Experienced motliers, Gael and Raymond Austen of Coromandel Court Motel, have kindly consented to an interview to answer some of these questions. Previous involvement in the corporate world, which included extensive travel both nationally and internationally, and with associated experiences of accommodation, provided Gael and Raymond with a strong foundation with which to enter the industry.
They bought the Coromandel Court Motel during the winter of 2003 after undertaking meticulous research which encompassed many other motels situated throughout the country.
“We believe the Coromandel Peninsula is the new found place in the North Island, to compliment this, the motel offered the opportunity of building a good solid business with the prospect of expansion to grow the business” says Gael.
The Austens, like many people, purchased the motel for the lifestyle and income that it represented. However, they rapidly found that while there was the income, there was very little lifestyle. After the initial shake down period, they realized that changes had to be made to rectify this and to make the motel function more efficiently. Committing to change typically involves an investment of both time and money, and at a cost of around $30,000 an extra commercial dryer, commercial washing machine and commercial dishwasher were installed.
The investment was worth it - Gael and Raymond now achieve quicker and more professional results, and all importantly the lifestyle has followed suit.
Naturally, when taking over an existing business many purchasers set goals for themselves as to how they will ‘improve’ the existing operation. In this, Gael and Raymond were no different, setting targets for themselves that included developing a first-class corporate clientele as well as increasing the international and repeat guest nights. “We have achieved this by attention to service and offering top level quality. We have also upgraded our computer sites, and in the process become very computer savvy - our goals have been achieved” Raymond explained.
Success in the accommodation industry is based on how your guests perceive you - the provider. Striving to meet (at the very least) or exceed the guests expectations will ensure that your motel will profit from strong repeat and referral business.