The new year is a good time to reflect, reset, and make resolutions. In 2026, with so much uncertainty in the economy and traveler behavior, it’s also the perfect time to say goodbye to outdated pricing habits. Especially those that are quietly chipping away at your bottom line.
NB: This is an article from RoomPriceGenie, one of our Expert Partners
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We work with thousands of independent hotel owners, general managers, and revenue managers around the world, and these are five habits many are planning to leave behind for good.
1. Tunnel-Vision: Focusing Only on Pricing
The problem: Setting the right price is important, but smart hotel revenue management is about more than pricing. It’s also about managing availability. If you’re only adjusting rates, you’re probably missing out on additional revenue opportunities.
Example: Your hotel is typically sold out on Saturdays, so you always hike up rates. But you often fill up with one-night stays on Saturday and end up with lots of empty rooms on Fridays and Sundays. That makes achieving your budget a little challenging.
The better habit: Balance dynamic pricing with smart availability controls. When demand is high, implement a minimum length-of-stay restriction instead of charging the highest rates. Sweeten the deal with small discounts for extended stays. This will help you capture longer stays, boost occupancy on shoulder nights, and earn more revenue.
Learn more: Hotel Pricing Strategies Guide
2. Procrastination: Adjusting Rates Too Late
The problem: In a busy hotel, pricing can easily slip off your radar. But when you wait too long to respond to shifts in demand, you miss your window to optimize revenue.
Example: A major event is announced in your city. Competitors quickly raise their rates, but you’re focused on operations and don’t catch the demand spike until it’s too late. Your rooms are already booked, but at prices far below market value.
The better habit: Stay ahead of the curve by re-forecasting weekly, keeping a close eye on booking pace, and acting quickly to adjust rates. Better yet, let a revenue management solution automate it all for you, even while you’re off the clock.
