How President Hotel reduced cancellations and boosted direct bookings with BeSafe Rate
TL;DR: Discover how President Hotel in Athens increased direct bookings by 30% and reduced cancellations by 10% by switching to BeSafe Rate. In this success story, you’ll learn why a leading 513-room property chose to move away from flexible-only pricing and how travel insurance became a key lever in their revenue strategy.
A strategic shift in the post-pandemic landscape
Located in the heart of Athens and offering 513 rooms, President Hotel is one of the largest and most recognizable hotels in the Greek capital. For decades, it has catered to both business travelers and leisure guests, combining large-scale hospitality with refined service.
Like many hotels around the world, the pandemic disrupted long-standing models and exposed the fragility of revenue streams based purely on flexible bookings. The team at President Hotel quickly understood that guest expectations had changed.
“After the COVID-19 period, we saw a clear shift in traveler behavior—guests were more cautious and concerned about the risks involved in booking trips.”
In this new environment, the hotel needed more than just a rate plan — it needed a strategy to restore confidence, secure early revenue, and minimize last-minute disruptions. That’s where BeSafe Rate came into play.
“It was a strategic move to rebuild guest confidence and secure revenue stability in a post-pandemic travel landscape.”
From flexible to protected: a smarter rate strategy
Before using BeSafe Rate, President Hotel had opted for a fully flexible pricing approach. This allowed them to stay competitive and attract hesitant guests during uncertain times — but it came at a cost.
“I only had flexible rates, this allowed me to receive bookings, but with a higher cancellation rate.”
The hotel was facing the classic trade-off: more bookings, but less reliability. To address this, they chose to phase out non-refundable rates and introduce a more balanced option: a prepaid, insured rate that protects both sides.
“I replaced my Non-Refundable with BeSafe Rate and since then I experience an increase in prepaid bookings, but more importantly I no longer receive complaints or chargebacks.”
This change not only secured payments in advance but also provided reassurance to guests — a rare win-win in a highly competitive environment.
Tangible results, measurable impact
The adoption of BeSafe Rate at President Hotel was not just a change in pricing — it became a pillar of their revenue strategy. The impact was visible on multiple fronts:
- A higher share of direct bookings, now making up 30% of their total
- A 10% reduction in cancellations, particularly helpful during peak seasons and high-demand periods
“We’ve implemented BeSafe Rate at our property and have seen clear benefits, especially in securing prepaid bookings while offering added value to our guests.”
By offering insurance within the rate itself, the hotel was able to create a strong differentiator against online travel agencies — one that resonated with guest concerns and expectations.
“The included travel insurance gives guests peace of mind, which has helped boost direct bookings and reduce last-minute cancellations and no-shows.”
A solution worth recommending
“It’s a smart solution for hotels looking to improve cash flow and enhance their guest offering without increasing operational workload. Highly recommended for properties that prioritize early revenue and guest reassurance.”
In one sentence?
“BeSafe Rate has had a very positive impact.”
About President Hotel
“The hotel was designed by Ioannis Vikelas in 1974 and opened its doors 4 years later. The space has been fully renovated since, but one thing remains unaltered: our dedication to offering unforgettable stays for almost half a century now.”
President Hotel is much more than just a place to stay. It’s a business hub, an event venue, and a lifestyle destination. With panoramic views from the Penthouse 21 Rooftop Pool Bar, contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, and high-end event spaces, it blends tradition with modern sophistication — welcoming every guest with a signature Athenian warmth.
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