Q&A: Courtyard By Marriott Hotel

Summer is the most popular vacation time of the year. However, with the recession still going strong, many people are opting for "staycations" to save money. Sachem Patch recently spoke with Frank D'Andrea, the director of Sales and Marketing for the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at the MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, for a discussion on the hotel industry in the current economy.

Sachem Patch: Have you seen an increase or decrease in bookings from last year?

Frank D'Andrea: The room demand is basically the same.

SP: Do you think people will travel more this year or stick with the staycations?

FD: The staycations are still going to be more popular.

SP: What have you done to try to increase bookings?

FD: Before the recession we relied more on our product. Just the name "Marriott" was enough to get bookings, especially from regular customers. Now we are trying to get business with other things.

SP: What other things are you trying?

FD: We have put together a couple of packages to describe what is in our neighborhood. We are offering packages that include tickets to Splish Splash or the Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead, the local wineries or the local beaches. For instance, if customers decide to take the Atlantis package, they get a complimentary breakfast here at the hotel, then complimentary tickets to Atlantis where they also receive a complimentary lunch. They also get an increase in Marriott rewards points.

SP: Who takes theses packages as staycations?

FD: Local people who just want to get out of their homes, people from New York City or the snow birds returning from Florida who are here visiting family in the area.

SP: Are customers expecting packages or other deals when they make their reservations?

FD: No question about it, they are expecting it. Now they are driven to the Internet for the best price point and value for their money, especially the middle aged crowd. Younger people are used to working the net for their deals but not the middle aged crowd. It used to be brand loyalty that brought them in but now we can't rely on that. We have to offer the most for the best price. We put the packages in place late last fall in anticipation of this.

SP: Is this recession the worst you have seen in your hotel career?

FD: I have been in this business for 30 years and this industry hasn't been through this in decades. The late 1980's to early 1990's were pretty bad but it was different then because we didn't have the level of unemployment we have now.

SP: Now that the unemployment benefits have been extended, do you think that will help, especially since there is still over a month of summer left to take advantage of?

FD: We're anticipating this as good news. People may feel more secure that they now have money coming in.

SP: When do you think the recession will turn around?

FD: I think at the beginning of next year, especially January through March, we are going to have another round of foreclosures since the unemployment extension will run out for a lot of people with continued job loss. But I think by the end of next year it will be better.