SuiteSpeed, a leading provider of wireless and wired Internet solutions to the hospitality industry, provides the property-wide Wi-Fi communications for the Magnolia Hotel in Denver that is generating an average of $2-4,000/per month in wireless high speed Internet revenues. Magnolia attributes the success of their Wi-Fi program to high-performance, reliable service from SuiteSpeed and aggressive marketing of the service which is a competitive edge in their marketplace.
The Magnolia Denver’s promotion of its paid wireless Internet service is part of its integrated guest-focused marketing strategy. From freshly baked cookies in the evening to high performance Wi-Fi, the Magnolia communicates these guest amenities on its web site, the descriptions on Internet booking sites such as Expedia and Hotels.com, the Global Distribution System (GDS), and in the guest room.
“By offering reliable wireless service, the Magnolia is able to cater to the needs of the higher end business traveler that delivers a higher room rate,” said Michael Pratt, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing for Magnolia Hotels. “We use the SuiteSpeed WiFi to differentiate our property with our target market. In the short term that means incremental Wi-Fi revenues. In the long term – it’s occupancy gains and enhanced guest loyalty.”
According to Cambridge, Mass.-based Pyramid Research, the number of hotels with Wi-Fi has risen from about 2,500 in 2003 to an estimated 6,000 in 2004, the majority of which are in the U.S. That number is expected to jump to more than 35,000 by 2008. Overall, the number of Wi-Fi users is also rapidly growing, from 12 million globally in 2003, to an estimated 707 million by 2008.
With an increasing number of hotels offering Wi-Fi, marketing becomes a defining factor in the success of your program. For The Magnolia, wireless Internet has become the top feature in its amenities list and on its GDS hotel description. The Magnolia lists Wi-Fi first, above free continental breakfast and free cocktails, in its promotions and CRS electronic distribution.
“Hotels need to aggressively market the Internet technology they have and its ease of use for the guest,” said Michael Wasik, president and CEO of SuiteSpeed. “Even if there is a charge for Wi-Fi, it is important to let the people who make travel decisions in every distribution channel aware that the service is available, it’s easy to use, and the guest is going to have a seamless connecting experience with no loss of productivity.”
The Magnolia Denver is part of an independent three-hotel operation with its other properties in Dallas and Houston. Neither of the Texas properties charges for wireless Internet today because the competitive environment demands they offer it as a complementary amenity. However, the Denver property is enjoying a competitive stronghold where because of the lack of Wi-Fi in other area hotels, it can charge for the service provided by SuiteSpeed. The Magnolia realizes that eventually competition will advance and it will no longer have the luxury of being able to charge.
About SuiteSpeed
SuiteSpeed, Inc. provides innovative wireless and wired Internet access solutions "without boundaries” for the hotel industry. With a focus on incremental revenue generation and measurable ROI, SuiteSpeed offers a variety of solutions to fit the needs of the hotel guest and the hotel operator. Through high performance systems, proven technology, and customer-focused solutions, SuiteSpeed helps improve the hotel guest experience and build hotel loyalty. SuiteSpeed’s customer brands include Renaissance, Holiday Inn, Best Western, Radisson, Embassy Suites, Days Inn, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, and Hampton Inn & Suites, as well as many boutique hotels. For more information, visit www.suitespeed.com or call 1-888-445-5118.
|
Post Release
Get Content
Email News Brief
Saved Articles
Advertising
Handheld
XML/RSS
Post News