Nestled in the serene landscapes of Nakhon Pathom, just a stone’s throw away from bustling Bangkok, Neera Retreat stands as a beacon of modern hospitality. With unique positioning and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction, Neera Retreat and its 53 rooms has become a preferred choice for travellers seeking tranquillity and rejuvenation amidst the chaos of urban life.
Neera Retreat also boasts a distinctive identity, rooted in its namesake “Neera,” which symbolises water – a reflection of the founding Wittayathanakorn family’s deep connection to this precious commodity. This ethos of fluidity and change underpins the hotel’s philosophy, which seeks to effect positive change in environmental conservation from a single drop of water. From sustainable design elements to mindful waste management practices, Neera Retreat’s commitment to environmental stewardship permeates every aspect of its operations, fostering awareness and inspiring change in both guests and staff alike.
We recently spoke to Ms. Fon Panananda Leeyawatanakul, Director of Sales, about the business and finding success with SiteMinder’s platform.
The perfect match: An experienced operator and SiteMinder’s powerful technology
Fon is a seasoned professional in the hospitality industry, with a rich background spanning various roles in medium to large chain hotels across Pattaya and Southern Thailand.
Knowing by now that smart solutions are required to grow businesses and achieve success, Fon was glad to join Neera since it had already committed to leveraging the best technology available.
“When I joined Neera Retreat, it was evident that the hotel owner was deeply committed to leveraging technology to enhance bookings and revenue across multiple channels,” she said.
Having previously utilised SiteMinder’s channel manager in various roles, Fon recognised its value as the most widely used distribution feature in Thai hotels, making it a natural choice for Neera Retreat. Better distribution, easier revenue growth What if you could boost your hotel's bookings and bottom line while also reducing your workload? Our smart hotel platform helps you do exactly that.
Revealing the transformation that SiteMinder inspired
Understanding the challenges faced prior to implementing SiteMinder, Fon recalled the chaos of manual sales operations, especially when managing room allotments across multiple OTAs.
“Without SiteMinder, managing room inventory manually was a cumbersome task. We had to navigate through the extranets of each channel, often leading to overbooking or missed revenue opportunities,” she explained.
However, with SiteMinder’s real-time automation, the property saw significant improvement in operational efficiency and revenue management.
“SiteMinder has truly revolutionised our workflow, enabling us to adjust rates, synchronise promotions, and optimise inventory allocation seamlessly,” she added.
Staying agile and gaining a competitive edge
Fon made sure to emphasise the pivotal role played by SiteMinder in Neera Retreat’s response to evolving travel trends, particularly amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pandemic reshaped travel preferences, with a surge in demand for staycations and nearby getaways. Neera Retreat was well-positioned to cater to this demand, offering a serene escape just a short drive away from Bangkok,” she explained.
Leveraging SiteMinder’s insights and pricing tools, the hotel swiftly adapted its strategies to capitalise on emerging opportunities, resulting in enhanced revenue and occupancy rates.
Fon also focused on the importance of benchmarking against neighbouring destinations and using SiteMinder’s insights feature for real-time pricing adjustments.
“Though we don’t have direct competitors in our immediate vicinity, we closely monitor neighbouring destinations and similar properties to ensure our pricing strategies remain competitive,” she stated.
With operations now running smoothly, Fon expressed her gratitude to SiteMinder for its instrumental role in Neera Retreat’s success story, affirming the platform’s indispensable value in driving revenue, enhancing guest experiences, and shaping the future of hospitality.
Thank you Fon and keep up the great work at Neera Retreat!