On this new sequence, we highlight impartial lodges to study extra
about the on a regular basis challenges, rewards, and alternatives of operating an
impartial property.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Occupancy: 9 visitor rooms, two residences
Open: Yr spherical
Web site: wickerparkinn.com
In the coronary heart of the hip and stylish Wicker Park neighborhood of
Chicago you’ll discover the Wicker
Park Inn, a boutique mattress and breakfast providing each conventional visitor
rooms and house trip leases. Friends can go from the consolation of their
well-appointed rooms to any variety of nice eating places, outlets, artwork galleries,
or golf equipment in simply minutes.
We spoke with proprietor Laura Yepez to study extra about what makes the
Wicker Park Inn particular and the way she’s turned the problem of operating an
impartial resort into successful story.
Q. Inform us just a little bit about your property – its historical past and what
makes it distinctive.
LY: Located in a historic dwelling, the Wicker Park
Inn presents 9 luxurious visitor rooms. Every room is fantastically designed with
elegant decor, fashionable facilities, and distinctive particulars reminiscent of uncovered brick
partitions, wallpaper accents, an ornamental hearth, skylights, and wood flooring.
Rooms additionally characteristic non-public bogs, high-quality linens, satellite tv for pc TV, and high-speed
wi-fi web. Our residences are equally luxurious and embody totally
outfitted kitchens.
Q. How do you promote your property?
LY: Our rooms can be found to e-book on a number of
channels reminiscent of Expedia, Reserving.com, VRBO, and Airbnb. We encourage company to
e-book straight, however perceive that folks have some ways to make journey
preparations. We additionally promote with Google and Bing, ship month-to-month newsletters,
and are lively on social media.
Q. What are a few of the greatest challenges with regards to shopping for
merchandise?
LY: As a result of I’m a smaller property, shopping for in
bulk shouldn’t be all the time the most suitable option. Nonetheless, we’ve been capable of companion
efficiently with American Lodge Register to seek out the proper merchandise for our
property and in the proper amount. I should purchase only one hair dryer if wanted
– that’s fairly wonderful!
Q. What are another roadblocks you face as an impartial
resort? How do you overcome these challenges?
LY: Enterprise vacationers usually are not all the time the ultimate
decision-makers on the place to remain, and loyalty factors play a big function in
reserving lodging. As an impartial resort, I’ve to cost competitively
and supply free facilities to attraction to this market. As a result of we’re a boutique
property, many company select to stick with us over an enormous chain resort. We additionally
supply company charges and repeat visitor reductions to draw and retain company.
Additionally, as a result of we’re a boutique property with fewer than 10 rooms,
I began to market the Wicker Park Inn as an all-inclusive property for group
lodging, together with company retreats, weddings, household reunions, and
faculty journeys. Our property appeals to teams who need full-service, elevated
lodging in a non-public setting. Group reservations have been very
profitable for us.
Q: What recommendation would you give to these new to proudly owning or managing
an impartial resort?
LY: Provide a novel expertise that appeals to your
splendid visitor. Market your self on what units you aside, and observe up along with your
company to make sure they stick with you repeatedly.
At American Lodge, we ship all you want, while you want it
… so you possibly can concentrate on what issues most. Discover our
huge product assortment at americanhotel.com.
