Independent doesn't mean fragile: the Saybrook Point case

The 'sea of sameness' is one of the big problems surrounding the hotel industry. Forget star ratings: too many properties feel like clones. But what happens when an independent resort decides to swim against the tide? The case of Saybrook Point Resort & Marina is proof of how independence can be a competitive weapon, not a limitation.

The industry keeps telling us independents are at a disadvantage against chains due to lower negotiating power and limited access to technology. But this property demonstrates that being small also comes with clear advantages: more agility, better capacity to personalize the guest experience, and a genuine connection with clients that no points program can replicate.

Here's where I see the real opportunity for other independents. Today's technology allows you to compete on equal footing when it comes to distribution and visibility, but only with a clear strategy. The real differentiator isn't having a big brand behind you, it's knowing how to leverage your own and deliver something your competitors can't easily copy, no matter their budget: an authentic, flexible experience. It's not about fighting chains, it's about playing on a field where they can't follow you.