victim of COVID-19, Bianca presses on, and wanted to pass along a few 'distribution-marketing' action items from her plan for those hoteliers still at work, like check your rates, explore your rate strategy, and don't forget, 2021.

Director of Sales at View Hotels, collection of 4-star, boutique hotels, talks with us about how their hotels have fared amid COVID-19. While not having to close, they've kept busy installing a new PMS, general clean up, and finalizing a re-branding effort. They're patiently waiting for states to open up travel, and sports to come back.

Continuation of our discussion on how hotels can compete with vacation rentals. Andrew explains the changes to Google Hotel Ads new 'pay-per-stay' policy, possibly an advantage for hoteliers who are offering flexible cancellation policies. But, there are caveats.

Chris talks about the current strength of extended stay and economy class hotels, how low staff levels is hurting hotel performance, how vendors and consultants need to be there for these hotels, and the big question marks around LNR segment.

Was all set to talk to Scott about the re-opening of his hotel when his owners called the night before to tell him they made the difficult decision to remain closed amid COVID-19. A tough but candid discussion.