Park City Lodging

I recently caught up some of the crew at Park Lodging, Inc., in Park City, Utah.  They provide lodging in Park City including Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, The Canyons and Main Street.  Their mountain vacation rentals range from cozy condominiums and town homes to large private homes.

Rhonda Sideris, is President and Founder of Park City Lodging (formerly R&R Properties).  Rhonda has served on the Board of Directors for the North American Vacation Rental Managers Association, the Marketing Council for the Park City Chamber and Visitors Bureau, the Board of Directors of the Park City Areas Lodging Association and on the International Marketing Committee for the Park City Chamber and Visitors Bureau.

Connie Williams and Amy Lusby head up the Owner Relations Department.  Photo (left to right-Connie, Rhonda, Amy)

How many vacation rentals do you manage?
200 homes and condominiums
  
How long have you been rating properties? 
15 years - in 2006 we received training from Resort Rating Specialists.

How many staff members are involved in the process?
Minimum of three

Have you seen an increase in quality as a result?
Absolutely

You’re in a fairly high-end market.  How has that impacted your standards?
It is great to have a set of standards so that all of our properties can stay competitive.

What’s the biggest benefit (to Owners or Guests) from publishing your ratings?
Our owners stay competitive and our guests know exactly what they will be getting when they arrive.

Why do you think it’s important to rate your properties?
So that the properties stay fresh.

Has it helped guide your Owners as to the most important improvements?
Yes!  Many owners already have ides of changes they would like to make to their homes.  Our ratings help them understand which changes are most important.  We have been setting up 2 & 3 year plans with many of our owners so prioritizing is very important.

With money tight, what are some of the challenges facing your department with regard to convincing owners to upgrade?
Two years ago with revenues down it was difficult.  That is when we implemented our 2 and 3 year plans.  We have been very successful with this avenue.

Any advice to other companies that are just starting the process?
Don’t give in…the owners will come around, they want to stay competitive.  Take the time to educate your owners about the process, the reasons and the benefits. 

Thank you Rhonda, Connie and Amy!