He switched from buying traditional cut flowers to a new vendor that sells orchids and other blooms with their roots on and wrapped in gel packs. The new bouquets cost more, but last a month instead of a week. The upshot: quality centerpieces that save his Fort Lauderdale hotel about $6,000 yearly.
"You have to dissect everything you can dissect" to improve operations and cash-flow amid today's downturn, said Frommer, general manager of the Pelican Grand Beach Resort.
Throughout South Florida, hoteliers are becoming creative to weather the recession. Some are developing niche features to lure specific market groups.
At the remodeled Wyndham Garden Hotel in Boca Raton, managers just launched an all-women's floor geared to female business travelers. Each room features a basket with magazines, movies and beauty products, including nail polish remover and other liquids that can only be carried on planes in tiny bottles, said Judith Coppola, director of marketing and business development.
The hotel also is adding a separate kosher kitchen at its events center at a cost of $1.5 million. The aim is to attract more banquets and catering for Jewish groups, including out-of-towners who could stay at the Glades Road property, Coppola said. Many strive to economize — while maintaining quality.