BUDGET HOTELS – UNPOLISHED JEWEL

What do people think of when they hear "a budget hotel"?

In the past, budget accommodation was associated with something cheap, smeary, unsafe or cheesy. If it is low-cost, there is something suspicious which is better to avoid. Fortunately, the segment managed to change the perception of the guests and investors to 180-degrees. Now a growing number of people are convinced that such a hotel is clean, reliable, and good value for money; an economy resistant investment vehicle generating consistent cash flows.

What is the new face of budget hotel brands and easyHotel Sofia in particular?

easyHotel brand starts operating its hotels engaging new technology, digitalization, reservation to check-in to room key entry – all with an app on smartphone, using robots to take on menial tasks such as hovering of rooms. The days of white gloves, liveried staff and concierge, and the chocolate on the pillow are in decline. Rather than accepting dead spaces such as underused meeting rooms and empty all-day F&B outlets, hotels are finding new ways to rethink space for its economic value and branded experience. In brief, easyHotel and particularly the representative in Sofia mean value for money.

The customer experience is a local one – we are just conveniently located, clean, uncomplicated "bed for the night" within that local cosmos. It is a reliable, clean, value for money, consistent lodging product where restaurants, cafés, bars, nightlife, shops, sightseeing etc. awaits you within easy reach of the hotels' doorstep. All staff are locals and can give you an amazing insight and guidance where to go and what to see.

Booking is online, the check-in is simultaneous with check-out. No need to waste time when you have to leave, invoicing, and payment have all been taken care of. Extra services such as early check-in, late check-out, luggage storage, parking, extra housekeeping services – one pays for as and when he needs them. We offer an affordable price in an easily accessible and secure location.

Why is the budget segment still so small and will this change?

Currently, the majority of new or refurbished hotels in and around Sofia are 4* and 5*. Investors are not interested in economy hotels, mainly because of inertia or vanity. What they fail to understand is how efficient budget hotels can be, especially branded ones. They really do make money.

Also, budget hotels have less costs for equipment, employees, electricity, etc., they are effective with the dynamic turnover and the attractive price. Budget hotels attract not only people of lower means, but also affluent customers who do not want to spend 200-300 BGN for a night in a hotel. Instead, they want to use the hotel as a base from which to explore the cities they visit, spending their money in local businesses, bars and restaurants.

Our business is accommodation; we offer rooms, not food and beverage services. Hence, we enhance the local community by not saturating and competing with the local food and drink places. We support them by bringing them more clients, creating local jobs and paying local taxes and operating licenses. Positive win-win!

+359 2 920 16 54

Sofia, 108 Aldomirovska St

www.easyhotel.com