Three & Four Star hotels get back to basics

A new report by the Economist Intelligence Unit entitled 'The Austere traveller' highlights some of the trends hotels will face over the next 12 months. Namely, that business people will make fewer, shorter and cheaper business trips in 2009 and prefer basic efficiency and good service over 'frills' and ancillary services.

The good news here is that there will be a move towards established brands with a reputation for levels of good service, no matter where they are in the world.

With nearly a half of all respondants planning to take fewer trips in the next twelve months, over a quarter expect to downgrade from 4 and 5-star hotels.

What a great opportunity for three and four star hotels! Ensure you provide good services levels and you will pick up business - just get the simple things right!

• be flexible to changing arrangements
• have an efficient check in-check out
• remember you customers
• resolve any problems quickly
• provide internet connectivity!