Independent Hotels Tap Social Media to Drive Direct Bookings
Skift Take
Independent hoteliers don't have a level playing field with the big brands when it comes to attracting direct bookings. But a savvy use of social media can improve things a lot.
Early Check-In
Editor’s Note: Skift Senior Hospitality Editor Sean O’Neill brings readers exclusive reporting and insights into hotel deals and development, and how those trends are making an impact across the travel industry.I've reported frequently on branded hotel companies, and last week I interviewed the CEOs of Marriott and IHG on-stage at Skift Global Forum.
So I wanted to switch gears and take the pulse of the independent hotel sector.
I spoke with Andrew Benioff, who knows as much about independent hotels in the U.S. as anyone I know.
Benioff is a Philadelphia-based founder and managing partner of Llenrock Realty Partners, a firm that invests in and develops independent hotels. He's busy preparing for the Independent Lodging Congress happening next month in Los Angeles.It's the largest U.S. festival for independent hoteliers and designers, and he founded it about 15 years ago.Benioff told me that independent hotel ownership isn't for
