Screenshot taken from Suite3Sixty.com
Select an option below to continue reading this premium story.
Already a Honolulu Star-Advertiser subscriber? Log in now to continue reading.
A new Honolulu-based online travel seller, Suite3Sixty, aims to help hoteliers fill suites.
The brainchild of Douglas Hesley and Tena Parker, —suite3sixty.com is designed to help travelers realize savings while assisting hoteliers to net more revenue from higher-end inventory. Hesley, who spent nearly two decades in hospitality before becoming Hawaii president of Associa, said suite occupancy tends to run about half of overall hotel occupancy.
“One of the biggest industry challenges is selling high-end suite inventory,” Hesley said. “Nationwide hotel occupancy is about 70 percent, but suite occupancy is more like 35 percent. They may put heads on beds, but they aren’t getting the job done with current online travel agency sites.”
Starwood Waikiki is the first local hotel partner for the site, which held a soft opening in June and officially launches today. Instead of a paying a sliding commission, partner hotels will pay Suite3Sixty a flat fee.
“This is an opportunity to truly market our amazing suites to a new audience,” Kelly Sanders, area managing director for Starwood Waikiki, said in a statement. “The unique way in which the team has developed this unique product makes it a perfect opportunity for both companies.”
Hesley said travelers who sign up for free membership gain access to discounts and promotions. Advance payment is required but is refundable up to 30 days prior to check-in, less processing fees.
The company is selling suites in Hawaii, India and Texas. Hesley said the firm plans to add Miami, Los Angeles, San Diego and Las Vegas to its lineup next month.
