Operation: Break Even

Abstract

The last five years have produced a revolution in the traveling habits of the public that has created a crisis.... in some cases disaster.... to the thousands of small city and town hotels throughout the country. Lavish new motels, faster transportation, and in many cases lack of urban renewal (especially in parking) have all been con tributing factors of which we are well aware.

Equally responsible, however, are the hotel owners and managers who have not "kept up with the times." Maintenance of physical property has, in many cases, been sadly neglected. And sound business judgment in the cutting of costs, rear rangement of services, and proper promotion and pricing have been definitely lacking.

No doubt exists in our minds that we must exer cise extreme daily vigilance in operating the Mark Twain Hotel just to maintain "Operation: Break Even."

In the coming years many small hotels will close their doors forever.... the result of lack of astute management and, of course, the ever-changing habits of the traveling public. Certainly it is our feeling that few if any hotels in smaller com munities will ever again be profitable from the standpoint of standard business investment. Yet, as an important adjunct to community living, these hotels should be maintained if they can meet the minimum standards of economic feasibility.