Written by Sarah Connolly, P3 Hotel Software

Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence’s Success with P3 Custom Booking Engine

Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence, a four-star boutique located in Dublin, Ireland, is renowned for offering elegant service and a premium guest experience. As a high-end independent hotel, Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence sought a booking engine that would align with its brand values while delivering a personalised and seamless experience for guests booking directly through the hotel’s website.

The Challenge: Outgrowing a Templated Solution

Before switching to P3, Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence relied on a commission-based booking engine. However, as Ms. Joanna Fall, Director of Revenue, Sales and Marketing, explains, the limitations of this system became evident over time. The templated design, originally tailored for larger hotel chains, lacked the flexibility and personalisation that the hotel needed to maintain its competitive edge.

"As an independent hotel, we needed more than a one-size-fits-all solution. Our previous system, while functional, didn’t allow us to express our unique identity or deliver the customised experience our guests expect," Ms. Fall stated.

The hotel’s reliance on this templated solution not only inhibited brand differentiation but also left it feeling overshadowed. Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence sought a system that would allow them to regain control over their brand’s presentation and provide the flexibility to better manage direct bookings—a growing necessity in an increasingly competitive market.

The Solution: P3 Custom Booking Engine

To address these challenges, Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence transitioned to the P3 Custom Booking Engine, a move that brought immediate benefits. P3’s fully customisable system allowed the hotel to align its booking engine with the aesthetics and values of its brand. This customisation, combined with the elimination of commission fees, was integral in improving both operational efficiency and profitability.

Ms. Fall remarked, "The ability to customise our booking engine was crucial for us. It gave us the autonomy to create a booking experience that feels uniquely tailored to our guests and in harmony with our brand."

Moreover, the switch to an integrated booking engine allowed Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence to take full control of its brand messaging. Research suggests that direct bookings enable hotels to present a consistent brand narrative and personalise the guest journey, which not only enhances the guest experience but also drives higher conversion rates. By regaining this control, Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence was able to reinforce its brand identity, providing a smoother and more trustworthy booking process for its guests.

Enhanced Guest Experience and Revenue Growth

Since adopting the P3 Custom Booking Engine, Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence has experienced consistent monthly revenue growth compared to the previous year. The new system’s seamless integration with the hotel’s website, combined with enhanced visual content, played a pivotal role in driving direct bookings and reducing the reliance on third-party online travel agencies (OTAs).

A significant contributor to this success has been the implementation of P3’s Loyalty Module. The module offers exclusive discounts to returning guests, encouraging them to book directly through the hotel’s website rather than through OTAs. 

"Our loyalty rates have given us a competitive edge over OTAs like Booking.com. Guests recognize the value of booking directly, and this has been a major factor in increasing our direct bookings," according to Ms. Fall.

In addition to revenue growth, operational efficiency improved with P3’s direct integration into Oracle Opera, allowing Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence to manage rates and room availability in real-time. This reduced administrative overhead while ensuring a more fluid workflow for the hotel’s team.

The Results: Significant Boost in Revenue

The introduction of the P3 Custom Booking Engine resulted in a 47% increase in booking engine revenue within the first 11 months of use, compared to the previous year. This performance not only bolstered the hotel’s financial standing but also decreased their reliance on OTAs, reducing the need to pay commission fees and thereby further enhancing profitability.

This shift towards greater control over their booking process allowed Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence to achieve more consistent growth while maintaining its premium brand image.

A Strong and Lasting Partnership

Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence’s partnership with P3 has proven highly beneficial. Ms. Fall highlighted the positive experience of working with P3, noting that the transition was smooth and that the ongoing support has been both responsive and tailored to the hotel’s specific needs.

"The team at P3 has been incredibly supportive. They are quick to address any concerns and are always willing to customise solutions to better meet our operational goals," Ms. Fall said.

With the P3 Custom Booking Engine, Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence has secured a long-term solution that not only meets its technical and operational requirements but also aligns with its strategic vision. This partnership has empowered the hotel to continue focusing on direct bookings, reduce costs associated with OTAs, and provide guests with an elevated booking experience.

Conclusion

Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence’s success with the P3 Custom Booking Engine is a testament to the importance of a customised and integrated booking solution for independent hotels. By investing in a system that reflects the hotel’s brand and enhances operational efficiency, Herbert Park Hotel and Park Residence has achieved sustained revenue growth while delivering a superior guest experience.