The Obvious Way is Not Always the Best Way
Hotels first think to raise their rate to achieve higher ADR. However, a shift of, for example, 10 percent volume from one channel to a more lucrative channel may provide a higher revenue boost than a simple across-the-board rate increase. There are ways to grow the bottom line without increasing prices.

Understand Your Market
It is not simply about haphazardly raising or lowering your rates.  It is about defining the acceptable price point in your market for your product. Know your competitors—but don’t be ruled by their rates.

Look at the Big Picture
Do not become fixated on any one specific individual target market at the expense of an optimal mix.  Consider the influence of Transient, Leisure and Group bookings in your channel management strategies. Establish clear and measurable short- and long-term goals for each.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball—Profit
Lowering your rates in a channel with a higher profit margin—like your website where you don’t have to pay third party fees—may seem counterintuitive, but it could result in greater bookings through channels that don’t take a percentage. Result? Greater profit.

Rate management differs from one channel to the other, from one market to the next. Contact Sceptre Vice President Mona Ingram today to discuss how strategic rate management can make a difference to your bottom line.

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.,– Sceptre Hospitality Resources today announced that it will launch two new programs beginning March 1, 2008.  Sceptre Connects will provide an affordable electronic reservation connectivity for independent full-service hotels and resorts to enable their rate and inventory to be available real-time online and to the travel agent systems.   Sceptre Consults will provide not only connectivity, but also the marketing counsel necessary to fully reach out to travel agents, third-party booking sites and the travel consumers.

Sceptre Vice President Mona Ingram explains that the launch of these programs is in anticipation of challenging conditions for hoteliers in 2008.

“Our reputation has been built on the counsel we provide to independent hoteliers and that will continue with Sceptre Consults,” says Ingram.  “We recognize that this may be a difficult year for many hoteliers.  Sceptre Connects provides the basic connectivity services necessary for those hoteliers that need the continued exposure and at the same time fit their budget.”

Clients who opt for Sceptre Consults will be counseled on pricing strategies, marketing initiatives, channel and revenue management and direct outreach to consumers.  Ingram adds that clients who begin with Sceptre Connects could upgrade to Sceptre Consults at any time during their contract.

Sceptre Hospitality Resources provides revenue maximization expertise in electronic channels for full-service independent hotels and resorts, delivering to non-branded properties greater opportunities with both travel agents and Internet travel sites.  Sceptre also counsels hoteliers on website design, optimization and marketing as well as offering voice reservation services.  For more information on Sceptre Hospitality Resources, please visit esceptre.com.

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo, February 29, 2008 – Sceptre Hospitality Resources today announced that Gary Farnon has joined the firm as a business development manager.  In this position, Farnon will dedicated to reaching out to independent hoteliers and helping them prepare for the anticipated economic challenges of 2008.

“2008 will be a challenging year for the economy as a whole,” commented Sceptre Vice President Mona Ingram.  “We are committed to helping independent full-service hotels and resorts maximize their opportunities.   Gary’s extensive hospitality experience will be instrumental in helping hoteliers explore their options and map out a plan for success – even in a down economy.”

Farnon has served in the hospitality industry for 14 years, including tenure as National Accounts Manager for Interstate Hotels and Resorts as well as Sales Manager for Marriott International.

Sceptre Hospitality Resources provides revenue maximization expertise in electronic channels for full-service independent hotels and resorts, delivering to non-branded properties, greater opportunities with both travel agents and Internet travel sites.  Sceptre also counsels hoteliers on website design, optimization and marketing as well as offering voice reservation services.  For more information on Sceptre Hospitality Resources, please visit esceptre.com.

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., February 29, 2008 – Sceptre Hospitality Resources today announced that it has added two management positions in order to expand its client marketing support.  Gary Farnon has joined Sceptre as Business Development Manager dedicated to reaching out to independent hotels preparing for the anticipated difficulties of the 2008 economic outlook.  Laura Pisinski has been named Data Service Manager and will provide added support to Sceptre’s hotel clients.

“2008 will be a challenging year for the economy as a whole,” commented Sceptre Vice President Mona Ingram.  “We are committed to helping our hotel partners maximize their opportunities and are expanding the team to ensure our hotels receive the attention and expertise they need quickly.   Our increased staffing levels will provide our clients with the extensive support to not only ride out, but grow in, a difficult economy.”

Both new team members came equipped with strong hospitality background.  Farnon’s hospitality career includes tenure as National Accounts Manager for Interstate Hotels and Resorts as well as Sales Manager for Marriott International.  Pisinski joins Sceptre from ResortQuest International where she has held a variety of management positions since 1997.  Pisinski has served in the hospitality industry for 18 years.

Sceptre Hospitality Resources provides revenue maximization expertise in electronic channels for full-service independent hotels and resorts, delivering to non-branded properties, greater opportunities with both travel agents and Internet travel sites.  Sceptre also counsels hoteliers on website design, optimization and marketing as well as offering voice reservation services.  For more information on Sceptre Hospitality Resources, please visit esceptre.com.

DENVER, August 14, 2007 – Mona Ingram has been named Vice President of Denver, Colo.-based hospitality firms Sceptre Hospitality Resources and The Elise Group.  In her new position, Ingram will lead both firms in the areas of strategic development, operations, sales and marketing.  Previously, Ingram headed the firms’ business development initiatives, a position she held since February 2007.

A 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Ingram’s most recent position before joining Sceptre Hospitality Resources and the Elise Group was as regional director of sales and account management for the western United States and Canada at Dallas, Texas-based Pegasus Solutions. She was appointed director of sales during the opening of Texas’ largest convention hotel, the Adam’s Mark Hotel, and the luxurious Fairmont Hotel, both in Dallas.  Ingram was also the director of marketing during the opening of the Four Seasons Hotel in Singapore.

Ingram earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Singapore. Ingram currently holds professional memberships with the Society of Incentive & Travel Executives and Meeting Professionals International, in addition to serving as past president of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International, Dallas Chapter.

Sceptre Hospitality Resources provides electronic reservations connectivity for independent hoteliers, allowing non-branded properties to reach both travel agents and Internet travel sites.  Sceptre also counsels hoteliers on website design, optimization and marketing as well as offering voice reservation services.