In a high-cost, low-growth environment, hotel profitability is under threat. This guide unpacks how leading hoteliers are responding to economic pressures by centralizing operations, automating key functions, and rethinking traditional management models. But will the pursuit of efficiency come at the cost of authentic hospitality? Industry experts explore how the drive to reduce operating costs is shaping the future of hotel management.
In 2025, hotel profitability is being squeezed from both sides. Labor costs are rising. Consumer demand is flattening. And owners and operators are under increasing pressure to reduce operating costs – without sacrificing the guest experience.
In this expert-led whitepaper, we explore how hoteliers are responding. From centralizing operations and leveraging shared labor to automating financial workflows, this guide breaks down what smart operators are doing today to stay lean, efficient, and profitable. You’ll also get a practical self-assessment to evaluate your current operating model and spot opportunities to improve.
What You’ll Learn:
- Why hotel margins are under pressure in 2025
- How centralized operations help reduce costs across multi-property portfolios
- What automation looks like in real-world workflows like night audit, vendor payments, and forecasting
- When to be cautious with gig labor, guest self-service, and over-automation
- How to evaluate your own operation with a quick, practical self-assessment
- Robert Mandelbaum – Director of Research, CBRE Hotels Research
- Brian Fry – Founder, Boxset Advisory (Former President, Commonwealth Hotels)
- Michael Maffie – Assistant Professor, Cornell School of Hotel Administration
- Rob Lawrence – Chief Executive Officer, Otelier
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