We ask an important question to hopefully discover the truth behind the differences in an independent Vs a chain hotel…
“In a world full of choices and when everything feels possible; what is it that we really want and why..?”
There is one thing for certain; Plymouth is a city destination like no other. Thousands of holiday makers, business travellers and guests visit our ocean city each year. Each choosing (for varying reasons) the best place for them to lay their sleepy heads.
According to figures from STR almost 40% of the hotel rooms in the UK are independent. Whereas more than 60% of hotel properties are chain hotels.
What has Plymouth got..?
Plymouth has a good number of hotels and accommodation providers to choose from, both chains and independents. If with all this choice you are still struggling to decide where will be your home whilst visiting our spectacular city, let us perhaps help. Here is our little insight into why we love being Plymouth’s largest, independent hotel.
We know that in and around the city there are some fantastic chain hotels. For some travellers this is exactly what they are looking for. Knowing that having stayed and enjoyed their time in one hotel in say Manchester, they can expect the exact same experience here in Plymouth. As independent hotels, we have the autonomy and creative freedom to offer our guests originality over uniformity, which for some is an important difference.
Is it about cost..?
When it comes to cost, hotels are governed more by seasonality and city events rather than simply independent Vs chain. Rates per night in most cities vary only mildly. This is in some cases due to the increase in the supply chain, with a huge investment being made in new developments. Competition dictates your rates. Both independent and chains alike are feeling the current struggle to strengthen their direct bookings, and what really helps independent hotels is that they can give more value and incentives to their guests. This is due to there being no rules imposed from the top, no strict framework included in any agreements. So by booking direct with many independent hotels, you are getting much more but for less.
What about management..?
A big topic of conversation for many of our Managers is the differences managing within an independent hotel verses that of a chain. You would imagine it could be easier to manage within a chain hotel. It feels as if everything you have to do is following strict patterns. You would also think that you would have access to stronger commercial tools and assets. Yet what we love more than anything here at the New Continental Hotel is the autonomy we have, This autonomy ensures we can take each guests experience as an individual, making it personal, bespoke and all with a warm family welcome.
The strategy and management plan within a chain hotel is very often the same, regardless of their location. Independent hotels are different; which means managing such a hotel can requires much more discipline, creativity and lots of innovative thinking! We truly believe that our guests appreciate the effort invested in creating an original strategy, with the small touches making a big difference.
Is loyalty about a card..?
With corporate and business travellers, many are attracted to the larger hotel chains with the loyalty schemes and national corporate partnerships. It’s much harder for an independent hotel, yet what we are so proud of is the amount of loyal guests, guests that have been staying with us for 20 years in some cases!
We stand tall and proud as an independent hotel…
Supporting our staff, community and guests to have the very best experiences in Plymouth. We have worked hard to create a brand that is professional, friendly and unique. When all of these elements are together in harmony, a coherent image of the hotel is born, be that for a chain or an independent hotel.
The independent hotel market in Europe has a massive impact in terms of employment, tourism and contribution to local economies. It can be easy to feel like a lesser hotel when compared to the big chains, but for us, what’s truly important is that no matter which hotel a guests chooses, they have a warm welcome, to a fabulous city and make memories that last a lifetime.
Who knows what the ongoing deadlock on Brexit negotiations will unfold, but one thing we do know, we will carry on regardless!
