Value for money is key say hotel GMs

A hotel's location is the key factor in determining success, say the region's hotel general managers.

Sixty-two-percent told the Hotelier Middle East GM survey that location was the main beneficial feature influencing a property's performance – up from 60% in 2008.

However, personal service was deemed much less important and fell from 65% last year to 52% - boasting a brand name was also deemed less important this year, in the wake of the global economic downturn.

Indeed, the financial situation has led to a major change in approach and attitude from GMs with value for money – which appeared fairly low down 2008’s list of significant factors – being deemed important by 60% of this year’s respondents.

Worryingly, F&B outlets, leisure and spa facilities all saw large drops in perceived significance.