Small Lodging Operations in Costa Rica

Abstract

This study examined seven small, randomly selected lodging operations in San Jose, Costa Rica. Managers were interviewed, facilities were toured, and operations were observed using a structured outline. It appears that factors which relate to the success of small lodging operations in San Jose include location, facilities, price, low debt, solid management, market positioning, promotion, advertising, guest-room comfort, service, guest relations, cleanliness, quiet rooms, security, and ambience. Since most managers of small properties have direct control over their facility's key success factors (other than specific location), good management stands out as the most important factor. In this study, good management decisions allowed properties with less-than-prime locations to outperform properties with superior locations.