For the past 15 years, Purvi Patel has managed the Days Inn by Wyndham San Antonio Northwest/Seaworld. As an experienced owner-operator, Patel knows the importance of capturing the tourist, road-tripping, and infrastructure worker markets.

“It’s a hot market for tourists,” she said, “but the Days Inn brand is very well recognized, and Wyndham has truly become owner-focused.”

In Wyndham’s newest owner spotlight, Patel gives her take on Wyndham’s support and shares best practices.

Accessibility of Leadership and Support Teams 

Patel highlights the accessibility of Wyndham leadership. “When we need help, the brand leaders are there, or we reach out to our operations support team. We have so many people who are accessible and always try to help us figure out what’s going on. We have instant access to leadership — they’re one text or call away. Wyndham is good at listening to owners.”

Wyndham takes an owner-first approach to franchise relationships. Leadership and support teams keep owners’ needs top of mind. For Patel, partnering with Wyndham makes sense. “Wyndham always works with you — I always recommend Wyndham first.”

Best-in-Class Technology and Services at Highly Negotiated Prices

With Wyndham, owners can access cutting-edge technology at affordable prices. Take for example Wyndham’s revenue management software RevIQ, which was developed in partnership with the industry’s leading revenue management solution provider, IDeaS.

“The biggest technology help has been RevIQ,” Patel said. “If I would have partnered with them by myself, it wouldn’t have been affordable for me.”

Another popular solution is Wyndham’s Signature Reservation Services (SRS). “SRS has made a huge impact on my business. I was so glad to have SRS as a Wyndham franchisee,” Patel said. SRS handles guest reservations for owners and staff. On average, reservations made via SRS drive higher ADR than direct bookings. Owners only pay for calls that result in bookings.

Owner-focused Programs

“Thanks to Women Own the Room, I’m not afraid to move forward in this industry.” Patel said.

Wyndham aims to empower owners through its programs. For example, Women Own the Room is designed to support and encourage women hoteliers. It provides an inclusive community, personalized operational guidance, and much more.

Another program is BOLD ® (Black Owners & Lodging Developers). It offers aspiring Black hoteliers things like the BOLD ® Incubator, educational material, and a dedicated support team. The goal is to help them overcome barriers and increase the number of Black hotel owners.

Insights for New Owners and Current Hoteliers

Here are a few of Patel’s tips for new and current hoteliers:

  • Find the right brand partner: Patel highlights the need to pick the right brand partner –  one that puts owners in control of their own business but is there when they need help.
  • Know your market drivers: Make sure you understand the local guest markets. Patel recognized both the leisure and infrastructure worker markets in San Antonio. She then took steps to reach those markets and stay competitive.
  • Understand guest expectations: This aligns with market drivers. When you understand your guests, you understand how to meet their expectations through things like room design.

This article was originally published here and has been shared with permission.