VIDEO: Hotels and doing the simple things first with tech

Hotels face battles on multiple fronts - but it's not just the obvious competitive elements that give them the biggest challenges.

Private accommodation has obviously ignited many a discussion in the hotel sector as to what constitutes a "stay" and how far chains in particular should diversify to meet the demand for rental-type traveler.

Competition also comes in the form of intermediaries - large and small - and the strategies they use to distribute rooms to consumers.

And let's not forget that hotels are their often own worst enemies, as they have to decide what technology and shiny new toys they should deploy to delight, engage and create loyalty with guests.

Carolina Saas de Haro and Bill Carroll, both analysts at Phocuswright, talk with Jeff Higley, editorial director at HotelNewsNow, during The Phocuswright Conference 2018 in Los Angeles.

The emphasis on the importance of data during the discussion is particularly poignant given the hacking disclosure just a week later by Marriott.