Back in 2004, when NightsBridge was just finding its feet in the hospitality tech world, Marius took a chance on the fledgling platform for his guesthouse, Le Chateau. Little did he know, this decision would mark the beginning of a two-decade partnership that would shape both businesses.
“We were using a paper diary when we started,” owner Marius Marais chuckles, remembering the early days. “Double bookings were a nightmare. We knew we needed to change, but we didn’t want anything too complicated.”
Le Chateau, located about 11 kilometres from the airport, is more than just a guesthouse. It’s a versatile hospitality hub that has evolved to meet the diverse needs of its guests. The property features 14 guest rooms, a dedicated conference room that can seat 30 people, a formal dining room for small functions of up to 40 people, and a function hall that can host weddings and larger events for up to 150 guests.
Making the most of the area.
“Our main target market is business people,” Marius explains. “We’re surrounded by big industrial areas. We get a lot of corporate clients who need accommodation for training sessions or meetings.”
While business travellers form the bulk of their clientele, Le Chateau also caters to a niche market of international tourists. “We work with three tour agencies,” Marius notes. “They use us for passengers who land late and need a safe place to stay before starting their South African tour the next day.”
This diverse client base keeps Le Chateau busy throughout the week. “Conference people arrive at 8 AM, have their meetings and lunch, and leave by 5 PM. Then our overnight guests check in from 5 PM onwards. It’s a constant flow,” Marius describes.
Why NightsBridge is the perfect fit.
As one of NightsBridge’s first clients, Le Chateau became something of a testing ground for the young company. The platform’s simplicity was a perfect fit for Marius and his mother, who was helping run the guesthouse at the time.
“My mother used a computer like a typewriter,” Marius explains. “NightsBridge was straightforward enough for her to handle. That was crucial for us.”
Over the years, as Le Chateau grew from a simple guesthouse to a multi-faceted hospitality business, NightsBridge evolved alongside it.
“Every year, there were new features, new options,” Marius recalls. “It felt like NightsBridge was growing right alongside us.”
This growth allowed Marius to expand his business beyond Le Chateau. Recently, he acquired a nearby property which currently serves as overflow accommodation but is set to become its own entity soon.
“Meerust is about 200 meters from Le Chateau. It’s a 1973 Cape Dutch style building with four rooms. My family and I live upstairs. We’re still going through the municipal process, so for now, it’s just overflow from Le Chateau.”
Today, NightsBridge is integral to Le Chateau’s operations. It handles online bookings and payments, and allows Marius to manage reservations on-the-go from his phone.
“I can be at the airport picking up a guest, and still handle bookings if someone calls. The caller never knows I’m not at the desk. That flexibility is priceless,” Marius explains.
As one of NightsBridge’s oldest clients, Marius has seen the company grow from a small start-up to a major player in hospitality tech. “I’m quite proud to be associated with NightsBridge,” he says. “We’ve come a long way together.”
Challenges:
- Transitioning from a paper-based system.
- Managing a diverse business (accommodation, conferences, events).
- Balancing technology adoption with existing processes.
Solutions:
- Implementing NightsBridge for streamlined bookings and management.
- Using the NightsBridge from mobile for on-the-go management.
- Attending training sessions to maximise system usage.
Key takeaways:
- Choose a system that can grow with your business.
- Prioritise ease of use and flexibility in your management tools.
- Continuously adapt to changing market needs and technologies.
- Balance automation with personalised service to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Don’t be afraid to expand when opportunities arise, but do so strategically.