We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Levente Csillag, General Manager of Panoráma Boutique Hotel, located near Sepsiszentgyörgy. Levente brings extensive experience in hotel management to the table, and during our chat, he shared insights into the challenges he and his team faced before adopting SabeeApp, why they ultimately decided to make the switch, and the significant improvements they've seen in their day-to-day operations. It was a conversation full of valuable insights that we’re excited to share.
Challenges before SabeeApp
Levente’s career in hospitality spans many years, so he’s no stranger to the hurdles that come with managing a hotel. In our chat, he shared that the lack of a property management software (PMS) had caused quite a few headaches for his team before they brought in SabeeApp. Specifically, he pointed out three recurring issues that were especially troublesome due to the absence of automated solutions like a Channel Manager, PMS, and dynamic pricing tools. These challenges didn’t just slow things down; they also impacted the guest experience in ways they couldn’t ignore.
- Overbooking and manual errors
One of the most stressful problems Levente faced was overbooking. "In the early days of my career, overbooking was a constant headache," Levente confessed. Without a Channel Manager, the hotel staff had to manually update room availability across various online travel agencies (OTAs). While this may sound manageable on paper, it often led to errors—sometimes big ones. “It was a painstaking process,” Levente explained, “and it inevitably led to double bookings, which meant scrambling to find alternative accommodations for guests.” This situation was not only time-consuming, but it also created unnecessary stress for both staff and guests. For Levente, it was clear: this was a problem that needed to be solved.
- Room allocation issues
Another major challenge was ensuring that returning guests’ specific room preferences were met. “We had guests who stayed with us regularly, and many of them had particular rooms they liked,” Levente shared. But without an efficient system in place to track these preferences, it was often difficult for the staff to fulfill these requests. This led to some unhappy guests and, in turn, potential lost business. Levente knew that if they didn’t find a way to better manage guest preferences, they might lose repeat customers—something every hotel manager wants to avoid.
- Manual pricing and administrative burden
Another significant challenge was the seasonal demand and fluctuating occupancy rates that often required frequent price adjustments to remain competitive in the market. This process, while essential, had to be done manually, which was both time-consuming and prone to human error. Even small mistakes could have significant consequences, such as inconsistent pricing or missed revenue opportunities. On top of this, the lack of a modern PMS meant that other critical administrative tasks (like generating reports, tracking performance metrics, and managing day-to-day operations) were far more labor-intensive than necessary.
For the hotel staff, this created an environment where stress levels were constantly high, leaving little time or energy to focus on what mattered most: providing exceptional guest experiences. "It felt like we were always playing catch-up," Levente shared, highlighting the need for a more efficient, reliable solution to support their growing business.
SabeeApp: The Secret to Panoráma Boutique Hotel’s Success
Drawing on his years of experience, Levente knew that reliable and efficient hotel software would be a game - changer for operations. So, when Panoráma Boutique Hotel opened its doors in 2018, they selected SabeeApp as their PMS from the start. The decision wasn’t made lightly. “We trusted the recommendation of Gyula Mayer, the owner of Hotel Mayer*** Superior,” Levente shared. “It’s turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve made.”
Introducing Panoráma Boutique Hotel
Before diving into the benefits of SabeeApp, it’s worth exploring what makes Panorama Boutique Hotel such a special destination. Nestled in a forested hillside 8 km from Sepsiszentgyörgy, Panoráma Boutique Hotel offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. Guests enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding valley and forest, with access to a private promenade leading to a local energy source.
The hotel features:
- 19 uniquely styled rooms and suites designed for families, couples, and solo travelers.
- Two restaurants: a breakfast lounge and an à la carte dining option.
- A cozy SPA with Finnish and salt saunas, a cold water tub, and a large jacuzzi.
With this perfect blend of tranquility, comfort, and luxury, Panoráma Boutique Hotel is a true haven for nature lovers and discerning travelers alike.
How SabeeApp transformed Panorama Hotel's operations
With more than 6 years of past experience using SabeeApp, he knew exactly how the system could elevate daily operations, and the results have been impressive.
- Automatic room allocation with Channel Manager
Overbookings are now a thing of the past. With SabeeApp’s Channel Manager, availability is automatically synced across all OTAs in real time, ensuring that there are no manual errors or conflicting bookings. This automation has been a game-changer for the team. “We don’t have to worry about finding alternative solutions for guests anymore,” Levente explained. “Everything runs smoothly, and we can focus on delivering a great experience instead of troubleshooting overbookings.”
- Simplified reservation management
SabeeApp’s intuitive calendar view allows the team to easily manage reservations, whether they come from OTAs, direct bookings, or even walk-ins. Staff can effortlessly assign rooms, check availability weeks in advance, and handle manual bookings with confidence. The simplified process has not only reduced errors but also saved time, enabling the team to operate more efficiently.
- Dynamic pricing strategy
Dynamic pricing has been a game-changer for maximising profitability. SabeeApp automatically adjusts room rates based on occupancy levels, ensuring the hotel captures optimal revenue during peak seasons. “During high-demand periods, our prices can increase by up to 30%, and it’s all handled seamlessly by the system,” Levente shared. “It’s a smart solution that saves us hours of work and ensures we stay competitive without constant oversight.”
- Reduced administration time
Thanks to SabeeApp’s solutions, Panorama Boutique Hotel has almost completely eliminated the occurrence of errors made by the staff. There are no overbookings, no need to manage alternative accommodations in case of overbooking, and no mistakes in room allocation because of the 24/7 data synchronisation.
Furthermore, administrative tasks - including check-ins - are now 50% faster thanks to the ARH-based document scanner. This efficient system allows staff to focus more on guest experience and less on paperwork.
- Reliable reporting
It’s essential for Panorama Boutique Hotel’s management to see monthly and annual reports with reliable information and statistics. It has completely become effortless with SabeeApp as the system generates reports, which can then be easily downloaded. This ensures management has access to accurate, actionable statistics without manual input.
- Guest-centric operations
By reducing the time spent on administrative tasks, Levente and his team can now dedicate more energy to their guests. Following the 80/20 Pareto principle, the staff spends 80% of their time focusing on guest interactions and only 20% on back-office duties. “SabeeApp allows us to do what we love; create a welcoming, personalised experience for our guests,” Levente shared with a smile.
In a nutshell
Levente sums it up best: "SabeeApp is a reliable, easy-to-use solution that significantly simplified our booking management processes and increased transparency. The versatility of its features and stable customer service have made our hotel more efficient and competitive."
At SabeeApp, we’re thrilled to see how our software has helped Panoráma Boutique Hotel streamline their operations. Their story is a testament to how technology can transform hotel operations, enabling teams to focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Thank you, Levente, for sharing your story and offering a glimpse into the success of this remarkable property. If you’re a hospitality professional looking to elevate your operations, we’d love to show you how SabeeApp can make a difference.
Ready to transform your hotel operations? Book a free demo today!