Matthew Ward, Founder of Hotelios Consulting, a UK-based hospitality consultancy, highlights the challenges faced by hotel management teams when handling IT-based projects in-house, and how engaging external consultancy services can offer cost-effective and efficient solutions.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, hotel operators are under increasing pressure to manage complex technology ecosystems to enhance guest experiences and streamline operations. However, many hotel management teams, already stretched with day-to-day responsibilities, underestimate the complexities of implementing and maintaining these systems independently.
The reality is that hotels often try to manage technology transitions themselves—from decision-making to supplier negotiations—while juggling their daily duties. This frequently results in delays, additional costs, and undue strain on the team.This is where a consultancy like Hotelios Consulting can step in, alleviating the burden and ensuring hotels implement the right technology solutions tailored to their specific needs. Matthew Ward, Founder of Hotelios Consulting
The Hotel Technology Challenge: In-house vs. Consultancy Support
Large-scale technology projects, particularly those involving a complete overhaul of a hotel’s tech stack, demand strategic planning, expert guidance, and careful supplier selection. Managing such transitions while maintaining seamless guest service is a significant challenge. In many cases, a full system replacement isn’t necessary—optimising existing infrastructure and integrating guest-focused solutions can achieve remarkable results at a fraction of the cost.
Ward stresses that hotel teams need not tackle these complex tasks alone. External consultants play a vital role in ensuring smooth transitions, selecting the most suitable technology, and ensuring all systems align with the needs of the hotel, its guests, and its financial objectives.
Consultancy Services: Enabling Digital Transformation in Hotels
Hotelios Consulting provides a range of specialist services designed to accelerate digital transformation and operational efficiency for hotels of all sizes. With a focus on expertise, precision, and efficiency, consultants help hotels navigate IT projects without the long-term commitments and overheads of in-house hires.
Key Services Offered by an External Tech Consultant to a Hotel:
Project Management: A consultant will offer an end-to-end project oversight, including planning, risk management, and resource allocation. They ensure that hotel projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards, with minimal disruption to daily operations.
Technology Consulting: Ensuring seamless integration of new systems, whether it’s for large-scale technology overhauls or optimising existing systems and providing training and change management support.
PMS Maintenance: Your suppliers will provide regular updates on functionality, which must be seamlessly integrated into hotel operations. Our consultants are equipped to handle both the technical implementation and the necessary training for your hotel team to ensure optimal use. Additionally, periodic reconfiguration of rates and templates is a common request to enhance the performance of the Property Management System (PMS) and improve the overall user experience.
Revenue Management: Whether reviewing existing practices or introducing new procedures, tailored revenue strategies will be developed to suit your needs. These strategies include dynamic pricing, demand forecasting, and targeted segmentation to help maximise profitability and improve operational efficiency.
Website Content Strategy: Hotels frequently update PMS rates to reflect seasonal offers, menus, and other promotions. These changes must be accurately reflected across both the online booking portal and, most importantly, the property’s storefront, (the website), with a dedicated landing page to effectively reach your target audience. Consultants will ensure seamless integration between the PMS, online booking module, and brand alignment, ensuring a cohesive and consistent customer experience.
About Hotelios Consulting
Founded in 2023 by Matthew Ward, Hotelios Consulting specialises in revenue management, technology integration, and operational efficiency. With over 36 years of experience in hotel management and project oversight for UK and international hospitality system suppliers, Matthew and his team provide independent hotels and management company portfolios with the expertise needed to improve operational performance, increase profitability, and stay ahead in an evolving industry.
For more information on how Hotelios Consulting can help your hotel achieve tech-driven success, visit www.hoteliosconsulting.co.uk o r contact Matthew Ward directly at [email protected].
