Should You Follow the Trends or Carve Your Own Path?

We’ve talked a lot about the newest trends in the hotel industry, but there’s something to be said about carving your own path in the hospitality industry. Obviously, this doesn’t work for all hotels. Independent hotels are really the only ones who have this unique opportunity. Guests appreciate when hotels try something different from what’s expected, and if you do it right, you can carve a niche for yourself.

Trends are Trends for a Reason

With that being said, trends are “trendy” for a reason. It’s what people are looking for out of a hotel experience in this day and age. It’s a safe bet that if your hotel is up to date with the hottest trends, you’ll see a steady flow of business, at least for the short-term. For instance, the farm-to-table trend in hotel restaurants is huge right now. That’s because if people are staying in a hotel that’s specific to the city they’re in, they want some of the local flavor, literally. Another trend that’s big right now is having systems like Alexa and Google Home integrated into your hotel rooms.

Now, just because these trends are big at the moment, does that mean they’ll be lasting? It’s hard to say, but if you’re always following the trends or trying to implement new ones, it’s hard to get your hotel into an operating groove. Keep in mind, you don’t have to try and have each and every new trend that pops up. If you are going to try and follow the trends, make sure you have a plan laid out. Also, make sure the trends are true to your brand. Unless you’re revamping or rebranding, you don’t want to turn off your loyal guests who keep coming to your hotel because of the experience you’ve already established.

It’s Also Important to Set Yourself Apart

People aren’t always looking for somewhere that’s like everywhere else. Sure, if you are up to date on the latest trends, you’ll be a step above economy hotels, but you’ll also be very similar to many luxury hotels. Sometimes, if you’re a boutique hotel, having something really unique will give you a competitive edge. It can help diversify you from the crowd, especially if you’re located in a big city. Carving out your own lane in the hospitality industry may be a difficult feat, but with the right plan and design, it can be extremely beneficial.

Working with a Hotel Brokerage

If you’re looking to buy or sell your hotel, trust the hotel brokerage of Southeast International Hotel Brokers. Our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you through the entire buying and selling process. Contact us today for more information and to speak with a member of our hotel broker team.