Hotels that are non-flagged - meaning they are not part of a chain - still exist, but tourists visiting Polk County were far more likely to find them years ago than they are today.
Many travelers are more likely to surf the Internet and book a room at one of the large hotel chains because they know what they're getting, it's fast and the amenities are often fairly uniform no matter where the hotel is located.
That is not to say, however, that independently owned, non-franchised hotels are extinct.
There is still a market for them, said Mark Jackson, director of tourism and sports marketing for Polk County. But Jackson, who has been working in the county's tourism industry for 15 years, has noticed they are in the minority.
"There are now 43 non-flagged hotels and motels in the county," he said. There are 184 total lodging listings on the county's tourism Web site, including vacation homes and rentals. Jackson said there are about 8,000 hotel rooms in the county.
"Of course, that varies," he said. "Some are being built, some are going away."
The 8,000 number includes 2,260 that are not part of a chain, however, the latter number also includes vacation homes and home rentals.
While the chains are certainly taking over a large portion of the market, there is room for a variety of lodging options.
"There is a place for those non-flagged hotels," Jackson said. "Some people really like the bed and breakfast types of properties, and there are a lot of people that like that old Florida feel - the mom-and-pop type of properties - simply because that's what they've grown accustomed to. And, often, it's a little bit less expensive. For the budget-conscious, it's a good option."
John Loute, a former president of the Lakeland Hotel/Motel Association and longtime Polk County hotelier, said non-flagged hotels face challenges, while the chains have many advantages.
"It is harder to operate as an independent because the flags or brands have far more marketing power and other resources," he said. "The Internet has leveled the playing field somewhat. However, the brands still have the edge, as they are fairly consistent no matter where you stay around the country. Folks know exactly what to expect, as opposed to taking a chance on a place they don't know about."
Source:http://www.theledger.com/article/20071112/NEWS/711120325/1001/BUSINESS
Many travelers are more likely to surf the Internet and book a room at one of the large hotel chains because they know what they're getting, it's fast and the amenities are often fairly uniform no matter where the hotel is located.
That is not to say, however, that independently owned, non-franchised hotels are extinct.
There is still a market for them, said Mark Jackson, director of tourism and sports marketing for Polk County. But Jackson, who has been working in the county's tourism industry for 15 years, has noticed they are in the minority.
"There are now 43 non-flagged hotels and motels in the county," he said. There are 184 total lodging listings on the county's tourism Web site, including vacation homes and rentals. Jackson said there are about 8,000 hotel rooms in the county.
"Of course, that varies," he said. "Some are being built, some are going away."
The 8,000 number includes 2,260 that are not part of a chain, however, the latter number also includes vacation homes and home rentals.
While the chains are certainly taking over a large portion of the market, there is room for a variety of lodging options.
"There is a place for those non-flagged hotels," Jackson said. "Some people really like the bed and breakfast types of properties, and there are a lot of people that like that old Florida feel - the mom-and-pop type of properties - simply because that's what they've grown accustomed to. And, often, it's a little bit less expensive. For the budget-conscious, it's a good option."
John Loute, a former president of the Lakeland Hotel/Motel Association and longtime Polk County hotelier, said non-flagged hotels face challenges, while the chains have many advantages.
"It is harder to operate as an independent because the flags or brands have far more marketing power and other resources," he said. "The Internet has leveled the playing field somewhat. However, the brands still have the edge, as they are fairly consistent no matter where you stay around the country. Folks know exactly what to expect, as opposed to taking a chance on a place they don't know about."
Source:http://www.theledger.com/article/20071112/NEWS/711120325/1001/BUSINESS
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