Matt Talks – Episode 2

Direct bookings

Not only is a website a chance for guests to learn about you, but it offers guests a way to book directly with you. How do you do build a site and how do you do it well? Matt has some tips – and some lessons he learned the hard way.

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2-intro
Direct bookings
Why do you need a hotel website?
2-part1
Direct bookings
Building a successful hotel website
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Direct bookings
Guide to website conversion strategies
Matt Talks - Episode 3

Kiosk

A kiosk can offer a simple low-cost solution to eliminate check-in queues, improve efficiency – even with reduced staff, and unlock extra revenue. But it takes a bit of know-how to drive adoption and get the most value from them. Matt offers some advice on the secrets to kiosk success.

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Intro (3)
Kiosk
What you need to know about kiosks

 
Part 1
Kiosk
Effortless upsells
Part 2
Kiosk
Is a kiosk right for you?
Part 3
Kiosk
What to look for in a kiosk
Part 4
Kiosk
Finding the right kiosk partner
Matt Talks - Episode 4

Payments

In this must-watch episode, Matt dives into how embedded payments is revolutionizing the payment experience. He also will have you rethinking the power of pre-authorizations, the value of direct bookings, and how you can reduce those annoying chargebacks.

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Matt-talks-payments_Intro
Payments
Why you may need to rethink your payment process
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Payments
Embedded versus integrated payments: the important differences
Matt-talks-payments_2
Payments
How to protect yourself against breaches and chargebacks
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Payments
Simple ways to boost cash flow
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Payments
Let's make payments a frictionless part of the guest experience
Matt talks - Episode 6

Booking engine conversion strategies

We could go on and on about the value of direct bookings and an intuitive booking engine, but what's even more valuable are tips from Matt that you can act on to make it easy for guests to book direct, boost your ancillary revenue, and get guests excited about their stay with you. 

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Intro
Booking engine success
The hidden value of booking engines 

If you're wondering why you should put effort into your booking engine, you won't want to miss this.
Part 1
Booking engine success
Tips for booking engine success

Simple steps you can take immediately to improve the direct booking experience for your guests and encourage them to book with you – not OTAs.
Part 2
Booking engine success
Inspiring examples of great booking engines

See some best practices in action and walk away with ideas that you can use to improve your booking engine strategy and boost conversion.
Part 3
Booking engine success
Booking engines aren't just for rooms

Your booking engine is a natural way to grow your ancillary revenue. Matt offers some best practices and even advice on how AI can help. 
Part 4
Booking engine success
Booking solutions for groups 

It's time for technology to simplify group bookings. Take a look at some booking engine features that could be game-changers for group blocks.
Part 5
Booking engine success
Wrap up

A booking engine is more than just a way to capture reservations. It's a way to boost business and give guests a remarkable experience from the start. Matt explains. 
Matt Talks - Episode 7

Door locks in hospitality

In this episode, we’ve invited our in-house expert on door locks – one of the most challenging aspects of hotel operations. The hardware is often outdated, and, after investing in it, it can stay in place for 10 to 20 years, hindering innovation. We dive into this topic to explore not only the challenges but also how to upgrade your tech or hardware stack to enhance the guest experience in the future. 

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Matt Talks - Episode 8

Data-driven insights for hotel operations 

Matt’s passion for data is a constant at Mews, and today, we’re excited to share it with a broader audience. Data is a powerful tool—not only for advancing our business but for driving yours forward as well. Matt explores how hotels can leverage data, from existing insights to innovative ideas for the future. He also highlights key examples and tech partners that can empower hoteliers to make smarter decisions, streamline operations, and boost revenue. 

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Matt Talks - Episode 9

Driving efficiency in hospitality

We recently commissioned analyst group IDC to research and write a paper on the business value of Mews and Mews Payments, including the impact of our platform on efficiency and revenue. In this episode, Matt shares the findings and dives into how automation can affect daily tasks and business operations.

Download the Full Report

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Matt Talks - Episode 10

Boosting guest loyalty

Guest loyalty is more than just points and rewards; it's about creating remarkable experiences that foster emotional connections with guests, leading to genuine loyalty and network effects. It also happens to be one of Matt's favorite topics, and he offers some key takeaways that any property - including independent hotels - can implement. 

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Matt Talks - Episode 11

Phishing and security

Let’s get serious. We all know security is important. So why do so many hoteliers still not prioritize training staff on the importance of taking steps to prevent becoming victims of phishing attacks? In this episode, Matt talks about the increasing security risks facing all hoteliers – large and small – and offers advice from our in-house security experts.

11 - Matt Talks
Matt talks - Episode 12

Big bets for 2025

It’s time to reflect on industry trends and plan budgets for the year ahead. This session of Matt Talks will spotlight four key global trends set to shape the hospitality sector: AI adoption, shifting staff productivity, reduced reliance on OTAs, and a move into unexpected property types. We hope this information will equip you with the information you need to plan for a successful and prosperous 2025. 

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Intro
Big bets for 2025
Hospitality big bets for 2025

A new year. A new chance to take a look at new trends and new opportunities to transform the hospitality industry. What are we predicting? Take a listen.
Part 1
Big bets for 2025
AI will help solve age-old problems 

No 2025 trend report would be complete without AI. Take a listen to where experts say it will make the greatest impact and what it means for revenue and guests. 
Part 2
Big bets for 2025
Staff productivity will rise 

After years of staffing challenges, it looks like productivity may be making a turn for the better. Find out what could be responsible for the improvement.
Part 3
Big bets for 2025
Hotels will move away from OTA reliance 

New players are getting into the booking game and helping boost direct bookings and attract more guests. Matt explains the new trend and wht it means for you.
Part 4
Big bets for 2025
Hotels will diversify their portfolios in alternative ways

In recent years we've seen travel and travelers change and new hotel segments pop up. As we move ahead, hotels are taking a new look at what it takes to attract different 
Part 5
Big bets in 2025
Key takeaways for hospitality in 2025

Are you ready to take advantage of these trends and truly thrive in 2025? Here are a few questions you'll want to ask yourself.
Part 6
Big bets 2025
Big bets 2025 - Outlook report 

Get the inside track on the year ahead with this guide packed with insights, predictions, and learnings from industry leaders and our experts.

Read the report
Matt talks - Episode 13

User disengagement  

It may not be the sexiest term, but User Disengagement could be the difference between delivering personalized and exceptional guest experiences and guest journeys that are full of friction and frustration. In this episode, Matt goes deep on how a cloud platform delivers a more considered interface for staff, why attaching a reservation to a room is an outdated way of thinking, and why you can't afford to ignore friction in the guest journey. By the end of this episode, you’ll also see what we’ve done to help disengage staff from technology and how it’s enhancing the overall experience for guests.  

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Intro
User disengagement
Introduction

What is user disengagement, listen into this 5 part series. Starting off with Matt explaining to us what it is via a Tik Tok comparison.
Part 1
User disengagement
Pros and cons of the cloud

We talk a lot about the benefits of the cloud for connectivity and access, but have you ever thought about what it means for the design of the user interface? 
Part 2
User disengagement
Guest centric thinking

One of the exciting differences of Mews is the way we approach the guest experience. Matt explains how and why Mews is designed with the guest profile at the center – not the room inventory.  
Part 3
User disengagement
What does great user experience look like?

Is the guest experience at your property as efficient and personal as it could be? Watch as Matt takes less than 10 minutes to highlight the difference between a standard guest experience and a remarkable one.    

User disengagement
Removing friction from the hotelier process

At just about every stage of the guest journey, technology can remove friction and improve the guest experience. From booking to housekeeping, discover how Mews helps provide a better guest experience.  
Part 5
User disengagement
The best hotels rethink their experiences

Innovative hotels are embracing tech and using it to stand out and reimagine an exciting future for hospitality. What are you doing – or, better yet, what could technology help you do? Ready to get inspired? 

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