Does the Hotel Sales Department or Online Sales Department Work on Weekends?

Managing hotel operations, especially during weekends, can be a complex task that requires strategic planning and efficient management. One of the key questions hotels and travelers often ask is whether the hotel sales department or the online sales department works on weekends. The answer can vary widely depending on the size of the hotel, the type of property, and the hotel's culture and operations.

Larger Hotels and Chains vs. Smaller Hotels

Generally, larger hotels and hotel chains tend to have staff available on weekends to handle inquiries, bookings, and events. This is because these properties often cater to a broader range of guests and deal with more significant bookings, such as corporate events, conventions, and other large-scale gatherings. Smaller hotels, on the other hand, may have limited staffing on weekends, relying more on automated systems and a smaller team to manage their operations.

24/7 Operation of Online Sales Departments

Online sales departments often operate 24/7, especially if they manage online booking systems. This is particularly true for properties that prioritize digital bookings and guest convenience. In fact, many online booking platforms and systems are designed to run round-the-clock, ensuring that guests can make reservations at any time, including weekends and holidays.

A Specific Example: The Westin Bayshore

During my time at the Westin Bayshore, the Catering and Sales departments were always staffed on weekends. This aggressive staffing approach paid off, as they managed to secure numerous significant bookings. The Westin Bayshore's sales and catering crew were highly proactive and responsive, which contributed to their success. This case study highlights the importance of having dedicated staffing for weekends in high-traffic hotels.

Role of the Sales Department

The sales department typically deals with corporate businesses, large bookings, conventions, and other significant events. These bookings often require more extensive negotiation, planning, and coordination than individual bookings. For smaller hotels or those with more limited resources, individual bookings are often handled by central reservations offices and in-house reservations teams. This division of labor ensures that each type of guest booking receives the attention it needs, but it can also lead to disparities in staffing levels on weekends.

Flexibility in Workforce

The nature of hotel operations means that both the sales and online sales departments can work on weekends, depending on the type of property and the company's culture. For properties catering to a high volume of weekend events, such as wedding venues, catering companies, and conference centers, sales coverage on Saturdays and potentially other weekends is common. These events often require immediate attention and planning, hence the need for dedicated staff.

Conclusion

Ensuring optimal weekend operations is vital for maintaining high levels of guest satisfaction and maximizing revenue. Understanding the role and staffing requirements of the sales and online sales departments can help hotels make informed decisions about their weekend operations. Whether it's the dedicated staff at the Westin Bayshore or the 24/7 online booking systems, the key is to have a flexible and responsive approach to meet the needs of both corporate and individual guests.