The combined power of STAAH’s channel manager & Preno’s PMS is bringing more bookings, improving revenue & business efficiency to Tauranga’s Roselands Motel.
The Place
A hidden gem in the heart of Tauranga, a stunning coastal town in New Zealand, Roselands Motel offers guests a quiet and serene atmosphere. Yet, you’re never too far from the buzz as the town centre is just a five minute walk from the motel.
Hosts and owners, Mia and Michael, took over the property in 2016 and have since turned it into a welcoming spot that has garnered fantastic reviews. They work tirelessly to ensure that every guest’s stay is relaxed and memorable. What sets them apart is their exceptional service. Guests to the motel come in as visitors, but leave as family.
As would be expected when running a property of this nature, Mia and Michael wear multiple hats. On a given day, you may see them checking customers in and out, managing reservations, serving meals, doing the accounting and running marketing promotions. So as you would imagine, time is precious. And they needed systems that would catapult them into the modern age, bringing with it much needed business efficiencies.
The STAAH, Preno & Roselands Motel Partnership
When Mia and Michael took over Roselands Motel, it was still processing bookings manually on paper registers. Online exposure was almost non-existent. Coming from a hospitality background, Michael knew the folly in this set-up and was the first thing he addressed. Following a brief but unsuccessful stint with a supplier offering an integrated PMS and Channel manager solution, Michael engaged the services of Preno (for PMS) and STAAH (for channel manager, booking engine and website).
“Preno and STAAH have made life much simpler,” says Michael. “The set-up and integration of the two platforms was extremely easy. With both platforms offering an easy interface, we were up and running in no time.”
Michael attributes the significant lift in online bookings, especially direct bookings, improved bottom line and great operational efficiencies achieved by the business in the last six months to using STAAH and Preno. “I wouldn’t do without them!”
Stellar Features
Michael cannot rave enough about the features of the two systems, foremost being the easy interface – you don’t need to be technically-savvy to master either of the platforms. “I absolutely love the flexibility STAAH’s channel manager offers by allowing me to update rates and inventory on the go through its mobile app.”
STAAH’s integrations have allowed Michael to spread the word about Roselands, while minimising daily operational tasks. By using STAAH and Preno’s insights, Michael and Mia have made informed decisions about their distribution – and the results can be seen on their books and on their online presence. They have been able to successfully leverage their OTA relationships, without letting commissions affect the profitability of the business.
Where to Next?
Having done away paper when it comes to processing their bookings and laid the foundation for online success, the next step is to dial it all up.
“We need to constantly improve. The next goal is to optimise our website and focus on digital promotions to get more direct bookings,” says Michael. Roselands is currently testing STAAH’s WatchMyRate application on their website, a widget that provides the user the rates from five OTAs alongside a property’s website rate. With the user being able to see a direct booking will cost them no more, perhaps even less, than an OTA, chances of a conversion are higher.
Would Michael Recommend STAAH & Preno to Others?
“Yes and no,” says Michael. “Yes, because they are both fantastic platforms and have definitely been critical to our success.”
“No, because we don’t want our competition to have these tools too!”