Hotel efficiency: what is it, why does it matter and how to optimise it?
Efficiency in hotel management is no longer optional. Today, hotels that do not incorporate technological tools and strategic approaches to optimise resources, reduce costs and improve the guest experience are simply losing competitiveness.
In my experience, I have seen how technology makes the difference between a hotel that "works" and one that really does. operates efficientlyThe company's energy-efficient energy efficiency programme, achieving long-term sustainability, tangible energy savings and clear improvements in service.
Below, we explore what it means to be an efficient hotel today, and why the energy efficiency y the use of specialised software as a PMS are key elements to achieve this.
In our experience, hotels that have opted to go digital and automate processes not only work better: they also work faster, with fewer errors and more profitability.
Do you really want to keep running your hotel like you did 15 years ago? Or do you want to take the step towards a smarter way of working?
What does hotel efficiency mean and why is it crucial?
Definition of efficiency in the hotel context
Hotel efficiency refers to the ability of an establishment to make optimal use of its resources (human, material, technological and energy) with the least possible waste and the highest operational performance. It is not just about spending less, but about working better. In this context, **energy efficiency** is particularly important, as hotels are large consumers of resources such as water, electricity and air conditioning.Relationship between operational efficiency and profitability
Efficiency has a direct impact on profitability. Hotels with optimised processes, automated tools and control over their resources can reduce operating costs by up to 30%. This means more profit margin without compromising on quality. When we implement management technology, such as PMS with advanced analytics and process automation, we have seen hotels not only save money, but also maximise their ability to generate revenue.Direct impact on guest experience and hotel reputation
Efficiency also translates into a smoother and more satisfying guest experience: frictionless check-ins, quick responses, personalised services and zero operational errors. All of this improves brand perception, increases positive reviews and builds loyalty.Key strategies to improve efficiency in hotels
Optimisation of internal operational processes
Mapping internal processes allows us to identify bottlenecks, duplicated or inefficient tasks and opportunities to automate or simplify. Implementing digital workflows has been a critical solution at multiple properties we work with.
Staff management and improved task allocation
With a PMS that integrates housekeeping, maintenance and front desk functionality, tasks can be automatically assigned based on occupancy, inputs and outputs. This not only reduces human error, but also improves team productivity.
Efficient use of material and financial resources
Centralised control of stock, purchasing and preventive maintenance avoids financial leakage and enables better management of the life cycle of the hotel's assets.
Use of technology
The real lever for change in hotel efficiency lies in digitalisation. PMS, BI, channel managers, revenue and CRM tools allow the entire ecosystem to be managed from one place. This reduces the operational burden, improves decision making and makes it possible to anticipate problems.
Energy efficiency in the hotel sector
Adopting measures such as LED lighting, zoned climate control systems, motion sensors and aerothermics can reduce energy consumption by up to 40%. In addition to reducing the carbon footprint, these changes have a direct economic impact.
Investing in technology such as energy management systems (EMS) and home automation is a strategic investment. Hotels that have done so have recovered their investment in less than 3 years thanks to the reduction in energy costs. In our experience, connecting these systems to the PMS allows greater control, real-time reporting and better decisions.
Having certifications such as ISO 50001 or the European energy label not only guarantees regulatory compliance, but also provides brand value for guests who are increasingly committed to the environment.
The role of hotel management software in efficiency
Automation of administrative and operational tasks
Automating bookings, emailing, room allocation, charging and invoicing reduces the burden on the team and minimises errors. With clients using LEAN and tailored PMS solutions, we have seen a 50% drop in daily manual management time.
Integration of tools: PMS, CRM, channel manager
Real efficiency occurs when the PMS is integrated with other tools. The channel manager maintains parity, the CRM personalises the experience and the booking engine increases direct sales. All in real time, without unnecessary human intervention.
Real-time monitoring and data-driven decision making
Modern software offers dashboards with key KPIs: energy consumption, occupancy, revenue per segment, etc. This allows you to act quickly, anticipate consumption peaks or plan campaigns based on real data rather than assumptions.
Efficiency comparison between different types of hotels
Efficiency in large chains vs. independent hotels
Large chains tend to have access to more advanced technology and optimised structures. However, independent hotels can gain in agility and innovation by adopting scalable solutions that are adaptable to their size.
Variables affecting efficiency by hotel category
Factors such as location, staffing, service offering, available technology and guest type impact efficiency. For example, an urban hotel with high turnover needs agile operational flows and peak management technology.
Benchmarking cases and key learnings
By comparing ratios such as RevPAR, consumption per guest or average check-in time, best practices can be identified. The most efficient hotels tend to have one thing in common: digitisation of processes and use of PMS as the centre of operations.
An example of hotel efficiency: the case of Petit Palace
Initiatives implemented to improve processes
Petit Palace opted to completely digitise its operational management. From automating reservations to optimising housekeeping with specific solutions, the focus has always been on efficiency.
Tangible results in sustainability and operations
In the case of Petit Palace, efficiency is not an abstract goal: it translates into concrete technological decisions that have transformed its operating model. The implementation of an advanced PMS, designed for multi-property management, has been key to scaling operations without losing control.
Thanks to its multi-currency and multi-language capabilities, the system allows a diverse network of hotels to be managed from a single platform, with unified but customisable workflows for each property. This has eliminated duplication, minimised errors and improved coordination between teams.
In addition, they have developed specific automations for individual bookings, group bookings and payment managementThis structure not only saves operational time, but also ensures traceability and regulatory compliance, especially in international operations. This structure is based on a philosophy of LEANThe aim is to reduce everything that does not add value: manual tasks, repetitive processes and idle time.
The impact has been twofold:
- In sustainabilityby reducing consumption of unnecessary tasks, paper, internal travel and physical resources.
- In operational efficiencyby freeing up teams to focus on strategic and customer-facing tasks, improving service quality without the need to increase headcount.
In short, the intelligent use of the Lean Hotel System PMS and automation has consolidated Petit Palace as a model of efficiency applicable to medium and large chains with a technological vision.
Lessons applicable to other hotels
What is most valuable about the Petit Palace case is that efficiency does not depend on the size of the hotel, but on its strategic approach. Investing in technology and adapting it to your operations can make a real difference to your profitability and sustainability.