The secrets of successful remote motel management

Success in the hospitality industry often hinges on effective networking and strategic business partnerships.

For Geoff and Michelle Lyneham, who operate LFTmotels, this principle has been the cornerstone of their success in managing three motels located in Forbes, Forster, and Charters Towers, despite the significant distances between them.

Michelle advised, “our approach is built on three key steps: implementing standard operating procedures, selecting the right property management system, and partnering with expert recruitment and training services.”

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Streamlining operations for efficiency

Managing a single motel from afar can be challenging, however Geoff and Michelle have mastered the art of remote management by implementing comprehensive standard operating and management procedures across all their properties.

“Upon purchasing each additional motel, we quickly realised the necessity of streamlining day-to-day tasks to boost productivity and eliminate inefficiencies inherited from previous owners,” advised Michelle.

“We accomplished this by drawing on our combined 30 years of management experience and my expertise in policy and procedure development,” Michelle said. In addition, they meticulously reviewed and refined numerous processes including financial and accounting operations, business reporting, rostering, payroll, ordering, stocktake, online booking management, and the creation of guest compendiums with QR codes.

This review process has yielded significant rewards, increasing team ownership, productivity, job satisfaction, operational transparency, and profitability. It has also, “enhanced our confidence and enjoyment as business owners, as well as solidifying our effectiveness in managing our motels”.

GuestPoint for property management

“Selecting the right Property Management System (PMS) is crucial,” advised Geoff. ‘We really did our homework and, in the end, chose GuestPoint which is tailored for small to medium-sized motels, hotels, and apartments. Our properties range from 20 to 28 keys, so it provided the perfect solution without sacrificing the essential functionalities of a powerful PMS.”

GuestPoint integrates all reception and management operations, including reservations, rate and channel management, housekeeping, debtor management, and comprehensive financial reporting. This ensures we, “always have a clear overview of our businesses. Moreover, the ease of use and exceptional 24/7 phone support have been a game-changer for us,” advised Geoff.

Partnering with motelsos.com for recruitment and training

“With our motels properties so far apart, it is impossible for us to be hands or regularly visit the properties, so we needed skilled motel managers who are trained in best known motel processes,” advised Michelle.

Often times motel owners believe they can recruit and train their own managers however it is easy to miss the mark with a small pool of applicants especially if they are known to you. “Therefore, we choose to work with motelsos.com who are a specialised recruitment and training company.

“All our managers have been recruited by this company and have also undertaken the motel operations and management training.  All our managers have been with us for a long time, are highly competent and are passionate about their motels which is a credit to the recruitment and training company” informed Michelle.

“In addition, the partnership now also includes hosting practical training on-site, ensuring that course participants are well-prepared and confident in all aspects of motel management before taking on contractor roles. This relationship allows LFTmotels to maintain a pool of experienced and trained relief staff, providing flexibility when their managers need a break. It is a win, win,’ advised Geoff.

For Geoff and Michelle Lyneham, the journey to success in managing LFTmotels has been paved with strategic partnerships and a commitment to efficiency and excellence. By implementing standardised procedures, leveraging the right technology, and partnering with industry experts, they have created a model of remote motel management that others in the industry can look to for inspiration. Their story is a testament to the power of networking and business partnerships in achieving success.