Exclusive Interview with RoomRaccoon CEO: Tymen Van Dyl

Welcome to this exclusive interview with Tymen van Dyl , the CEO and Founder of RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech . RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech is an all-in-one hotel management system that has revolutionized the way independent hotels operate. In this interview, Tymen van Dyl shares insights into the inspiration behind RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech , the challenges faced along the way, and the key features and benefits that set RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech apart from other hotel management software. We also discuss the company's commitment to security and privacy, success stories of hotels implementing RoomRaccoon, and their vision for the future, including recent acquisitions and potential expansions into new markets.

1. Can you give us a brief overview of RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech and what sets it apart from other hotel management software??

RoomRaccoon is an all-in-one Hotel Management System trusted by thousands of independent properties across the globe.?

When we started on this journey with RoomRaccoon, we saw that existing hotel technology, although helpful in managing booking channels and room pricing, wasn't accessible for many independent hotels. It was often complicated, expensive, and the adoption rate was disappointingly low. We understood that smaller establishments needed a solution that was not only efficient but also within their reach.

What truly sets us apart is our commitment to addressing the pain points of independent hoteliers. We've created a comprehensive, cloud-based platform that simplifies operations and elevates the guest experience. Unlike other systems, we're not content with just meeting industry standards – we constantly challenge ourselves to uncover new ways our system can add value to various aspects of hotel processes.

From housekeeping and room pricing to distribution and the overall guest journey, RoomRaccoon is a one-stop solution. We're proud to be the only system in the world that seamlessly combines distribution, booking channels, housekeeping management, payments, and dynamic room pricing, all on autopilot. By automating these essential tasks, we enable hoteliers to focus on what matters most – their guests – without being bogged down by repetitive administrative duties.

Our goal is to make hotels 'smarter' in their systems, ultimately fostering success for our clients. We believe that by giving hoteliers more time and freedom, they can create truly memorable experiences for their guests.

2. What inspired you to start RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech ? What problem were you looking to solve in the hotel industry?

RoomRaccoon is the brainchild of my partner Nadja Buckenberger and me. Our journey into the world of hotel technology began when Nadja took over the Bliss Boutique Hotel in Breda. It was during this time that we recognised a significant gap in the industry – a noticeable lack of technology adoption and innovation, particularly among independent hotels. Feeling firsthand the challenges that hoteliers faced with existing systems, we were inspired to create a solution that would revolutionise how independent hotels operate. Our vision was clear: we wanted to empower hoteliers globally with smart technology that not only simplified their day-to-day tasks but also propelled them toward greater success.

?3. How has RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech evolved since its inception? What challenges did you face along the way and how did you overcome them??

Every year at RoomRaccoon has been a chapter of growth, and personally, I've learned more in each of those years than in my entire career.

Our vision was audacious – to create a native all-in-one platform that combined everything an independent hotel might need to succeed and thrive. This meant blending functions that were traditionally sourced from various independent software vendors. At first, the idea seemed almost totally unrealistic.?

We also took on the challenge of entering ten new markets in just two years. Many people thought we were crazy, but for Nadja and me, there was this undeniable sense of momentum—a shared belief that we could truly revolutionise the world of hotel tech.

We became determined to make it happen. With each release, our dream materialised, and today, RoomRaccoon brings game-changing value to small and mid-sized hotels around the world.?

4. What are the key features and benefits of RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech for hoteliers?

From a single platform, RoomRaccoon provides all the tools you need to manage every aspect of your property, including a robust property management system, a built-in booking engine, a payment platform and one of the world’s fastest channel managers.

What makes RoomRaccoon stand out in the crowded tech space is our range of built-in revenue-generating features that work to increase your RevPAR at every customer touchpoint. With tools like automated upselling and yield management seamlessly integrated, hoteliers gain more control over their property's revenue without the burden of added complexity. It's about doing less while achieving more.

?5. How does RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech integrate with other hotel systems or booking platforms??

RoomRaccoon believes in giving hoteliers the flexibility to craft their ideal hotel management system. In our extensive marketplace, hotels have the power to create a customised solution that suits their unique needs, seamlessly integrating with their preferred tools and applications.

It's not a one-size-fits-all solution; it's about putting the control in the hands of hoteliers to create a truly tailored hotel management system.

6. How do you ensure the security and privacy of customer data within the RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech platform?

Leveraging my two-decade career of hosting applications on servers, safeguarding RoomRaccoon's data is a responsibility I take very seriously. We've meticulously crafted a security infrastructure that ensures our users' data is safe and sound.

RoomRaccoon operates on a unique infrastructure that we fully own and manage. Our setup revolves around firewalled and load-balanced servers strategically located in different countries. This not only ensures redundancy and reliability but also allows us to comply with the strictest privacy regulations.?

Looking forward, we are taking another significant step towards enhancing the security of our platform. We are in the process of launching 2-factor authentication for all our clients. This additional layer of security aligns with the highest industry standards, providing an extra shield to keep our clients' data secure.

?7. Can you share any success stories or case studies of hotels that have seen significant improvements after implementing RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech ??

Witnessing the success of our clients is the most fulfilling aspect of what we do at RoomRaccoon. One standout example is Steenhof Suites in the Netherlands, where the impact of RoomRaccoon has been quite remarkable.

Steenhof Suites harnessed the power of our RaccoonUpsell, our automated upsell module. The results were nothing short of astounding, with an incredible 1836% return on investment on their RaccoonUpsell subscription. This isn't just a number; it's a testament to how our platform can unlock substantial ancillary revenue streams for our clients.

The automated upsell module not only proved financially rewarding but also enriched the guest experience. It offered Steenhof Suites the opportunity to provide guests with enhanced choices and flexibility when selecting add-ons for their stay. It's these moments of success that drive us to continually innovate and push the boundaries of what RoomRaccoon can achieve for our valued clients.

8. How do you keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the hotel industry and incorporate them into RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech ?

Beyond the daily collaboration with thousands of hoteliers, which provides invaluable insights into their needs and challenges, we have a culture of continuous innovation that drives us to lead, not follow. We challenge ourselves to be pioneers. In fact, RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech proudly stands as the world's first and, still, the only Hotel Management System (HMS) with Dynamic Pricing, fully integrated guest upselling and a range of other cutting-edge features – a testament to our commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

?9. What is your vision for the future of RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech ? Are there any upcoming features or developments that you can share with us??

Two words: upwards and onwards.?

As part of an exciting ongoing project, our product team is overhauling RoomRaccoon’s user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about elevating the experience to make RoomRaccoon the world's best all-in-one hotel management system. But that's not all. We are meticulously rearchitecting the underlying codebase to ensure that the backbone of RoomRaccoon is as robust as it can be. It's about creating a foundation that supports innovation, efficiency, and the evolving needs of our users.

And there's more on the horizon. We're introducing functionalities like child policy for enhanced booking management, moving towards an accrual-based accounting methodology, and exploring features like mid-stay moves – just to give you a glimpse.

The future of RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech is not just about features; it's about continuous evolution, improvement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

10. RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech recently acquired iHotelligence Ltd. . Can you tell us more about this acquisition and how it will benefit RoomRaccoon and its customers?

The acquisition of iHotelligence Ltd. marks a significant milestone for us at RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech , and I'm genuinely excited about the possibilities it brings. Beyond a strategic move, this acquisition shows our commitment to enhancing the hospitality landscape in Ireland and beyond.

This move will not only increase our customer base in Ireland but will also position us as market leaders in Hotel Management Software in the region. iHotelligence brings with it a community of independent hoteliers in Ireland, and our vision is to elevate their experience through a singular cloud-based platform.

For iHotelligence hoteliers, the benefits are substantial. The transition to RoomRaccoon means access to a comprehensive suite of new functionalities. From dynamic pricing tools to automated upsell and beyond, our goal is to empower them with tools that enhance operational efficiency, boost revenue, and ultimately create unforgettable guest experiences.

What sets this transition apart is our dedicated team in Ireland and the UK. They are committed to ensuring that the integration process is as seamless as possible.?

11. What plans or strategies does RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech have for expanding into the #latinamerican market?

Currently, our primary focus lies on the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and North American markets. While we do not have immediate plans or strategies for expansion into the Latin American market at this time, we continuously assess opportunities and market dynamics to ensure RoomRaccoon's growth aligns with the evolving needs of the hospitality industry

Tymen van Dyl vision and dedication to addressing the needs of independent hoteliers have propelled RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech to become a leader in the hotel management software industry. By providing a comprehensive, cloud-based platform that simplifies operations and enhances the guest experience, RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech has transformed the way hotels manage their daily tasks and revenue generation. With a commitment to continuous innovation and staying ahead of the curve, RoomRaccoon is poised for future growth and success. As they expand their reach and acquire new companies like iHotelligence, RoomRaccoon's customer base continues to benefit from an ever-evolving suite of functionalities and a dedicated team focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences. With a strong foundation and a relentless pursuit of excellence, RoomRaccoon Hotel Tech is shaping the future of #hotelmanagement and setting new standards in the industry.

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