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Investing in a small or big hotel can be a profitable real estate strategy, provided that you have the necessary financial resources. However, managing a hotel on your own is mission impossible, unless you already have a readily available team. If that’s not the case, hiring a professional hotel manager can be a viable solution to get your property up and running as quickly as possible.
In this article, we’ve found and reviewed the 6 best hotel management companies for different types of properties and services. We’ve analyzed the provided services, the required costs, the management agreement terms, and the market coverage. We’ve also looked at what existing customers think about these companies and how they evaluate them.
The 6 best hotel management companies are:
- Awning: Best Overall Hotel Management Company
- Aimbridge Hospitality: Best Large Hotel Management Company
- Hotel Equities: Best Management Company for Excellent Hospitality
- HHM Hotels: Best Luxury Hotel Management Company
- Crestline Hotels & Resorts: Best Premium Hotel Management Company
- Casago: Best Management Company for Resort Communities
How We Selected the 6 Best Hotel Management Companies
Choosing the best property management companies for hotel facilities requires a rigorous process. After all, there are millions involved in such an investment, and it has to be managed properly to bring the expected return on investment.
To provide you with the top choices in the US market, we’ve used the following criteria:
- Costs and fees: To be among the best hotel management companies, one should charge competitive rates, be clear about its pricing model, and not ask for unexpected fees.
- Terms and requirements: A good property manager needs to have a transparent management agreement with terms that are favorable to owners and that allow them to cancel services if they are not 100% satisfied.
- Services: Managing a hotel is a complicated job, so we focused on companies that provide full services. In this way, investors can enjoy passive income.
- Geographical availability: We looked for managers that cover multiple US states and cities so that they can serve investors nationwide.
- Customer reviews: We checked how many online reviews each company has and whether the overall rating is positive or negative.
- Overall value for money: We included the 6 companies that provide the best value for money, i.e., they offer comprehensive services and charge reasonable costs.
Awning: Best Overall Hotel Management Company
Shri Ganeshram and Danaus Chang founded Awning in 2020, with headquarters in San Francisco, CA. Despite its short history, the company has emerged as a leader in the property management services for boutique hotels, cabins, and other small hotels under 100 rooms. Awning owes this status to the combination of high-quality comprehensive services and industry-low management fees, starting at 15% of revenue. Awning is managing more than 100 vacation rental units spread across the US market.
Awning Hotel Management Costs and Fees
Unlike other best hotel management companies, Awning is very transparent about its pricing structure. Management fees start at 15% of monthly income, which is below the average in the vacation rental management industry for small and boutique hotels. The exact percentage depends on the location, the property size, and the necessary services. This cost covers everything required for the day-to-day operations of a hotel.
There are only two services that Awning provides and charges for separately, including:
- Interior design and furnishing: Both partial and complete furnishing services are available, and the exact price depends on the number and size of rooms and common spaces.
- Vacation rental insurance: The price depends on the size of the hotel. On average, Awning helps owners save up to 25% of insurance costs.
Awning Hotel Management Terms and Requirements
The Awning management agreement works on an annual basis so that hotel owners can experience the full benefits of the Awning property management services. The company needs the first couple of months after onboarding a hotel to optimize the finishing, the pricing, and the marketing so that results can be maximized in a few months.
Awning Hotel Management Services
Awning provides full-service hotel management so that the owners of boutique hotels and cabins can benefit from passive income.
The services covered by the monthly fee include:
- Smart home devices installation
- Short-term rental licenses and permits (if needed)
- Dynamic pricing for optimizing the occupancy rate and ROI
- Creating, managing, optimizing, marketing, and advertising listings on top hotel channels
- 24/7 guest communication and support, with industry-low average response time of 5-15 minutes
- Cleaning, restocking, and laundry services between guests
- Cleaning and maintaining of swimming pools, hot tubs, lawns, and other amenities
- Hotel property inspection, maintenance, and repairs
- Guest reviews collection: Awning lists hotel rooms under the name of the owner, not under its own corporate name. In this way, owners keep the guest reviews which their listings have gathered if they stop working with Awning. With other hotel management companies, old guest reviews are not transferred upon the cancellation of services.
The additional services that Awning offers to hotel owners include:
- Interior design and furnishing: This process is executed by the ex-Head of Design at Airbnb. The expertise and quality of design and furniture help Awning-prepared make 15%-50% more in revenue than comparable listings on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other booking websites.
- Short-term rental insurance
Awning Hotel Management Geographic Availability
Awning is able to manage small boutique hotels and cabins in every US state and market. This extensive coverage is made possible by establishing local teams of vetted professionals before taking on properties in a location.
Awning Hotel Management Customer Reviews
There are only a few online reviews of Awning, but they all show excellent experiences.
You can find Awning reviews on:
- Trustpilot: Currently 12 5.0/5 star reviews
- BiggerPockets: Currently 2 5.0/5 star reviews
Real estate investors who work with Awning are especially satisfied with the best-in-class management services, the personalized and customized approach, the expertise of the team, and the efficient communication process. Owners who have switched from other famous property management companies highlight the better services that Awning provides compared to competitors.
In terms of guest reviews, Awning-managed properties have an overall rating of 4.8, which is impressive in the hospitality industry. Guests are particularly in awe of the top locations, the excellent units, the well-maintained and stocked rentals, and the helpful customer support team.
Get Started With Awning Hotel Management
To get started with the best boutique hotel management company, hotel owners can schedule a call through the Awning website or call/text 415-223-2830. An Awning professional will discuss your hotel property with you and walk you through services, potential revenue, and rates. We have experience with both onboarding new properties and taking over management from other managers.
Aimbridge Hospitality: Best Large Hotel Management Company
Dave Johnson founded Aimbridge Hospitality in 2008, with headquarters in Plano, TX. This is the largest hotel management company in the US, with 1,500+ properties in all 50 US states. These include luxury hotels, destination resorts, lifestyle hotels, and convention centers. The broad spectrum of franchised branded full management services is that makes Aimbridge the best overall hotel manager in our list.
Aimbridge Hospitality Hotel Management Costs and Fees
Aimbridge does not provide information on its pricing model, and it’s not clear whether they charge a single fee or the cost varies by location and property. Thus, hotel owners need to ask about this when they first contact Aimbridge.
Aimbridge Hospitality Hotel Management Terms and Requirements
A copy of the Aimbridge hotel management agreement is not available online, so that’s another thing investors should inquire about.
Aimbridge Hospitality Hotel Management Services
The services provided by Aimbridge include:
- Overseeing day-to-day property operations
- Cost savings
- Access to a custom business intelligence system
- Managing revenue with the goal of maximizing value and increasing market share
- Innovative sales strategy
- Alignment with brands marketing programs
- Access to an in-house digital marketing agency
- Accounting services
- Financial reporting
- Access to strong partnerships with 100+ banks
Aimbridge Hospitality Hotel Management Geographic Availability
The Aimbridge hotel management company covers all 50 US states. In addition, it operates in 23 countries outside the US.
Aimbridge Hospitality Hotel Management Customer Reviews
There are very few online reviews of Aimbridge by customers. The majority of reviews are written by employees.
You can find Aimbridge reviews on:
These negative reviews focus on different insect problems at hotels managed by Aimbridge. However, a few reviews are not enough to draw definite conclusions about the services provided by a company.
Get Started With Aimbridge Hospitality Hotel Management
To get started with the best overall hotel management company, hotel owners can visit the Aimbridge Hospitality website or call 972-952-0200.
Hotel Equities: Best Management Company for Excellent Hospitality
Fred Cerrone founded Hotel Equities in 1989, with headquarters in Alpharetta, GA. The company aims to be an extraordinary lodging provider and to offer excellence in hospitality, and our review shows that it largely succeeds in delivering this mission. At the moment, Hotel Equities is one of the largest hotel management companies in the US market, with a portfolio of 300+ hotels and resorts. This hotel manager has won multiple industry awards.
Hotel Equities Hotel Management Costs and Fees
Hotel Equities does not mention the fees that it charges to hotel owners, so that’s one of the first questions you should ask if you think this company might be the right choice for your needs.
Hotel Equities Hotel Management Terms and Requirements
Similar to other top hotel management companies, Hotel Equities does not have the management contract on their website. Thus, you need to ask to review a copy before committing to working with them.
Hotel Equities Hotel Management Services
As a full-service hotel manager, Home Equities cover the following services:
- Hotel operations management
- Revenue management and optimization for market share growth and profitability
- Finance and accounting services through an in-house finance team, strong internal controls, and state-of-the-art accounting platform
- Quarterly sales and marketing action plans for strategy and accountability
- Food and beverage services focused on guest satisfaction, labor productivity, and cost efficiency
Hotel Equities Hotel Management Geographic Availability
Hotel Equities provided hotel management services in 33 US states plus DC. They also operate in a few markets in Canada.
Hotel Equities Hotel Management Customer Reviews
There are just a couple of online reviews of Hotel Equities by customers, while most reviews are provided by employees.
You can find Hotel Equities reviews on:
The reviews reveal security accidents, but they do not suffice to get a full picture of the quality of services offered by Hotel Equities.
Get Started With Hotel Equities Hotel Management
To get started with the best management company for excellent hospitality, hotel owners can visit the Hotel Equities website or call 678-578-4444.
HHM Hotels: Best Luxury Hotel Management Company
Hasu P. Shah founded Hersha Hospitality Management (HHM Hotels) in 1984, with headquarters in Harrisburg, PA. This hotel manager focuses on working with luxury and lifestyle hotels and resorts and providing premium services. Currently, HHM Hotels manages 240+ hotels and resorts.
HHM Hotels Hotel Management Costs and Fees
Like other best hotel management companies, HHM hotels does not describe its pricing model, making it necessary for hotel owners to inquire about it.
HHM Hotels Hotel Management Terms and Requirements
Interested property owners would need to ask to see a copy of the HHM Hotels management contract as it is not publicly shared.
HHM Hotels Hotel Management Services
As a leader in the luxury hotel management industry, HHM Hotels offers services that include:
- Property operations utilizing proprietary data and processes
- Sales and marketing services focusing on online visibility, conversions, and revenues
- Comprehensive finance and accounting via a proprietary technology
- Branding and creative services through its own Creative Studio
HHM Hotels Hotel Management Geographic Availability
The best hotel management company for luxury properties has coverage in about 30 US states as well as some locations in Canada.
HHM Hotels Hotel Management Customer Reviews
There are no online reviews of HHM Hotels by hotel owners.
Get Started With HHM Hotels Hotel Management
To get started with the best luxury hotel management company, hotel owners can visit the HHM Hotels website or call 215-238-1046.
Crestline Hotels & Resorts: Best Premium Hotel Management Company
Crestline Hotels & Resorts was founded in 2000, with headquarters in Fairfax, VA. The company manages premium hotels including both small independent chic hotels and high-profile branded resorts. As a result of the top-notch services that they provide, Crestline has been awarded numerous industry prizes.
Crestline Hotels & Resorts Hotel Management Costs and Fees
It is not clear how much Crestline charges to manage a hotel property, so owners need to contact a company representative to get a quote.
Crestline Hotels & Resorts Hotel Management Terms and Requirements
The best premium hotel management company in the US does not provide a copy of the management agreement. This means that investors need to ask for it when they first get in touch with Crestilne.
Crestline Hotels & Resorts Hotel Management Services
Crestline offers the following services to hotel owners:
- Day-to-day operations
- Performance and financial reporting including customized KPIs and month-end comparative reports
- Quality assurance brand inspections
- Custom-tailored sales and marketing solutions with focus on digital technologies
- Complete centralized revenue management
Crestline Hotels & Resorts Hotel Management Geographic Availability
Crestline manages premium hotels and resorts in 30 US states and DC.
Crestline Hotels & Resorts Hotel Management Customer Reviews
There are 20 online reviews of Crestline that show positive experiences.
You can find Crestline reviews on:
- Birdeye: Currently 4.3/5 stars based on 20 Google reviews
Happy customers highlight the excellent locations, the nice rooms, the positive environment, and the great hotel staff. Unhappy customers mention lack of complimentary coffee and breakfast and high prices.
Get Started With Crestline Hotels & Resorts Hotel Management
To get started with the best premium hotel management company, hotel owners can visit the Crestline Hotels & Resorts website or call 571-529-6100.
Casago: Best Management Company for Resort Communities
Steve Schab founded Casago in 1996, with headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ. In the hospitality industry, this company specializes in the management of resort communities. Currently, Casago is managing eight resort communities in multiple US locations.
Casago Hotel Management Costs and Fees
Our Casago review reveals that this hotel manager charges a universal fee of 18% of revenue in all markets and for all property types and sizes. This covers all ongoing hotel management services. There are no onboarding or cancellation fees.
Casago Hotel Management Terms and Requirements
Resort property owners need to sign a written management agreement in order to work with Casago. Under this contract, investors can opt out at any point, with a 30-day notice.
To qualify, hotels have to be provided with furniture, appliances, dinnerware, and cookware as Casago services do not include furnishing. The company provides linens, towels, a Wi-Fi router, and everyday items such as light bulbs and batteries.
Casago Hotel Management Services
As a full-service hotel manager for resort communities, Casago provides the following services:
- Short-term rental licenses and permits (if needed)
- Supplying linens and towels
- Providing a Wi-Fi router
- Listing creation, distribution, and marketing
- Professional renter screening
- 24/7 guest communication and support
- In-person check-ins and check-outs
- Concierge services
- Cleaning, restocking, and laundry between stays
- Housekeeping services
- Property maintenance
- Swimming pool maintenance
- Guest review management
- Tax collection and remittance
Casago Hotel Management Geographic Availability
Casago manages 8 resort communities at the moment as well as 3,000+ individual properties in 21 US states and DC. The company operates in Mexico as well.
Casago Hotel Management Customer Reviews
There are a few hundred online reviews of Casago, and they show generally positive experiences.
- Facebook: Currently 4.6/5 stars based on 297 reviews
- Birdeye: Currently 4.5/5 stars based on 221 reviews including 7 Google reviews
- Yelp: Currently 3.0/5 stars based on 40 reviews
- BBB.org: Currently 4.25/5 stars based on 16 reviews
- Google: Currently 1.0/5 stars based on 3 reviews
Happy customers highlight the useful recommendations in increasing revenue, the good management, the excellent properties, the quick responses, and the available customer services team. Unhappy owners and guests complain about last-minute cancellations, dirty properties, uncleaned linens, unexpected charges, and poor customer support.
Get Started With Casago Hotel Management
To get started with the best overall management company for resort communities, hotel owners can visit the Casago website or call 877-276-5745.
Takeaway
Investing in a hotel is a major decision, and how you plan to manage the property is a big part of it. Hiring one of the best hotel management companies is a good way to maximize performance while earning passive income. If you own a small boutique hotel, Awning is the best choice for your property type. If you buy a large property, you can consider Aimbridge Hospitality and Hotel Equities. For luxury hotels, you can contact HHM Hotels or Crestline Hotels & Resorts.
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