Tom Brown

📈 2025 saw Mews host a series of events focusing on the future of hospitality, with gatherings in multiple locations. These included larger Hospitality Horizons events and smaller roundtables, which fostered deeper conversations on AI, automation, and industry changes. Key topics included Mews Payments, RMS advancements, and agentic AI. The events emphasized transparency, trust, and collaboration, with consultants sharing insights. As 2026 approaches, these partnerships aim to drive transformation in the hospitality industry.

🏨 Ennismore generates over 60% of revenue from sources outside accommodation, like F&B and coworking spaces. Staypineapple’s Boston property’s Trophy Room bar highlights community integration, enhancing reputation without room bookings. RevPAG measures guest interactions beyond room stays, requiring integrated tech systems. Swiss Hotel Apartments and Strawberry use connected systems for personalized experiences. Paradise Resort Gold Coast increased revenue by selling additional experiences. Emphasizing guest value, not just rooms, fosters long-term loyalty and diversified income.

🏨 Mews CEO Matt Welle and Henry Blackman discuss hotel revenue strategies focusing on total revenue management. Simplifying data use, monetizing assets like parking and meeting rooms, and employing guest empathy drive revenue. Upsells, if timely and relevant, offer 10x perceived value. Key strategies include using AI for guest insights, automating systems, and experimenting with high-margin upsells. Mews integrates resources to aid revenue managers in optimizing performance, encouraging hotels to start with small tests for scalable success.

💻 Hoteliers face staffing challenges due to rising wages and a shrinking talent pool. Mews technology helps hotels optimize operations with fewer staff by automating tasks, enhancing guest interactions, and creating flexible job roles. AI integration improves efficiency in guest communications and revenue management. Automated check-ins can boost online participation to 30% with SMS reminders. Mews tools like kiosks and POS terminals streamline operations, while partnerships like Hotels for Trees promote sustainability, all leading to higher profitability and guest satisfaction.

💻 In 2021, Penta Hotels faced a ransomware attack that disrupted multinational operations. They rebuilt their IT framework, focusing on cybersecurity with six pillars: protect, prevent, detect, respond, recover, and review. Key strategies include IP restrictions, real-time monitoring, and phishing simulations. They transitioned to cloud-native solutions, partnering with Mews for enhanced security, featuring continuous monitoring and compliance with GDPR and PCI DSS. Cybersecurity is now a priority to safeguard trust and business continuity in hospitality.

💻 In the latest episode of Matt Talks, Matt and Manisha discuss the process of migrating to a new Property Management System (PMS) for hotels. The transition, averaging around two months, can be completed in as little as a week, offering a strategic overhaul of operations. Key steps include account setup, guest journey definition, training through Mews University, and system audits. With AI enhancements, the switch is faster and aims for improved efficiency, guest satisfaction, and revenue.

🏨 70% of U.S. hotel guests prefer skipping the front desk, with Gen Z at 82%. Self-check-ins, via kiosks or mobile, are rising, with U.S. hotels using Mews Kiosks seeing 30% of reservations checked-in this way, above the 20% global average. Such self-check-in leads to a threefold increase in upsells, boosting revenue by 70%. Personalization is critical, with 93% willing to share data for better experiences. Almost 80% value personalized amenities, rising to 89% for Gen Z.

💻 Episode 31 of Matt Talks explores 10 Mews features reshaping hotel operations. Apple Wallet room keys simplify access; Match and Merge cleans guest profiles; AI insights generate 1.6 million summaries weekly; automated payments and Passkey login enhance security. Dynamic early check-in and pricing boost revenue. Virtual credit card automation and Activity Reports streamline operations. Upcoming features include Guest Selfie for recognition and revamped accounting. Mews' innovations aim to personalize and optimize hotel experiences.

💸 In 2024, Mews acquired Atomize, a cloud-based Revenue Management System (RMS) offering real-time pricing optimization and integration with the Mews ecosystem. Hotels using Atomize have reported significant benefits, including a 15-20% increase in RevPAR within six months, 20-30 hours saved monthly on manual tasks, and a 4-5% uplift in revenue. Kronen Hotels saw a 35% RevPAR increase, while The Local House achieved a 37% rise in ADR.