4 minute read
Motel Market
Motels: Value for money
Everyone loves a bargain. Well, I think most people get a bargain whenever they stay in a motel.
That’s not to say that every guest is always 100 percent satisfi ed, that’s just not possible. But in the main, what one receives for the cost of their room night is real value. I am continually impressed with just how good the product and service provided by the standard motel off ering is. I can say without any doubt that more oft en than not, I come away from my stays extremely happy and thinking, what great value for money that was, for what I received.
The diff erence between a well operated motel and a poorly operated one is very evident. The are some motels in need of a litt le TLC and their time comes around at some point whether the current owner or a new owner bites the bullet and completes a refurbishment. However, most motel operators understand the industry and what the guests in their particular market segment demand for their dollar. The room that is on off er for $85 per night against the one at $185 per night will diff er considerably in size, standard, services available, etc. It has to, there is a $100 per night diff erence. What I have found is that each has its own personal characteristics that make that stay one of a kind, enjoyable and good value for money in some way. Perhaps it was the surprisingly large room for the dollar being charged, which was unexpected as I walked through the door for the fi rst time. Maybe it was the renovated bathroom that had been completed by the new and enthusiastic owner/ operator since I stayed at the motel the last time. Perhaps the high-quality bed that helped get a good night’s sleep aft er a long drive or busy day. It is oft en human nature, but people tend to focus on the negative with an experience they have, good or bad. This is no diff erent with accommodation. The smallest of concerns that are not really an issue in the bigger scheme of things, seem to become stories that get repeatedly rolled out whenever the opportunity arises. Opposed to focusing on the positives of the experience. Looking at it from a diff erent perspective I believe the value for money available to travellers requiring short or medium-term accommodation throughout Queensland motels is excellent. Forget turning up to accommodation booked online where there is no manager onsite, can’t access the key, the place is dirty or does not present anything like it did online. The value for money a guest receives in general terms at a motel facility in Queensland is excellent in my opinion. Forget the ‘Fawlty Towers’ type comments people like to make. The owners and operators I know put their whole-hearted eff orts into making sure every guest is looked aft er and goes away happy with the experience they had. They take pride in their work and genuinely want to make their guest happy. Oft en going above the call of duty to help them fi nd a larger parking spot, off ering them a complimentary snack or beverage, or just making sure if they need anything, “come and see me and I will do what I can”.
The room rates throughout the state vary greatly depending on location, standard, etc. The amount of value for the guest packed into a let’s say $80 to $160 per night studio motel unit is a lot when you break it down. Let’s look at just some of the absolute basics of what one gets for their hard-earned dollar:
• Property management: An onsite manager who is at the guest’s beck and call, providing security and att ending to any concerns, maintenance problems or requests on the spot that may arise during their stay. • 20 hours of accommodation in a room/unit that has been professionally cleaned. • 2pm check in to 10am departure and longer than that if requested. • Freshly laundered linen and towels on quality commercial grade bedding. • Tea, coff ee, milk and biscuits.
• Kett le, crockery, cutlery and toaster. • Kitchenett e for meals (in some cases).
• Table, bench, chair and couch to work from or relax.
• Television with free to air, Pay TV or streaming subscription. • Refrigerator and microwave. • Ensuite with hot running water, and guest amenities. • Air conditioning. • Alarm clock.
• Cupboard hanging space and ironing facilities. • Under cover or non-covered off street carparking. • Pool and outdoor area.
• Mini bar or convenience item facilities.
• Wifi access (oft en free).
• Laundry facilities. • Rubbish disposal.
When you break all that down what fantastic value for money. The value to the guest of having a manager on site or available for security and if something needs to be rectifi ed or fi xed it can be immediately, is worth the room rate alone.
That’s the fi rst dot point above, now start adding on all the extras below!
Andrew Morgan,
Queensland Tourism and Hospitality Brokers
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