Independent Hoteliers Facing Mandated PMS Upgrades Seize Golden Opportunity to Improve Operations and Profitability

Independent operators are taking advantage of vendor-mandated property management system upgrades to review alternative systems that offer more value for their investment. Rather than defaulting to a system upgrade, many independents are evaluating solutions that provide greater mobile versatility, loyalty functionality, and social media marketing capability.

In today's business environment where ownership changes are commonplace, many hoteliers are in the position of owning a property management or other hotel software systems that will soon lose support because of a vendor acquisition and forced upgrade. These transitions can be disruptive and often expensive challenges for any operator. But some savvy hoteliers are taking advantage of this opportunity to assess their current operational needs and evaluate other Property Management Systems to help them achieve their revenue, service and hotel management goals.

Operators faced with system upgrades seek alternatives offering more value and ROI
"Vendor upgrades are often attempts to add new functionality to legacy technology; however, this does not create a fundamentally stronger system," said Warren Dehan, president of NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS. "The global shift to mobile communications, social media marketing, and direct web booking are immediate needs that require a system designed for these business requirements. Forward-looking independents are using their vendor's mandate to evaluate more advanced and versatile platforms that address today's needs."

Maestro ™ Enterprise Property Management hotel software is developed specifically to provide the most comprehensive suite of business tools and services to meet the unique needs of independent hotels, resorts, and multi-property groups. Maestro's Diamond Plus Service levels the playing field for independent hoteliers who do not have corporate office support by reducing operating costs, keeping staff optimally productive, and generating revenue. Diamond Plus Service is not only the industry's most responsive 24/7 help-desk but it also includes on-demand training, live webinars, PCI assistance, lifetime version upgrades, management strategies, property productivity audits, and online marketing services to increase profitability.

Maestro offers complete solution for loyalty, mobile, social media, and direct bookings
Savvy hotel operators are always searching for innovative ways to distinguish their properties. "Maestro's Guest Loyalty System lets independent operators create a 360-degree guest view of guest relationships in ways they could not do in the past," Dehan said. "This enables independents to build stronger repeat and referral-guest programs the same as major chains."

Maestro's flexible, integrated Loyalty System automates the complex process of points tracking and redemption to keep guests returning. The system delivers the tools to create loyalty programs with perks that reflect a property's unique personalized service and brand. Guests can easily sign up and manage their own profiles, personal preferences and monitor their points online or via their mobile devices.

Independent hotel operators have freedom to manage and market their properties more creatively than flagged competitors. That is why NORTHWIND now offers a full suite of online marketing services as part of Diamond Plus Service to help independents develop and implement effective mobile, social media and online marketing campaigns that generate more repeat guests and direct bookings. Maestro's ResWave online booking engine puts the revenue-generating power of Social Media to work by enabling guests to book reservations directly on your Facebook page and other social sites. Guests and groups can reserve rooms, packages, and make spa bookings directly from property social media pages or unique group landing pages via their mobile devices.

For operators who are using legacy systems and keeping a sharp eye on their operating budget, it is the ideal time to evaluate alternatives that will maximize ROI. Are you faced with a mandated PMS upgrade now? Maybe it is time you consider your options.

For a demo of the Maestro Property Management Suite featuring the ResWave Booking Engine, please contact NORTHWIND at 1.888.667.8488 or email [email protected].