Five strategical points that will lead to success: location, product, management, marketing and financial structure.

There are over 450 hotels in San Diego County, representing over 57,000 rooms and suites. Chains and institutions own most of the larger hotels, but small business operators own many. It takes an entrepreneurial spirit as well as a willingness to take financial risk to be successful in this game. After all, hotel performance has ups and downs. The capital markets virtually walk away from the hotel market when times are tough…and tough is an understatement today.

This year, at each lodging conference, analysts talk about the commoditization of the industry due to the transparency of rapidly declining rates, difficulty in obtaining any kind of financing and the inability to determine where the bottom of this cycle is. Generally, the conversations have turned rather pessimistic for the short term. Hence, is it a good time to get in the game? My typically contrarian answer is yes. San Diego’s lodging industry is resilient and growing, and with the proper ingredients, success is very possible.

Today, the supporting team is more important than ever before. The pace of change in technology alone keeps most entrepreneurs close to a technology advisor. Further, investors, partners and lenders are often required and these individuals can make or break a business plan. The quality of and relationship with key employees and team members is paramount to the success of a hotel. One entrepreneur cannot optimize revenues and expenses, go out and make sales calls and handle the financial end of the business.

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Families, especially families with more than two children, need not surrender their Summer (or any season for that matter) vacation to the current effects of the recession.  Deals, diversion, and destinations are calling families of all sizes to San Diego.

Why San Diego?  “America’s Finest City” has often been voted the number one destination in the world for it’s attractions, arts, beaches, climate, gaming (including the Del Mar Racetrack), sports, restaurants, retail shops, wineries and more.  San Diego offers a phenomenal year-round experience.  San Diegans’ fun, friendly, yet laid back attitudes welcome visitors.  The Hilton Garden Inn and The Homewood Suites, San Diego/ Del Mar, especially aim to provide families with a fantastic and valuable visit to San Diego.

The Homewood Suites by Hilton, Del Mar wants to be your, “home away from home.” To that end, families and guests will receive an all inclusive stay in a suite that includes a kitchen and two TVs in the suite, free breakfast, free internet, and free dinner Monday through Thursday.  The Hilton Garden Inn, San Diego/ Del Mar is founded upon the five pillars of deep sleep, eat well, stay fit, work smart, and treat yourself.
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First, Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) was ranked number one again by J.D. Powers (2009) for midscale full-service hotels.

Second, San Diego has often been voted the number one destination in the world and here is why: attractions, arts, beaches, climate, gaming including the Del Mar Racetrack, sports, restaurants, retail shops, wineries and more. San Diego is built for a phenomenal year around experience.

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