Empowering Independent Welfare Hospitality for AWO Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen in Nordeney

Client

awo-gelsenkirchen.de

Property Type

Guesthouse/Independent welfare center

Location

Nordeney, Germany

The project launch

September 2023

About AWO Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen Nordeney

Nestled in the serene surroundings of Norderney in Germany, Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen Norderney is managed by the esteemed Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO) association – a key player among independent welfare associations alongside Caritas, Diakonie, the German Red Cross, and others.

Under the guidance of a devoted team of over 700 employees, AWO Gelsenkirchen/Bottrop oversees an array of social institutions and tailored programs, each designed to address the dynamic needs of the community.

Apart from that, AWO's dedication to its mission shines through its provision of independent living options and senior-friendly holidays. Nestled in Norderney, their guesthouse caters specifically to seniors and individuals with disabilities, offering a tranquil and inviting environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.

With 22 modern rooms and a commitment to personalized care, Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen Nordeney aims to provide its guests with a “home away from home” feeling during their stays.

Challenges Faced by AWO Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen Nordeney

Seeking to enhance its operational routine and improve the online guest booking experience, our client required an all-in-one hospitality software solution. Their key needs included:

Access to software from different locations

The Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen Nordeney operates across multiple locations. They needed a software solution that could be accessed from various points, ensuring smooth management regardless of where staff are situated.

Implementation of an online booking system for customer convenience

To cater to the growing demand for online booking convenience, the guesthouse aimed to implement an easy-to-use online booking system. This system would not only simplify the reservation process for guests but also streamline administrative tasks for the property.

Seamless integration with the Booking Engine and Booking.com

The property also sought to seamlessly integrate with popular booking platforms like Booking.com. This integration was vital for maintaining real-time availability and pricing across multiple channels, boosting visibility, and attracting more bookings.

Quick setup to meet the upcoming operational needs

With looming operational deadlines, the guesthouse required a solution that could be swiftly implemented. The urgency of the setup demanded a seamless and efficient onboarding process to ensure minimal disruption to business operations.

Solutions Provided by HotelFriend

Recognizing the specific needs of Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen Nordeney, HotelFriend provided a comprehensive solution through its Grow package.

This package encompassed three key components: a Property Management System (PMS), a Channel Manager, and a Booking Engine.

Implementation process

1. Free Trial evaluation. The client embarked on a 30-day free trial of HotelFriend's software suite, allowing its IT team to explore all functionalities and assess its suitability for their specific requirements.
2. Package selection. Following internal testing, Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen Nordeney opted for the Grow package. This decision was made based on the package's ability to meet their current needs while also providing a foundation for future growth and expansion.
3. Setup and support. HotelFriend provided extensive setup and support services to ensure a seamless transition and optimal usage of the software suite:

Initial hotel setup to configure the system according to the property's requirements.
Channel Manager setup and activation of OTA channels, including Booking.com.
Booking Engine setup to enable online reservations directly through the property's website.
Staff training sessions to familiarize the team with the software's operation.
Consultation with bookkeeping specialists to ensure accurate financial management.
Assistance with data import into the PMS for comprehensive record-keeping.

Results Achieved

With HotelFriend's integrated solution in place, Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen Norderney experienced several benefits:

Streamlined and efficient internal operations

Leveraging the Property Management System, the guesthouse automated routine tasks such as reservation management, guest check-in/out, and housekeeping assignments. This streamlined approach empowers staff to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Easy multi-property access across locations

Gästehaus Gelsenkirchen Nordeney gained the flexibility of accessing the cloud-based system from various locations, ensuring seamless management for several properties. By achieving unified operations and centralized control, they ensured consistency in service standards.

Elevated online booking experience

Through seamless integration with the Booking Engine, their guests got access to a user-friendly platform to book rooms directly through the property's website. This simplified the reservation process and contributed to an increase in zero-commission bookings.

Real-time availability and room distribution on Booking.com

The implementation of the Channel Manager enabled our client to synchronize room availability and rates in real-time with the leading OTA – Booking.com. The efficient management of distribution channels minimized the risk of overbooking while optimizing occupancy rates.

Quick implementation without disruption of daily workflow

Despite the urgent operational deadlines, the quick implementation process ensured a smooth transition to the new software. Timely deployment minimized disruptions to daily operations, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery to guests.