SuiteSpeed Internet Solutions Provide Hotels
with the
Ability to Control and Grow Revenue
Louisville, CO (December 17, 2003) Travelers are
demanding a level playing field when it comes to hotel High-Speed Internet
Access (HSIA). They want convenience and economy when it comes to staying
productive on the road. Gone are the days when your guests are willing
to run to the nearest business center or local coffee shop hot spot just
to check email. Now more than ever, the hospitality industry has
the opportunity to leverage this need for 24/7 connectivity with HSIA packaging
to serve the guests needs and at the same time drive incremental revenue
for the hotel.
SuiteSpeed,
the hospitality industry�s choice for wireless and wired High-Speed Internet
Access (HSIA) solutions without boundaries, helps hotels implement revenue
generating Internet solutions that provide differentiating guest service
and a quick return on investment. For each property, SuiteSpeed consults
with its clients to determine the best combination of revenue generating
strategies that will position the hotel�s HSIA as a long-term profit center.
As you consider these six strategies, remember to balance your HSIA marketing
strategy with your guests� expectations of service.
#1 Offer
HSIA as a Free Amenity
Free Internet access is a powerful draw, especially
for the business traveler. Hotels are using HSIA as promotional strategy
to get heads in beds. Internet access can be positioned as a loss
leader, with hotels assuming the additional costs of free Internet will
be offset by incremental room revenue. For example, if a property
room rate is $100/night, it takes 10 room nights at an average HSIA cost
of $10/day to recoup one night�s revenue. Would you rather have your
revenue in one night or ten? Hotels are also bundling the cost of Internet
access into their room rate, so the operational costs are offset.
Offering free Internet will drive occupancy for a select market that looks
for convenience and value.
#2 Sell
HSIA at a Daily Rate
If free Internet access does not fit your business
model, consider offering a daily rate for guest HSIA. It will simplify
guest usage and help maximize guest generated HSIA revenue. Although
hourly rates can generate greater $/hour revenue, they have a perception
of low value and increased intervention by the user. Current daily
rates for HSIA can range from $3.95/day to $14.95/day. Make sure
your system allows you to have pricing control because nobody knows your
customer better than you do.
#3 Bundle
HSIA with an Enhanced Level of Service
Hotels can provide differentiated offerings by
bundling HSIA with other amenities. For example, Internet access may be
included with continental breakfast, and newspaper for Concierge Level
service. Pricing for these amenities is bundled into the room rate
seamlessly to the guest.
#4 Leverage
the HSIA Network for Additional Productivity Applications
Hotels can enhance their operational bottom line
by leveraging additional productivity applications over the wireless network.
For example, in-room services such as housekeeping and minibar inventory
can communicate status or trouble tickets over the wireless network to
a PDA device. Other wireless-friendly applications include curbside
check in and point-of sale where speed of service improves satisfaction
and repeat visits.
#5 Tier
Bandwidth Prices, Up Sell Higher Speeds
Internet access has become a business travel
requirement. Hotels can promote different levels of service by tiering
bandwidth pricing. For example, hotels have a unique marketing opportunity
by offering free 128kbps service. Users that require higher bandwidths
for VPN access or other applications can upgrade their service for a fee.
This strategy allows a hotel to promote �free Internet� while generating
revenue from high bandwidth users. In the case of extended stay properties,
there is pricing flexibility based on duration of visit and bandwidth.
See a sample rate chart below that is generating over $1,500/month in HSIA
for a Colorado-based 100 room extended stay property.
. |
Daily
|
Weekly
|
Monthly
|
128k speed |
$3.95 |
$23.00 |
$69.00 |
512k speed |
$5.95 |
$29.00 |
$89.00 |
1MB speed |
$7.95 |
$39.00 |
$119.00 |
#6 Sell
HSIA for Meetings and Events
Operators frequently forget to leverage their
HSIA services for meetings and events. Attendees often need Internet
access for demonstrations, business applications, as well as standard requirements
such as checking email. Make sure your group sales department use
HSIA as a differentiator and promote access in meeting rooms and common
areas. This amenity for full service properties can be a very strong
revenue driver with prices ranging from $100 per connection to $750 per
connection in certain locations. Understand your groups� requirements and
the value of wireless access for attendees as well.
These strategies will help hotels, resorts and
timeshares maximize revenue opportunities from Internet access while providing
enhanced guest services. For more ideas on how to make the most from
your wireless or wired Internet solutions for your property, call SuiteSpeed
at 1-888-445-5118 or email [email protected].
About SuiteSpeed
SuiteSpeed provides innovative wireless and wired
Internet access solutions "without boundaries� for the hotel industry.
With a focus on incremental revenue generation and measurable ROI, SuiteSpeed
offers a variety of solutions to fit the needs of the hotel guest and the
hotel operator. Through high performance systems, proven technology,
and customer-focused solutions, SuiteSpeed helps improve the hotel guest
experience and build hotel loyalty. SuiteSpeed�s customer brands include
Marriott Courtyard, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Radisson, Embassy Suites,
Days Inn, TownePlace Suites by Marriott, and Hampton Inn & Suites,
as well as many boutique hotels. For more information, visit www.suitespeed.com
or call 1-888-445-5118.
SuiteSpeed is a trademark of SuiteSpeed, LLC.
All other names or brands are property of their respective owners. |