Hotel Technology Solutions. Simplified.
Hotel Technology Solutions. Simplified.
Between daily operations, staffing challenges, and guest demands, it’s easy for hotel technology to fade into the background. If it’s working “well enough,” many properties leave it alone. But over time, even decent systems can turn into costly liabilities, holding back revenue, frustrating staff, and creating gaps competitors will exploit.
That’s why every hotel should conduct an annual technology audit. Just as you review your budget or employee performance, taking a structured look at your tech stack helps ensure you’re not missing opportunities or clinging to tools that no longer serve you.
Here’s what to include in your annual review, and why it pays to make this a habit.
Your PMS is the heart of your operation. Yet many hotels still run on outdated or poorly integrated systems.
Questions to ask:
• Is the PMS cloud based and do the features meet the market demands (integration, ancillary revenue, etc.)?
• How well does it integrate with other platforms you use?
• Do staff find it easy to train on and use daily?
• Are you taking advantage of all its features, or paying for modules you don’t use?
• How frequently does the vendor update and support it?
An annual review can highlight inefficiencies, security risks, or opportunities to streamline workflows. Even if you’re not ready to switch, it can help you negotiate better pricing or implement underused capabilities.
Revenue leakage often comes from fragmented distribution strategies. Over time, listings drift out of sync, commission costs creep higher, and rate parity issues arise.
Review:
• All connected OTAs and channels: Are they still profitable?
• Rate parity performance and any recurring discrepancies
• Channel commission structures and hidden fees
• The ease of updating rates and inventory across platforms
A regular audit ensures you’re maximizing visibility while protecting margins.
Direct bookings are the healthiest revenue you can earn, but technology has to support them.
Consider:
• Is your booking engine fast, mobile friendly, and user friendly?
• Are you tracking conversion rates?
• Are there friction points in the checkout process?
• Do you have tools for cart abandonment recovery?
• Are you using personalization such as targeted offers for returning guests?
Small optimizations here can pay big dividends in direct revenue.
Today’s guests expect proactive, convenient communication before, during, and after their stay.
Evaluate:
• Pre-arrival messaging: Is it automated and relevant?
• On-property communication channels like text, email, or chat apps
• Post-stay follow-up for reviews and rebooking incentives
• Consistency and personalization of voice and content
If your tools are outdated or fragmented, you could be missing chances to build loyalty and drive ancillary revenue.
Payment technology changes quickly. So do fraud risks.
Review:
• Are you PCI compliant and up to date with the latest security standards?
• Do you offer guests modern payment options like mobile wallets or contactless?
• How easily can you process refunds or split payments?
• Is your payment system integrated seamlessly with your PMS and accounting tools?
Regular reviews help protect revenue and guest trust.
Data driven pricing and forecasting have become non negotiable in competitive markets.
Audit:
• Are you using dynamic pricing tools or still relying on static rates?
• Do you have visibility into your comp set performance?
• How accurate are your forecasts?
• Are reports accessible and actionable for your team?
The right tools can help you uncover hidden revenue and optimize every booking window.
Technology doesn’t just serve guests, it serves your team.
Ask:
• Which systems frustrate staff most?
• Where are tasks duplicated or manually re entered?
• Are there outdated tools adding unnecessary steps to common workflows?
• Are you using automation where appropriate to reduce workload?
Listening to frontline employees during the audit often reveals quick wins.
Technology is a major investment. More than that, it’s the infrastructure behind your guest experience and profitability.
An annual tech audit helps you:
✔ Identify gaps that cost money or damage guest satisfaction
✔ Discover underused features you’re already paying for
✔ Ensure integrations are working properly
✔ Benchmark your capabilities against competitors
✔ Prepare for future upgrades with clear priorities
In short, it keeps your operation nimble, efficient, and relevant.
Technology shouldn’t be an afterthought or a sunk cost. It should be an evolving asset. By committing to a yearly hotel tech audit, you build a habit of continuous improvement that benefits your guests, your team, and your bottom line.
The process doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does have to happen. Because in an industry moving faster than ever, standing still is falling behind.
Should you want assistance in the review your tech stack, please reach out to us at info@hoteltechconsultant.com.