There is no doubt that staycations are growing in popularity. Mark Lee, GM of Media One Hotel, reveals how they are serving as a strategic tool for boosting hotel occupancy and F&B revenues.
What have been some of the key highlights of your career?
Becoming general manager of a restaurant in Barcelona when I was just 25 years old was a significant achievement. Winning the Team of the Year Award twice was a proud moment for Media One Hotel. Specifically, these wins occurred in 2013 and 2017, showcasing the consistent excellence of our entire team’s performance. Watching my team members advance to bigger and better roles has been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience. In particular, seeing Lukas Tremmel, Luke James, Felix Hartmann, Lokesh Swami and Lynne McGarvey succeed brings immense pride.
How do you define a staycation and why do you think the concept has become so popular in recent years?
I think a staycation means different things to different people, depending on their personal preferences and expectations. While staycations have existed for years, they gained significant popularity post-pandemic due to travel restrictions and the desire for local escapes. For me, an ideal staycation would involve a special hotel stay, typically lasting one to three nights, paired with memorable dining experiences. The balance between exploring the local area, perhaps with some wandering, and relaxing by the pool or beach creates the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
What is the importance of staycations for hotels?
Unless you’re a beach resort, staycations are excellent for filling rooms during slower weekends and boosting overall F&B revenues. They offer an opportunity to attract local guests looking for a quick getaway, and by providing appealing dining options, hotels can enhance their food and beverage income. Staycations have become a strategic tool for hotels to maintain occupancy and revenue, especially during off-peak times.
What trends or changes in guest expectations have you noticed?
Guests always seek a good weekend deal, often with some F&B included, to enhance their staycation experience. I also believe that explorers look for engaging activities as part of their stay, which could range from a traditional desert hike at sunrise or sunset to more modern offerings like cooking classes, cocktail making or wine tasting. Stretching the staycation with complimentary early check-ins and late check-outs can also extend the experience to a full 36 hours, adding value to the stay.
What are your plans for the property?
We are finalizing the budgeting process for a complete refurbishment of all 264 rooms, and we aim to begin this project during Ramadan next year. The new room designs are fantastic, and we are excited to start the renovations. The refurbishment will also include enhancing the arrival experience, upgrading the guest elevators and revamping the Coco Lounge by the pool, in addition to all hotel rooms.
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