HOTEL CASE STUDY
BUFF & FELLOW| WHERE UNIQUE HOSPITALITY MEETS NATURAL BEAUTY
RoomRaccoon’s hotel management software has worked wonders for Buff and Fellow Eco Cabins. In addition to saving them 3 hours a day via an integration with Xero, they’ve upsold more of their unique offerings than ever before thanks to RaccoonUpsell and increased their RevPAR by 60% in just one year!
About Buff and Fellow
Nestled in the captivating landscapes of George, South Africa, Buff and Fellow Eco Cabins is an extraordinary boutique game farm that seamlessly blends rustic charm with unparalleled guest experiences. Founded by Frikkie du Toit, whose passion for hospitality runs deep in his family, the journey to establishing Buff and Fellow began with a remarkable twist of fate. After successfully running a wedding venue for a decade, Frikkie was inspired to open his own eco oasis. Inspired by the breathtaking beauty of the farm he called home and driven by a desire to create something truly unique, Frikkie embarked on a quest to provide guests with an exceptional and Instagram-worthy experience. From the two initial cabins to the innovative pods inspired by structures in Phuket, Buff and Fellow continually pushes the boundaries of hospitality. With each addition, including the captivating cabanas, this haven of polished guest service and heartfelt fellowship has become a magnet for travellers seeking an unforgettable stay.
Unleashing the Potential of Dynamic Rates
Challenge
Buff and Fellow never struggled to fill their rooms, but they did miss out on potential revenue due to manual pricing strategies. The lack of automation limited them from quickly optimising room rates according to demand fluctuations, resulting in a lower-than-desirable RevPAR (revenue per available room).
Solution
By implementing RoomRaccoon, Buff and Fellow had access to yield management rules to automate their dynamic pricing strategy. This tool enabled the property to maximise RevPAR by dynamically adjusting room rates based on real-time demand and market conditions. The automation provided by RoomRaccoon’s tools empowered Buff and Fellow to respond swiftly to market changes influenced by events, seasonality, and inflation.
The ability to adjust pricing dynamically based on these factors allowed the property to maximise revenue during peak periods while still attracting guests during slower periods through competitive pricing.
Result
Increased RevPAR by 60% in a year of implementing RoomRaccoon.
“Yield rules have helped us optimise our rates and our occupancy immensely. The ones we found most crucial were setting up yield rules for last minute bookings, to increase our occupancy, and adjusting our rates automatically for longer staying guests.”
FRIKKIE DU TOIT - HOTEL OWNER
Treating Guests to Unforgettable Experiences
Challenge
From delectable potjie kos boxes to breakfast game drives, Buff and Fellow is well-known for its unique offerings. However, getting the word out about these services was difficult, with most advertising being done through manual emails or at the front desk.
Solution
Buff and Fellow stepped up their marketing efforts and generated additional revenue by implementing the upgrade module RaccoonUpsell, an automated guest service menu. The online feature presents upcoming guests with a range of these added extras to enhance their stay. To get an idea of which offerings are most popular, Frikkie turns to the RaccoonUpsell reports for insights. Buff and Fellow also lists the same add-ons in their booking engine to maximise visibility.
Result
The ROI on RaccoonUpsell for Buff and Fellow was an incredible 781%.
Streamlined Workflow with Integrated System Solutions
Challenge
Buff and Fellow used a management system incompatible with their accounting software. This frequently caused errors when data had to be transferred from one program to the other. Additionally, they lacked visibility over their financials and could not accurately recognise revenue or have proper financial oversight. Not only did this make it difficult for them to manage their property and make decisions effectively, but it required an unnecessary amount of time and effort to reconcile the two programs.
Solution
Integrating with Xero had major advantages for Buff and Fellow. Connecting RoomRaccoon to the accounting software empowered them with cost efficiency, up-to-date financial insights, improved revenue monitoring and heightened financial oversight. Also, it enabled streamlined management of their finances and saved time in the process.
Result
Buff and Fellow saved 3 hours daily through RoomRaccoon’s integration with Xero.
"The shift in focus from our team has definitely changed. We have fully automated our guest check-in - we aim not to have any contact with some of our guests before they check in. Many of our guests want a private and zero-hassle stay, and online check-in has enabled us to do that.”
FRIKKIE DU TOIT - HOTEL OWNER
See our customer stories:
RoomRaccoon offers a host of features to elevate hotel operations and boost revenue. Get to know what’s worked well for our hoteliers!
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