With our commitment to innovation and technology, we’re not just a reservation platform—we’re a driving force in shaping the future of the hospitality industry: Michelle Settles of LuxuryRes

“What truly sets us apart is our team’s diverse background and expertise.” 

In the 1980s, well before the inception of tech giants like Google, Michelle and David Settles embarked on a journey to revolutionize the hospitality industry. Michelle, a seasoned entrepreneur, had founded and led her own successful travel agencies. Her firsthand experience in crafting unforgettable travel experiences and managing her own businesses provided her with invaluable insights into customer service, booking processes, and the nuances of the travel industry. Michelle’s expertise formed the bedrock of LuxuryRes’s commitment to exceptional service and guest satisfaction.

On the other hand, David, with a background in entrepreneurship and ownership of his own fishing lodges, brought a wealth of experience in hospitality management to the table. His firsthand knowledge of managing luxury accommodations, coupled with a deep appreciation for nature and premium experiences, inspired him to seek innovative solutions to streamline lodge operations and elevate the guest experience.

United by their shared passion for hospitality and driven by a mutual desire to innovate, Michelle and David Settles recognized a gap in the market for a comprehensive reservation platform tailored specifically to the needs of luxury hotels and resorts. Their vision was to empower hoteliers to efficiently manage their properties while delivering unparalleled service to guests. Thus, LuxuryRes was conceived, with a mission to redefine the way luxury accommodations are booked and managed.

Guided by Michelle’s entrepreneurial spirit and David’s expertise in hospitality management, LuxuryRes flourished during its formative years. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the success of LuxuryRes wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication, loyalty, and brilliance of its employees.

The employees of LuxuryRes, with their unwavering commitment to excellence, play an indispensable role in the day-to-day operations and long-term success of the company. Their loyalty, determination, and ingenuity are the driving forces behind LuxuryRes’s continued growth and innovation. Without their tireless efforts and passion for hospitality, LuxuryRes wouldn’t be where it is today.

One such member of the team is Annaliese Settles, Michelle and David’s daughter, who has been dedicated in continuing the family legacy. After pursuing her passion for hospitality, Annaliese attended hotel and restaurant management school at the Conrad N. Hilton College at the University of Houston and gained four years of valuable experience working in various roles within the hotel industry. Drawing from her hands-on experience and industry knowledge, Annaliese joined LuxuryRes five years ago, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the company.

Today, Michelle and David’s legacy lives on as LuxuryRes continues to lead the way in providing innovative solutions for luxury accommodations worldwide. Their entrepreneurial drive, coupled with a commitment to excellence, remains at the heart of LuxuryRes’s mission to deliver unparalleled service and experiences to both hoteliers and guests.

The Silicon Review contacted Michelle Settles for an interview, and here’s what she had to say.

Interview Highlights

Q. In what ways does LuxuryRes assist in generating more revenue online for hoteliers?

As a luxury hotel reservation platform, LuxuryRes plays a pivotal role in assisting hotels to boost their online revenue through various strategic initiatives. Firstly, LuxuryRes enhances hotels’ visibility by showcasing them to a broader audience of affluent travelers actively seeking luxury accommodations, thereby driving more bookings and revenue. Additionally, LuxuryRes employs targeted marketing tactics to reach travelers through channels like social media, email campaigns, consortia, GDS, and partnerships with prestigious travel publications or agencies like American Express, resulting in increased bookings and revenue. Moreover, LuxuryRes offers personalized services such as exclusive packages tailored to the preferences of luxury hotels, which can justify higher prices and increase revenue per booking. Furthermore, LuxuryRes provides a seamless and intuitive booking experience that aligns with the luxury standards expected by its clientele, encouraging travelers to complete their reservations and leading to higher conversion rates and revenue. Utilizing dynamic pricing strategies, LuxuryRes adjusts room rates based on demand, seasonality, and competitor rates, enabling hotels to maximize revenue by optimizing prices in real-time. LuxuryRes also offers partnerships with luxury travel agents and loyalty programs for frequent guests, incentivizing repeat bookings and referrals, thus contributing to increased revenue over time. Lastly, LuxuryRes equips hotels with valuable data analytics and insights into guest behavior, preferences, and booking patterns, empowering hotels to optimize their marketing efforts, pricing strategies, and service offerings to maximize revenue. By leveraging these strategies and LuxuryRes’s resources, hotels listed on the platform can effectively attract affluent travelers and drive more revenue online.

Q. How does LuxuryRes facilitate connections to various electronic booking channels to enhance room sales?

LuxuryRes facilitates connections to various electronic booking channels through a comprehensive channel manager, streamlining the process of enhancing room sales and revenue. A channel manager serves as a centralized software solution enabling hotels to manage their room inventory and rates across multiple online distribution channels simultaneously. With LuxuryRes’s channel manager, hotels benefit from centralized inventory management, allowing real-time updates of room availability across all connected booking channels through a single interface. Moreover, hotels can implement dynamic pricing strategies to adjust room rates based on demand, seasonality, and competitor rates, maximizing revenue potential. Instant updates ensure accuracy and prevent overbooking, providing a seamless booking experience for guests and hoteliers alike. By connecting to online travel agencies, global distribution systems, metasearch engines, and other distribution partners, LuxuryRes expands hotels’ reach to a broader audience, leading to higher room sales. Hotels can customize their distribution strategy based on specific needs and target markets, optimizing performance and revenue generation. Additionally, LuxuryRes provides hotels with performance analytics, enabling them to track metrics such as booking volumes, revenue generated, and channel-specific conversion rates to make data-driven decisions and further enhance room sales. In summary, LuxuryRes’s channel manager empowers hotels to efficiently manage inventory, implement dynamic pricing, expand reach, and optimize distribution strategies, ultimately enhancing room sales and revenue.

Q. Could you elaborate on how LuxuryRes’s ‘tablet-ready’ user interface simplifies the management of availability across multiple channels?

LuxuryRes’s tablet-ready user interface transforms the way hoteliers manage availability across multiple channels, offering a seamless and intuitive experience optimized for efficiency and convenience. With a responsive design, the interface adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes, including tablets, allowing hoteliers to access and manage availability from anywhere, at any time. Intuitive navigation features empower hoteliers to effortlessly navigate through different sections and execute tasks related to availability management, from accessing the availability calendar to adjusting rates. The visually appealing availability calendar provides a clear overview of room availability and bookings across different dates, facilitating informed decision-making. Additionally, the drag-and-drop functionality enables hoteliers to update availability with unparalleled ease, while real-time synchronization ensures that changes made through the interface reflect instantly across all connected booking channels. Prioritizing security, LuxuryRes’s tablet-ready interface offers hoteliers peace of mind with robust authentication methods, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Overall, LuxuryRes’s tablet-ready user interface streamlines operations, enhances decision-making, and empowers hoteliers to deliver exceptional guest experiences with confidence and ease.

Q. What other online tools does LuxuryRes provide to aid in the attraction and conversion of potential guests?

At LuxuryRes, we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive suite of online tools to aid in the attraction and conversion of potential guests. One key aspect of our approach is our longstanding reputation with travel agents. Over the years, we’ve built strong relationships with travel agents worldwide, earning their trust and loyalty. This not only benefits travel agents but also translates into loyalty from our hotel clients, who appreciate the increased visibility and bookings generated through these partnerships.

In addition to our extensive network of travel agents, our Global Distribution System (GDS) listings play a crucial role in attracting international travelers. We understand the importance of catering to diverse linguistic backgrounds, which is why all of our GDS listings are available in 27 languages. This multilingual approach ensures that our hotel clients can reach a broader audience of potential guests, resulting in a higher volume of international travel and bookings.

As a tech company, we’re constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve. Our latest developments include the ongoing development of our new booking engine and property management system. These cutting-edge solutions leverage the latest technologies to streamline the booking process for guests and enhance the operational efficiency of our hotel clients. With our commitment to innovation and technology, we’re not just a reservation platform—we’re a driving force in shaping the future of the hospitality industry.

Overall, our online tools are designed to empower hotels to maximize their online presence, engage with guests effectively, and drive bookings. Whether it’s through our relationships with travel agents, multilingual GDS listings, or innovative tech solutions, LuxuryRes is dedicated to helping our clients succeed in the competitive world of luxury hospitality.

Q. Tell us about the LuxuryRes team. What value do they bring to the company?

The LuxuryRes team is composed of passionate individuals who share a deep commitment to hospitality excellence. At LuxuryRes, we believe in the transformative power of exceptional service and the lasting impact of meaningful relationships. Our team embodies this ethos by infusing every aspect of our work with a genuine passion for hospitality.

One of the core values that sets LuxuryRes apart is our unwavering dedication to our customers. We don’t just see our clients as business partners; we consider them part of the LuxuryRes family. It’s this mindset that has fostered enduring relationships, with some of our clients remaining with us for over 20 years. We understand the importance of trust and reliability, and we strive to exceed our clients’ expectations every step of the way.

What truly sets us apart is our team’s diverse background and expertise. Many of our team members have firsthand experience working in the hospitality industry, giving us a unique advantage. We understand the challenges and intricacies of hotel operations because we’ve been there ourselves. This insider perspective allows us to tailor our solutions to meet the specific needs of our clients, ensuring that we provide not just technology but genuine solutions that enhance their business.

But beyond our individual experiences, what truly unites us as a team is our shared commitment to our customers. We’ve been through successes and challenges together, and our bond reflects our unwavering loyalty to those we serve. Our work environment is not just a place of collaboration; it’s a testament to our dedication to our customers and our belief in the transformative power of hospitality.

“Whether it’s through our relationships with travel agents, multilingual GDS listings, or innovative tech solutions, LuxuryRes is dedicated to helping our clients succeed in the competitive world of luxury hospitality.”