TROY, MI—Even in the age of digitally enabled, contactless hotel bookings and hand-sanitized check-ins, a key element driving hotel guest satisfaction with third-party management companies is staff service. That’s the central finding of the new J.D. Power 2020 Third-Party Hotel Management Guest Satisfaction Benchmark.
The company, for the first time, analyzed guest responses to more than 150 questions about hotel experiences and benchmarks the performance of the top 11 third-party management companies with at least 14,000 rooms under management.
“Now, more than ever, when travelers have heightened concerns about health, safety, cleanliness and availability of amenities, it’s clear that a well-trained, courteous hotel staff can define a guest experience,” said Andrea Stokes, hospitality practice lead, J.D. Power. “Third-party operators that employ great talent are best equipped to provide excellent guest experiences across limited-service and full-service hotels alike. During this period when guest volume is lower than usual, hotel management companies have an opportunity to focus on staff education, review guest feedback and incorporate that feedback into training programs.”
Crestline Hotels & Resorts ranks highest in overall guest satisfaction, with a score of 861 (on a 1,000-point scale), performing particularly well for staff service upon guest arrival and departure, and for hotel facilities (safety/security, grounds, exterior maintenance, parking, etc.). Atrium Hospitality (860) and Pyramid Hotel Group (860) rank second in a tie.
“This tremendous accolade is a direct reflection on our incredible team of associates who work hard each and every day to assure that our guests experience excellent service,” said James Carroll, president/CEO, Crestline. “To receive the highest score in this benchmark is the ultimate testament to the difference Crestline takes in our management approach. Service is woven into the fabric of our culture, and this extends beyond our guests to include our hotel owners, partners, investors and associates. At the end of the day, it is great service that leads to successful and profitable hotels.”
