South Carolina-based hotel management and ownership group OTO Development has a tradition of excellence that is rooted in efficient development practices and exemplary operational performance. Recognized by Hilton Hotels as Developer of the Year as well as a recipient of Marriott’s highest honor – the Partnership Circle Award – the company has thrived for many years and has a portfolio of high-achieving properties. Nevertheless, OTO Development still faces several challenges as a company. With over [...]

When I talk with hoteliers about their social media efforts, most say that they are using the channel to find powerful ways to engage with their guests. They are treating their social media marketing like a cocktail party and listening to their guests first, before speaking. Through this engagement, they are able to deliver more personalized service that in turn helps deepen customer loyalty and brand advocacy. This fortuitous cycle inherently gives customers a greater [...]

Online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Expedia and Priceline as well as meta-search engines like Kayak and Google Hotel Finder have become crucial to many hotels’ overall advertising mix – especially during low booking seasons or to fill rooms at the last minute. But property owners should be careful not to neglect other hotel marketing strategies and let these channels consume too large a percentage of their revenue. Rate parity clauses in agreements with OTAs make [...]

Just 20 minutes to all major attractions in Orlando, The Florida Hotel and Conference Center is a 511-room, 50,000 square feet facility located in one of Central Florida’s largest indoor shopping malls, The Florida Mall. Thirty years old, the building has had a rich history since it originally opened as a Crown Plaza. Current ownership began on May 4, 2004, and for nearly a decade the hotel has set itself apart with a focus on [...]