SIHOT Property Management System implementation at Best Western Plus The Ranges Karratha
Upgrading a PMS is a major decision for any accommodation provider, requiring careful planning and the right technology partner.
Best Western Plus The Ranges Karratha, an all-apartment resort known for its bright, self-contained King apartments and lush tropical gardens, needed a modern solution to streamline operations. Located just 1.5km from central Karratha, the property sought to enhance efficiency while maintaining seamless guest experiences.
First published in the new Autumn print edition of AccomNews HERE
Faced with the challenge of integrating a two-way interface with Best Western’s Central Reservation System (CRS) while ensuring compliance with trust accounting requirements, the property partnered with SIHOT to implement a flexible, scalable solution that improved efficiency and operational control.
SIHOT is committed to delivering tailored solutions
Kylie Keane, Director of Operations at SIHOT told us: “SIHOT is a software development house at its core. We write bespoke development solutions to create the perfect answer for businesses that have out-of-the-box requirements and ensure the solution has hand-held support for all departments of business.”
The Best Western Plus The Ranges Karratha project scope and challenges
“This was both a complex and interesting project for us,” Ms Keane revealed. “It was the first time we created a two-way interface between the SIHOT PMS and Best Western’s CRS, while also navigating the inclusion of our much-needed Trust Accounting Module to cater for owner accounting.
“This interface allows the property to sign up Best Western Loyalty Members directly in the SIHOT PMS, sync room availability, reservations, and rates, all while locally managing the Trust Accounting within the PMS.”
Although the process had its challenges, she says the strong collaboration between SIHOT’s installation team, the Best Western head office team, and the property team led to a seamless result.
A hotel spokesperson reflected on the transition: “Switching our PMS was a big step, but it was necessary. We needed a system that could handle the complexities of a Best Western property while also managing our owner accounting needs efficiently. SIHOT worked closely with us and the difference in day-to-day operations has been remarkable.”
Key considerations for PMS selection
“Changing a PMS is a significant decision both financially and operationally. It can be expensive, and it often highlights any shortcomings within internal operational processes,” Ms Keane explained.
“The right PMS supplier should have a fast and in-depth support system, allowing you to spend less time troubleshooting minor day-to-day issues and more time streamlining operations, enhancing guest experiences, and focusing on big-picture targets, all while cutting unnecessary costs, therefore sustaining and growing a profitable business.”
Hotel General Manager Michelle Mitchell said: “SIHOT PMS streamlines our operations, making us more efficient. The seamless syncing of real-time availability and reservations with Best Western’s CRS minimises manual work and booking errors. This, in turn, enhances the guest experience and optimises revenue management.”
She added: “The support from SIHOT is also outstanding. Having a PMS provider that truly understands our needs and is readily available has made all the difference in our daily operations.”
Ms Keane also emphasised the importance of flexibility and adaptability in a PMS. “The SIHOT PMS is a modular-based product that allows properties to customise a solution that works for them. We work with a large variety of third-party suppliers to enable interfacing options, giving accommodation providers the flexibility to create the best solution for their individual needs.
“Our no lock-in contracts take the stress out of long-term decisions, meaning operators are free to focus their attention elsewhere.”
By choosing SIHOT, Best Western Plus The Ranges Karratha successfully integrated a system that not only met their operational needs but also provided the flexibility and efficiency required to enhance guest experiences and overall property management. The collaborative approach ensured a smooth transition, and the long-term benefits of a reliable, scalable PMS continue to support the hotel’s operations.
“With SIHOT, we’re able to focus more on what truly matters—providing our guests with an exceptional stay,” said the General Manager
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