How to Choose the Right Hospitality Consultant for Your Boutique Hotel

As a boutique hotel owner or manager, you know that your property is unique. You're not just another cookie-cutter chain hotel; it's a carefully curated experience that reflects your vision and passion. But in today's competitive hospitality landscape, even the most charming boutique hotels can struggle to stand out and thrive. That's where a hospitality consultant comes in, but not just any consultant. You need one who understands the special challenges and opportunities of boutique hotels. At Ammonite Hospitality, we specialise in helping boutique properties shine. Let's dive into how to choose the right consultant for your one-of-a-kind hotel.

Look For Boutique Hotel Experience

First and foremost, your consultant should have specific experience with boutique hotels. The strategies that work for large chain hotels often don't translate well to smaller, unique properties. A good boutique hotel consultant will understand:

• The importance of creating a distinct brand identity

• How to leverage your hotel's unique features and story

• The challenges of operating with a smaller staff and budget

• Ways to compete with larger hotels and chains

At Ammonite Hospitality, we've worked with different boutique hotels across various markets. We know that each property is different and requires a tailored approach. For example, a country side boutique hotel has very different needs than one based in a city centre. Establishing and positioning yourself in the correct way for your market is the best way to stand out in our opinion.

Check Their Track Record

Don't be shy about asking for case studies or success stories. A reputable consultant should be able to provide concrete examples of how they've helped other boutique hotels. Look for:

• Improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs) like RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy rates

• Creative solutions to common boutique hotel challenges

• Long-term success stories, not just quick fixes

For instance, at Ammonite Hospitality, we helped a country inn with a combination of rooms, lodges and glamping pods in a competitive countryside market increase its occupancy and nightly rates by optimising its distribution channels as well as implementing a new property management system. If they are a new company, don't be shy to just ask for experience, they could have been a consultant for another company and have just started their own business. Any consultant worth their weight and price will have experience, just ask.

Assess Their Understanding of Your Market

Your consultant should have a deep understanding of your specific market. Boutique hotels in urban centres face different challenges than those in resort destinations or small towns. There is no point in hiring a consultant who's specialty isn't correct for your boutique hotel, I have no doubt they will do a good job, it just might not be best use of resources. Find a consultant who really understands your industry. A good consultant will:

• Know the competitive landscape in your area

• Understand local tourism trends and seasonal fluctuations

• Be familiar with regulations and requirements specific to your location

  
  
  
  

At Ammonite Hospitality, we conduct thorough market research for each of our clients to ensure our strategies are tailored to their unique situation. Whether you are a small B&B in the Lake District or a 100 room boutique hotel in Manchester City Centre, we will have a strategy that works for you.

Curious about how we might approach your market? Schedule a complimentary market analysis call with our team. We'll provide insights into your local competitive landscape and potential growth opportunities.

Evaluate Their Range of Services

Boutique hotels often need help in multiple areas. Look for a consultant who can offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Revenue management and pricing strategies

• Marketing and branding

• Operational efficiency

• Guest experience enhancement

• Staff training and development

Having a consultant who can address all these areas ensures a cohesive strategy that aligns every aspect of your hotel with your overall goals. In our opinion it is best to have one point of call for various different aspects of your business. It can become tiring and time consuming managing 3 different points of contact for your business, it is much better to do it all under one roof. Also, it is much more time efficient doing it that way as your consultant will really understand your hotel.

Consider Their Technology Expertise

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in hotel operations and guest experience. Your consultant should be well-versed in the latest hospitality technology trends and able to recommend solutions that fit your boutique hotel's needs and budget. This might include:

• Property Management Systems (PMS) suited for smaller properties

• Channel managers to optimise your online distribution

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools to personalise guest experiences

• Revenue Management Systems (RMS) tailored for boutique hotels

At Ammonite Hospitality, we stay up-to-date with the latest tech solutions and can help you choose and implement the right tools for your property. We have found that many boutique hotel owners can be a bit intimidated with technology, often favouring pen an paper. Using a consultant will take away all anxiety about your technology in the business as you will have a person on the phone ready to answer any queries, as well as making sure everything is set up right.

Is your boutique hotel making the most of available technology? Book a tech audit with Ammonite Hospitality. We'll review your current setup and suggest improvements to boost efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Look for a Collaborative Approach

The best consultants don't just dictate solutions; they work collaboratively with you and your team. They should:

• Take the time to understand your vision for your hotel

• Involve your team in the decision-making process

• Provide clear explanations for their recommendations

• Be open to your feedback and ideas

Remember, you know your hotel better than anyone. A good consultant will value your insights and combine them with their expertise to create the best strategies for your property. Don't go with a consultant that thinks they know it all, everyone needs to learn. We have a phrase at Ammonite "The day you stop learning is the day you stop earning"

Check Their Industry Connections

A well-connected consultant can be a valuable asset. They should have relationships with:

• OTAs and other distribution channels

• Hospitality technology providers

• Industry associations and groups

• Potential partners for cross-promotion or collaborations

These connections can open up new opportunities for your boutique hotel and keep you informed about industry trends and best practices. A good consultant will make the introductions for you as well as actively manage the relationship between all parties.

Assess Their Communication Style

Clear, regular communication is crucial for a successful consulting relationship. Look for a consultant who:

• Provides regular updates on progress

• Is responsive to your questions and concerns

• Explains complex concepts in easy-to-understand terms

• Offers ongoing support, not just a one-time plan

At Ammonite Hospitality, we pride ourselves on our clear, jargon-free communication and our commitment to being there for our clients every step of the way. We aren't a fan of putting complicated words and phrases into a sentence just to make yourself sound smart. All communication with us will be incredibly easy to digest.

Consider Cost vs. Value

While budget is always a consideration, don't simply go for the cheapest option. Instead, consider the potential return on investment. A good consultant should be able to demonstrate how their services will pay for themselves through increased revenue and efficiency.

Look for a consultant who offers flexible payment options, such as:

• Project-based fees

• Monthly retainers

• Performance-based compensation

At Ammonite Hospitality, we work with our clients to find a payment structure that aligns with their budget and goals. A little tip from us, don't go with the cheapest, it rarely works out to be the best. Also the most expensive might not necessarily provide the best value. Asses what is the most important criteria for your decision making and stick with it. A good consultant is never "cheap".

Ready to explore how Ammonite Hospitality can add value to your boutique hotel? Schedule a Hospitality Audit consultation with us. We'll break down the potential benefits and costs to help you make an informed decision. We aren't interesting in making a quick £££ and disappearing, we want to establish long term relationships with our clients.

Trust Your Instincts

Finally, don't underestimate the importance of a good personal fit. You'll be working closely with your consultant, so it's important that you feel comfortable with them. Do they understand your vision? Do they seem genuinely excited about your property? Do you enjoy your interactions with them?

At Ammonite Hospitality, we believe in building strong, trust-based relationships with our clients. We're not just consultants; we're partners in your hotel's success.

Choosing the right hospitality consultant for your boutique hotel is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your property's success. By considering these factors and asking the right questions, you can find a consultant who not only has the expertise to help your hotel thrive but also understands and appreciates what makes your property special.

At Ammonite Hospitality, we specialise in helping boutique hotels reach their full potential. We combine industry expertise with a personalised approach to create strategies that enhance your hotel's unique character while driving measurable results.

Ready to take your boutique hotel to the next level? Contact Ammonite Hospitality today for a free consultation. Let's discuss how we can work together to make your vision for your hotel a reality. Your success story starts here!