On this new collection, we highlight impartial accommodations to be taught extra
about the on a regular basis challenges, rewards, and alternatives of operating an
impartial property.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Occupancy: 9 visitor rooms, two flats
Open: 12 months spherical
Web site: wickerparkinn.com
In the coronary heart of the hip and classy Wicker Park neighborhood of
Chicago you’ll discover the Wicker
Park Inn, a boutique mattress and breakfast providing each conventional visitor
rooms and condo trip leases. Company can go from the consolation of their
well-appointed rooms to any variety of nice eating places, retailers, artwork galleries,
or golf equipment in simply minutes.
We spoke with proprietor Laura Yepez to be taught 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 a bit bit about your property – its historical past and what
makes it distinctive.
LY: Located in a historic house, the Wicker Park
Inn gives 9 luxurious visitor rooms. Every room is superbly designed with
elegant decor, fashionable facilities, and distinctive particulars resembling uncovered brick
partitions, wallpaper accents, an ornamental fire, skylights, and wood flooring.
Rooms additionally characteristic non-public loos, high-quality linens, satellite tv for pc TV, and high-speed
wi-fi web. Our flats are equally luxurious and embrace absolutely
outfitted kitchens.
Q. How do you promote your property?
LY: Our rooms can be found to e-book on a number of
channels resembling Expedia, Reserving.com, VRBO, and Airbnb. We encourage friends to
e-book immediately, however perceive that individuals have some ways to make journey
preparations. We additionally promote with Google and Bing, ship month-to-month newsletters,
and are energetic on social media.
Q. What are a few of the greatest challenges on the subject of shopping for
merchandise?
LY: As a result of I’m a smaller property, shopping for in
bulk just isn’t at all times the most suitable option. Nonetheless, we’ve been in a position to associate
efficiently with American Resort 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 superb!
Q. What are another roadblocks you face as an impartial
resort? How do you overcome these challenges?
LY: Enterprise vacationers usually are not at all times the remaining
decision-makers on the place to remain, and loyalty factors play a big position in
reserving lodging. As an impartial resort, I’ve to cost competitively
and supply free facilities to enchantment to this market. As a result of we’re a boutique
property, many friends select to stick with us over a giant chain resort. We additionally
supply company charges and repeat visitor reductions to draw and retain friends.
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: Supply a novel expertise that appeals to your
perfect visitor. Market your self on what units you aside, and comply with up together with your
friends to make sure they stick with you repeatedly.
At American Resort, we ship all you want, while you want it
… so you’ll be able to deal with what issues most. Discover our
huge product assortment at americanhotel.com.
