Why Being Independent Is Your Superpower

After spending two days recently at the Independent Hotel Show and having so many inspiring conversations with wonderful hoteliers, one thing became very clear to me … independents are truly owning their power!

Historically, the big brands may have seemed to be at an advantage with global systems and deep pockets … but independents have their own superpowers - agility, authenticity, and control.

The freedom to act fast, make smart commercial decisions, and shape your own guest experience is what truly sets you apart - and that spirit of agility is something we celebrate every day at Right Revenue.

So let's fly the flag and celebrate why now is the time to embrace your independence …because you have so much at your disposal.

You can move quickly

This is huge - and should never be underestimated.

Big brands are often constrained by the layers that come with larger organisations, meaning jumping on opportunities or reacting to demand changes can take time. An independent, on the other hand, can spot an opportunity at the morning meeting and have a new rate plan live before lunch. When demand shifts, you can flex rates, test ideas, tweak your offering, and see what works.

The ability to act in the moment, guided by real-time, on-the-ground insight rather than head-office approval, is one of the biggest advantages you have as an independent.

You can act with confidence

Here’s a mindset we as an industry need to change – independent doesn’t mean smaller, and it certainly doesn’t mean lesser.

Guests don’t choose you because you’re competing with someone else – they choose you because you offer something personal: a sense of place, personality, a warm “we’re so pleased to welcome you again” experience. Your rate strategy and commercial decisions should tell your story, reflect your value, and give you the confidence to adapt when opportunities arise.

Clever revenue management isn’t about following others – it’s about trusting your data, your instinct, and your ability to make the right call, fast.

You can build real revenue culture

This is one of the things that really excites me about independents and where they can truly shine.

For some brands, revenue management is a separate department, sometimes not even on site. But with independent hotels, revenue management can be part of everything. The whole hotel – from the front desk to the GM to your events manager – all have a feel for demand, and they all have ideas that can help shape your strategy.

That’s what we mean by revenue culture – it’s not acronyms, jargon, or endless reports. It’s about making data meaningful, actionable, and easy to understand for everyone in your hotel. It’s about creating a culture where everyone feels they can contribute to commercial decisions and celebrate the wins.

And we know that when everyone can see that data clearly, in real time, those quick decisions suddenly get a lot easier.

Independence has always been your strength – it’s what allows you to move quickly, stay true to your values, and deliver hospitality with genuine heart, leading with connection, courage, and creativity.

And that’s what I love most about working with independent hotels -  the courage and ability to trust your instincts, move quickly and do things your own way.

At Right Revenue, we hold those same values close. We know that being agile, curious, and authentic is what really drives success. And every day, we work with independent hoteliers proving that when you trust your instinct, use data to guide you, and stay true to what makes you unique, great things happen!