In this new series, we spotlight independent hotels to learn more
about the everyday challenges, rewards, and opportunities of running an
independent property.
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Occupancy: Nine guest rooms, two apartments
Open: Year round
Website: wickerparkinn.com
In the heart of the hip and trendy Wicker Park neighborhood of
Chicago you’ll find the Wicker
Park Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast offering both traditional guest
rooms and apartment vacation rentals. Guests can go from the comfort of their
well-appointed rooms to any number of great restaurants, shops, art galleries,
or clubs in just minutes.
We spoke with owner Laura Yepez to learn more about what makes the
Wicker Park Inn special and how she’s turned the challenge of running an
independent hotel into a success story.
Q. Tell us a little bit about your property – its history and what
makes it unique.
LY: Situated in a historic home, the Wicker Park
Inn offers nine luxurious guest rooms. Each room is beautifully designed with
elegant decor, modern amenities, and unique details such as exposed brick
walls, wallpaper accents, a decorative fireplace, skylights, and wooden floors.
Rooms also feature private bathrooms, high-quality linens, satellite TV, and high-speed
wireless internet. Our apartments are equally luxurious and include fully
equipped kitchens.
Q. How do you promote your property?
LY: Our rooms are available to book on multiple
channels such as Expedia, Booking.com, VRBO, and Airbnb. We encourage guests to
book directly, but understand that people have many ways to make travel
arrangements. We also advertise with Google and Bing, send monthly newsletters,
and are active on social media.
Q. What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to buying
products?
LY: Because I am a smaller property, buying in
bulk is not always the best choice. However, we’ve been able to partner
successfully with American Hotel Register to find the right products for our
property and in the right quantity. I can buy just one hair dryer if needed
– that’s pretty amazing!
Q. What are some other roadblocks you face as an independent
hotel? How do you overcome these challenges?
LY: Business travelers are not always the final
decision-makers on where to stay, and loyalty points play a large role in
booking accommodations. As an independent hotel, I have to price competitively
and offer free amenities to appeal to this market. Because we are a boutique
property, many guests choose to stay with us over a big chain hotel. We also
offer corporate rates and repeat guest discounts to attract and retain guests.
Also, because we are a boutique property with fewer than 10 rooms,
I started to market the Wicker Park Inn as an all-inclusive property for group
accommodations, including corporate retreats, weddings, family reunions, and
school trips. Our property appeals to groups who want full-service, elevated
accommodations in a private setting. Group reservations have been very
successful for us.
Q: What advice would you give to those new to owning or managing
an independent hotel?
LY: Offer a unique experience that appeals to your
ideal guest. Market yourself on what sets you apart, and follow up with your
guests to ensure they stay with you again and again.
At American Hotel, we deliver all you need, when you need it
… so you can focus on what matters most. Explore our
vast product assortment at americanhotel.com.