Choosing the Best Small Hotel Management Software

When we talk about accommodation, different types of properties come to mind, such as hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, lodges, and apartments among others. Each of these properties offers different types of services and experiences, therefore appealing to a different type of traveler. But more importantly, they also require a specific management system to meet the particular needs of each type of accommodation.

At RoomRaccoon, we’ve worked hard to create a small hotel management software that puts the tools you need to ensure the success of your property at your fingertips. As a result, we provide you with a PMS, booking engine, and channel manager, plus a wide range of additional tools that will bring out the best in your property.

What are the advantages of small hotels?

To help you choose the best hotel management software for your small hotel, we have created this blog to group together your property’s main strengths and characteristics. We also share some tips on how to get the most out of them so that you don’t have to worry about competing with hotel chains.

• Seclusion
• Attention to detail
• Guest experience
• Local products and services
• Cleanliness and comfort

1. Seclusion

In contrast to chain hotels, small hotels are usually located in very strategic locations. They are close enough to the tourist attractions, but far enough away from the crowds to allow for some privacy. Small hotels also offer facilities with their own charm and personality that are hard to find elsewhere.

How to effectively communicate as a small hotel

Your website is the face of your property and should effectively communicate the personality of your hotel. The content, the room descriptions, the font style, and the colors, all of this can make your guests feel welcome even before they arrive at your property, which will help to increase your direct bookings.

To do this, it is helpful to put yourself in the guest’s shoes and focus on the strengths of your property, such as the relaxation and other benefits of enjoying an off-the-beaten-track destination.

When selecting the ideal small hotel management software, it should provide you with a hotel website builder that allows you to create a sleek and clean website. Within a few simple steps, it should connect to your booking engine to deliver a unique experience from the first point of contact.

2. Attention to detail

Charm should be one of the distinguishing features of your property. For smaller hotels, it is much easier to focus on the details. For example, the tone of voice of your content, the use of verbs that awaken the senses, and the use of quality images in all the booking channels that you use. Remember to emphasize the theme of your rooms and decor or any other details within the property.

What details should I focus on?

Add an extra layer of convenience to your experience with self-service tools. Online check-in and check-out, digital ID scanners, and other features can make the guest experience seamless.

RoomRaccoon’s small hotel management software prioritizes these types of features so that they are fully integrated with our Property Management System where you can enjoy all the benefits.

3. Guest experience

Do you know the difference between guest experience and guest service? Guest experience is the set of actions and processes that have guest satisfaction as a goal. This includes communication, the added value of your experience, and what makes stays at your hotel special. In other words: the impact you create in the guest’s mind.
On the other hand, guest service refers to a reactive action, where your team or management system should be able to resolve doubts, complaints, or questions that may arise at any stage of the guest’s journey.

To improve guest experience, it is essential to have a simple and intuitive small hotel management software that can integrate with additional tools like chatbots to allow guests to get in touch when needed.

To take your guest experience to the next level we offer you our flagship tool: RaccoonUpsell. This additional sales function, in addition to being fully integrated with our Property Management System, offers your guests the option to personalize their stay.

TOP TIP: Ensure you have a system that allows you to send an online check-in link to your visitors’ email with optional add-ons. For example: offer bottles of water, small snacks, and free airport transfer service.

4. Local products and services

There are few things more valued than offering local food, drinks, and activities at your property. This way, hotels not only support local commerce but also guarantee a one-of-a-kind service. Include local wines, seasonal food, and traditional dishes on your menu. According to a study by Chekin, 66% of tourists are willing to pay more for a stay in hotels that are actively involved with the local community.

It is also very important that your hotel operates a sound POS system that integrates with your payment platform. This should also offer your guests the convenience to pay in full at the end of their stay.

TOP TIP: Include links to local activities, experiences, and other guides in your booking confirmation and online check-in emails. Also, consider including discounts on these when booking directly from your website.

5. Cleanliness and comfort

The level of cleanliness is a very important factor in all types of accommodation, but in small and boutique hotels, it is simply a must. Your guests expect to find their room spotless upon arrival. Room service must be fast and efficient and should communicate effectively with the front desk to avoid delays and unpleasant situations.

The ideal hotel management software should include housekeeping software that automates and streamlines the daily tasks of your room service team.

TOP TIP: RaccoonHousekeeping is a tool designed for the comprehensive management of your staff, with a preview panel and a mobile app for your workers with which you can track the status of the rooms without the need for calls or waiting.

Get the best out of your small hotel with RoomRaccoon

What turns a good experience into an unforgettable one? Some would say a great location or an excellent guest experience. For others the cleanliness of the property is paramount, but ultimately, what each and every guest staying at your property is looking for is relaxation.

As a hotelier, your primary mission is to become that peaceful place where hundreds of travelers choose to spend their precious free time. It is up to you where and what to invest in to make your property the hotel of choice, time and time again, to create unforgettable experiences.

RoomRaccoon’s small hotel management software was created by and for hotel managers and owners like you and offers all the tools you need to manage your small hotel effortlessly. From core features such as a PMS (property management system) for managing your bookings, a channel manager to update your availability across all distribution channels, and a booking engine designed to drive direct bookings. All from a single platform.

Schedule a demo with our team and find out how we can help you.