Room for Change: Tech Innovations Driving Hotel Success

This month, we wanted to take a moment to spotlight some exciting articles we’ve come across that showcase what’s happening in our industry. In a space that’s changing so quickly, staying informed is more important than ever and that’s exactly what this month’s Innovator Spotlight is all about. 

The first article we wanted to highlight is from Gauvendi titled “Hoteliers, If You Ignore Your Primary Sales Channels, Nothing Else Will Matter”. The article argues that despite investments in loyalty programs and guest experience tools, many hotels are neglecting the foundational aspect of their business: how they sell rooms. Current sales models treat rooms like static commodities, relying on outdated room categories and third-party channels that often provide a better booking experience than hotels' own websites.

The key issue isn’t loyalty or CRM at all. It's how inventory is defined and sold. The article introduces Dynamic Inventory as a modern alternative to Attribute-Based Selling (ABS). Unlike ABS, which adds features to static room types, Dynamic Inventory redefines rooms as customizable assets based on features like views, bedding, location, or amenities. This shift allows for true personalization, better distribution flexibility, and more effective automation.

Hotels using Dynamic Inventory have seen 10–30% increases in average daily rates (ADR) through their direct channels by better aligning offerings with guest preferences. The piece concludes that personalization and revenue growth start not post-booking, but at the initial point of sale—how the room is presented and sold.

Another innovative announcement we’ve come across is the unveiling of CloudBeds Labs. This division is dedicated to exploring and developing advanced solutions that address the evolving needs of the hospitality industry. By focusing on cutting-edge technologies, Cloudbeds Labs seeks to enhance the capabilities of hoteliers, enabling them to deliver superior guest experiences and streamline operations.​

Through Cloudbeds Labs, CloudBeds intends to collaborate closely with industry partners and clients to pilot new ideas and technologies. This collaborative approach ensures that the solutions developed are practical and directly address real-world challenges faced by hospitality professionals. By fostering an environment of experimentation and rapid prototyping, Cloudbeds Labs aims to bring innovative products to market more efficiently, reinforcing Cloudbeds' commitment to driving progress in the hospitality sector. If you haven’t had a conversation with Engage yet, what are you waiting for? 

Lastly, an article we wanted to highlight is from Tony Orta at Linkedin titled “The Hotel Tech Race Is On — But Are You Running in the Right Direction?”.

This article compares digital transformation in hospitality to running a marathon, emphasizing that lasting success isn’t about speed but strategy. Many hotel operators are rushing to adopt new technologies—like AI, mobile check-in, and VR concierge services—without a clear plan. This reactive approach often leads to bloated tech stacks, fragmented systems, overwhelmed staff, and disjointed guest experiences.

Common challenges include outdated property management systems that slow down operations, siloed systems across departments like housekeeping and F&B, high staff turnover caused by tech fatigue, and a lack of unified data for leadership decision-making. Meanwhile, guest expectations for fast, seamless, and personalized experiences continue to rise, and properties that fall short risk losing loyalty.

The article stresses the need for a more deliberate approach. Technology should be introduced at a manageable pace, chosen based on how well it fits into existing operations, and supported continuously after implementation. In the end, the hospitality brands that thrive won’t be those that adopt tech the fastest, but those that do so with strategy and purpose.

The industry’s moving fast and it’s important to keep up, so we’re using this month’s Innovator Spotlight to help you stay in the know.

About Affixify

Affixify is a technology due diligence platform designed specifically for hoteliers. Our platform helps hotel professionals quickly and efficiently compare a wide range of technology vendors to find the best solutions for their unique needs. With an unbiased approach and a comprehensive database of hotel technology platforms, Affixify ensures that hoteliers can make informed decisions and select the right technology to drive their business forward. We understand that no single solution fits all, and we’re here to help you find the perfect tech fit for your hotel. To learn more, get in touch with us at www.getaffixify.com