’Tis the season: pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sofa-tea time, and the world turning shades of orange and red. Fall is upon us, and soon the pumpkins and Halloween decorations will be everywhere. And in hospitality? It means the budgeting and forecasting season. Only now you have less time than usual because September and October are no longer quiet months. They’re busier than ever.
In this article, you’ll learn how to create fast, focused forecasts, build flexible budgets, and plan for every scenario.
Why Fall Became the “New Peak”
Not long ago, hoteliers could breathe a little easier after the summer rush. But those days are changing. More travelers choose September and October for their getaways, chasing milder weather and fewer crowds.
According to The Guardian, in parts of Europe, shoulder-season trips have surged by more than 60%. Climate concerns are playing their part too, with October and November bookings up by 20% year over year as guests avoid the extremes of summer. And with September now the favorite travel month for nearly a quarter of Europeans, the so-called shoulder months are officially stepping into the spotlight.
For hoteliers, this means fall is no longer downtime. The season brings plenty of opportunity, but also a new challenge: finding time to budget, forecast, and plan ahead while operations are still running at full speed.
Budgeting and Forecasting When Time Is Tight
When your property is buzzing, long planning sessions aren’t realistic. What matters most is making your budget and forecast quick, focused, and repeatable. Forecasting keeps you agile in the short term, while budgeting gives you the financial map for the year ahead. Both are essential, and both can be streamlined.
Start budgeting by:
- Reviewing last year’s performance against your current year-to-date results, paying close attention to RevPAR, ADR, and occupancy.
- Bringing in all revenue streams, not just rooms but also F&B, events, and extras.
- Setting three clear targets: a safe baseline, a stretch goal, and a protective plan for downside scenarios.
This way, you’re not stuck with one rigid number but prepared for different realities.
Forecasting, on the other hand, should be more frequent. With September and October this active, a once-a-month forecast isn’t enough. Updating 30, 60, and 90-day forecasts each week ensures you’re always a step ahead. By checking on-the-books reservations, pickup pace, and cancellation patterns each week, and comparing them to the same time last year, you’ll spot changes early enough to react.
Planning for Different Outcomes
In a season that refuses to sit still, scenario planning becomes your best friend. Just like with your budget, build three simple versions of your forecast:
- Upside: demand spikes, compression dates.
- Base: steady pace, on par with last year.
- Downside: slower midweeks, cancellations.
With those in hand, pre-plan the actions you’ll take for each. If bookings spike, you’re ready to add length-of-stay restrictions. If the booking pace slows, you can adjust promotions or distribution before it becomes a problem. And if business runs steady, you’ll know exactly how to keep things on track. Having these options mapped out saves time and helps you act faster when the numbers shift.
Four Speed Plays for a Busy Fall
This season is about speed and agility.
- Consider shaping demand around peak weekends by adding minimum stay requirements, while keeping Thursdays and Sundays more flexible.
- Keep a close eye on pickup and treat any date that’s filling faster or slower than expected as a call to act immediately, whether that means nudging rates up or creating a small, targeted offer.
- Use forecasts to align your operations as well—matching staffing schedules and food orders to expected occupancy ensures your team runs smoothly and costs stay under control.
- Don’t forget your segments: if leisure bookings increase while corporate lags, adjust your weekday strategy to close the gap.
Budget Smarter, Not Longer
Q4 is budgeting season, but it doesn’t have to mean endless spreadsheets. It’s tempting to copy last year’s budget and call it done, but with demand shifting so quickly, that’s risky. Don’t ignore ancillary revenue or underestimate expenses just because fall “used to be” quieter. Instead, define simple guardrails for your rates—clear floors and ceilings based on lead time—and schedule a quick monthly check-in to compare your budget with actual performance. This light-touch approach ensures you’re staying on course without losing precious time.
Free Guide: The Benefits of Revenue Management
By reading this guide, you will gain valuable insights into how revenue management impacts every department and learn how to implement pricing strategies that boost revenue, streamline operations, and improve guest experiences.
Click here to download the guide “The Benefits of Revenue Management”.
With the right strategies in place, this busy season can bring big wins. Use what you’ve learned to stay proactive, plan smarter, and boost results. Take action now to turn insights into impact and make Q4 your strongest quarter yet.
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