Independent hoteliers have been under increasing pressure in recent years with an explosion in the number of budget hotels. The major hotels chains have responded by focusing all of their resources on the marketing and development of their brand portfolios, which appears to leave the independent sector struggling to compete.

However, hotel bookers should not dismiss the independents in their planning decisions, as they can offer great value for money. Research shows that businesses can save up to 10 per cent annually in the four star segment and 15 per cent on the three star by using the independent sector. Not only do independent hotels offer the potential to cut costs, they also offer a greater spread of locations and a more personal touch, something that business travellers may appreciate when facing a night in another identikit hotel room. There is of course the argument that chain hotels may be bland, but you know what to expect and you get what you pay for. Whilst reviews and star ratings can offer some guidance, there are no guarantees.

On balance it would seem that there is a place in the market for all sectors and whatever your hotel accommodation preference, from a 5 star country hotel for a senior managers’ meeting to a budget hotel en-route to a customer meeting, remember that here at Booking Partners we can find the perfect venue to suit your budget and needs.

Booking Partners offer a range of services from hotel booking, conference and meeting room booking to account management services. Contact us for more information.