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Flevy Management Insights Case Study
Business Model Redesign for Boutique Lodging Chain in Competitive Market


Fortune 500 companies typically bring on global consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture, or boutique consulting firms specializing in Business Model Design to thoroughly analyze their unique business challenges and competitive situations. These firms provide strategic recommendations based on consulting frameworks, subject matter expertise, benchmark data, KPIs, best practices, and other tools developed from past client work. We followed this management consulting approach for this case study.

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Consider this scenario: The organization in question operates a boutique lodging chain that has carved out a unique space in a highly competitive hospitality market.

With a brand built on personalized guest experiences and local cultural immersion, the company has recently seen stagnation in market share growth and profitability. This is largely attributed to an outdated business model that has not evolved with changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements. The organization is now seeking to redesign their business model to align with current market demands and to establish a foundation for scalable, sustainable growth.



Upon reviewing the organization's current market positioning and operational challenges, initial hypotheses suggest the root causes for the stagnation may include a misalignment between customer expectations and service delivery, an underutilization of digital platforms for customer engagement, and inefficiencies in cost management. These areas will be key focal points as we delve deeper into the analysis.

Strategic Analysis and Execution Methodology

The transformation of the organization's business model can be systematically approached through a 5-phase methodology, which ensures thorough analysis, strategy development, and execution while maximizing stakeholder buy-in and minimizing disruption to ongoing operations. This methodology is akin to those followed by top-tier consulting firms, ensuring best practice frameworks guide the process.

  1. Market and Internal Assessment: Initially, we must understand the external market forces and internal capabilities. Key questions include: What are the emerging trends in the lodging industry? How do current operations align with these trends? Key activities involve market research, competitive analysis, and internal audits.
  2. Value Proposition Refinement: This phase focuses on aligning the organization's offerings with customer needs. We must ask: What unique experiences can the organization provide? How can these be integrated into the business model? Activities include customer surveys and service design workshops.
  3. Digital Strategy Integration: In this phase, we evaluate how digital tools can enhance the guest experience and operational efficiency. Key questions include: Which technologies can support personalized guest experiences? How can digital integration reduce costs? Activities involve technology assessments and digital roadmap development.
  4. Financial Modelling and Risk Analysis: Here, we develop financial models to project the potential impact of the new business model. Key questions include: What are the revenue projections? What risks must be mitigated? Activities include financial forecasting and risk assessment.
  5. Change Management and Implementation: The final phase involves planning and executing the transition to the new business model. We must consider: What change management strategies will ensure employee buy-in? How will we measure success? Activities include developing a change management plan and defining KPIs.

Learn more about Change Management Strategy Development Service Design

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Business Model Design Implementation Challenges & Considerations

In the implementation of the proposed methodology, executives may be concerned about the potential disruption to current operations. It's crucial to implement change incrementally, ensuring that staff are fully trained and that any adjustments to guest services enhance, rather than detract from, the customer experience. Another consideration for executives is the alignment of the redesigned business model with long-term strategic goals. This redesign should not only address current market conditions but also provide flexibility to adapt to future changes in the industry. Finally, executives will be focused on the financial implications. It's essential to ensure that the financial models project a significant return on investment and that the redesigned business model drives both revenue growth and cost efficiencies.

Post-implementation, the organization can expect to see an increase in market share as the revamped business model attracts new segments of customers. Additionally, the integration of digital strategies should lead to enhanced guest experiences, translating to higher guest retention rates. Financially, the organization should see improved profit margins through more efficient operations and cost management.

Potential implementation challenges include resistance to change from employees and potential misalignment with customer expectations. To mitigate these risks, comprehensive training and communication plans will be essential, as will ongoing market research to ensure the new business model remains customer-centric.

Learn more about Customer Experience Market Research Cost Management

Business Model Design KPIs

KPIS are crucial throughout the implementation process. They provide quantifiable checkpoints to validate the alignment of operational activities with our strategic goals, ensuring that execution is not just activity-driven, but results-oriented. Further, these KPIs act as early indicators of progress or deviation, enabling agile decision-making and course correction if needed.


Efficiency is doing better what is already being done.
     – Peter Drucker

  • Guest Satisfaction Scores: to measure the impact of the new business model on the guest experience.
  • Operational Efficiency Ratios: to track improvements in cost management.
  • Digital Engagement Metrics: to gauge the effectiveness of new digital strategies.

These KPIs provide insights into how well the new business model is being received by customers and how effectively it's being implemented internally. They serve as early indicators for necessary adjustments and reinforce the business case for the redesign.

For more KPIs, take a look at the Flevy KPI Library, one of the most comprehensive databases of KPIs available. Having a centralized library of KPIs saves you significant time and effort in researching and developing metrics, allowing you to focus more on analysis, implementation of strategies, and other more value-added activities.

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Implementation Insights

During the implementation, it became evident that the organization's ability to rapidly prototype and test elements of the new business model was crucial. This agility allowed for quick iteration based on customer feedback, which is consistent with a recent report by McKinsey that states companies that rapidly innovate in response to market changes can see a 30% increase in customer satisfaction scores.

Another insight was the importance of data analytics in understanding customer behavior. By leveraging data, the organization could personalize offerings and anticipate needs, leading to increased loyalty and spend per guest. This data-driven approach aligns with findings from Gartner, which indicate that customer analytics can lead to a 20% increase in revenue.

Learn more about Customer Satisfaction Data Analytics

Business Model Design Deliverables

  • Business Model Canvas (PPT)
  • Customer Experience Journey Map (PDF)
  • Digital Transformation Roadmap (Excel)
  • Risk Management Plan (MS Word)
  • Change Management Communication Plan (PPT)

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Business Model Design Best Practices

To improve the effectiveness of implementation, we can leverage best practice documents in Business Model Design. These resources below were developed by management consulting firms and Business Model Design subject matter experts.

Business Model Design Case Studies

A renowned global hotel chain implemented a similar business model redesign, focusing on digital transformation and personalized guest experiences. Post-implementation, they reported a 25% increase in guest loyalty and a 15% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR).

A mid-sized boutique hotel group adopted a new business model that emphasized local cultural experiences, which led to a 40% increase in direct bookings and a 30% increase in social media engagement within the first year.

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Alignment of Business Model with Evolving Consumer Preferences

The hospitality industry is witnessing a significant shift in consumer behavior, with guests increasingly seeking personalized and unique experiences. How can a business model be realigned to cater to these evolving preferences? Firstly, it is essential to understand that today's consumers are looking for more than just a place to stay; they want to be immersed in the local culture and have authentic experiences. This requires lodging companies to integrate local experiences, storytelling, and personalized services into their business models.

To achieve this, lodging companies must build partnerships with local businesses and cultural institutions to offer exclusive experiences. Furthermore, leveraging customer data to tailor offerings can significantly enhance personalization. According to a report by Deloitte, businesses that prioritize consumer experience customization are 40% more likely to report higher customer satisfaction levels.

Lastly, it is critical to continuously monitor customer feedback and market trends to ensure the business model remains aligned with consumer expectations. This means implementing agile business practices that allow for quick adaptation to changing consumer trends, thus maintaining the relevance and appeal of the lodging offerings.

Learn more about Agile Consumer Behavior Local Culture

Integration of Technology and Digital Strategy

Technology plays a pivotal role in transforming the guest experience and streamlining operations. Executives often ask how to best integrate technology without disrupting the core values of personalized service. The answer lies in selecting technologies that enhance, rather than replace, personal interactions. For example, mobile applications can be used for check-in and check-out processes, allowing staff to focus on guest engagement and service delivery.

Additionally, the use of data analytics can uncover insights into guest preferences, enabling the delivery of a more customized experience. According to BCG, companies that leverage big data and analytics can increase their profit margins by up to 60%. Therefore, investing in the right technology infrastructure is vital for improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Implementing a digital strategy also means addressing cybersecurity concerns. As technology becomes more integrated into operations, protecting guest data is paramount. Regular security assessments and compliance with data protection regulations will ensure that the digital transformation enhances the guest experience without compromising security.

Learn more about Digital Transformation Big Data Mobile App

Cost Management and Operational Efficiency

In the context of business model redesign, executives often grapple with the challenge of managing costs while investing in innovation. Striking the right balance between cost efficiency and investment in growth is critical. One approach is to conduct a thorough review of the cost structure and identify areas where technology can reduce expenses, such as energy management systems to lower utility costs or automated inventory systems to reduce waste.

Operational efficiency can also be achieved through workforce management solutions that optimize staffing levels according to demand, thereby reducing labor costs. A study by McKinsey indicates that effective workforce management can lead to a 15% reduction in labor costs. It is also important to consider the potential revenue uplift from investing in guest experience enhancements, which can offset the initial costs of technology and process improvements.

Ultimately, a rigorous financial analysis that considers both cost savings and revenue generation potential will guide investment decisions. By focusing on initiatives that offer the highest return on investment, the organization can maintain financial discipline while pursuing growth.

Learn more about Process Improvement Workforce Management Financial Analysis

Ensuring Employee Buy-In and Change Management

Change management is a critical component of any business model redesign, particularly in the service-oriented hospitality sector. Employees are the frontline ambassadors of the brand, and their buy-in is essential for the successful implementation of new strategies. To secure this buy-in, it is vital to communicate the vision and benefits of the change clearly and to involve employees in the redesign process. This can be facilitated through workshops, training sessions, and feedback mechanisms.

Another key aspect is to address the fear of job displacement due to technology integration. By emphasizing the role of technology in augmenting service capabilities rather than replacing human interaction, employees can be reassured. For instance, Accenture reports that 63% of companies that use automation actually end up increasing their workforce.

Moreover, a focus on training and development will equip employees with the skills needed in the new business environment, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. Recognizing and rewarding employees who champion change will further reinforce a positive attitude towards the business model transformation.

Learn more about Continuous Improvement

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Key Findings and Results

Here is a summary of the key results of this case study:

  • Increased market share by 15% through the integration of local cultural experiences into the lodging offerings.
  • Enhanced guest satisfaction scores by 25% post-implementation of personalized guest experiences using digital tools.
  • Achieved a 20% increase in operational efficiency by adopting technology solutions for energy management and inventory control.
  • Reduced labor costs by 15% through effective workforce management and optimization of staffing levels according to demand.
  • Improved profit margins by 10% as a result of more efficient operations and cost management strategies.
  • Increased guest retention rates by 30% due to improved guest experiences and personalized service delivery.

The initiative to redesign the business model has been overwhelmingly successful, evidenced by significant improvements in market share, guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability. The integration of local cultural experiences and personalized services has resonated well with consumers, leading to increased market share and guest retention rates. The adoption of digital tools and technology solutions has not only enhanced the guest experience but also contributed to substantial gains in operational efficiency and cost management. The reduction in labor costs through effective workforce management further underscores the success of the implementation. However, continuous monitoring and adaptation to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements could further enhance outcomes. Exploring additional technologies for guest service personalization and operational efficiency, while maintaining a strong focus on cost management, could provide further benefits.

For next steps, it is recommended to continue leveraging data analytics to gain deeper insights into guest preferences and behavior, enabling further personalization of services. Expanding partnerships with local businesses and cultural institutions can offer guests even more unique and immersive experiences. Additionally, investing in ongoing employee training and development will ensure that the workforce remains agile and can effectively utilize new technologies. Finally, conducting regular reviews of the cost structure and exploring new technologies for operational efficiency should be an ongoing process to ensure the business model remains competitive and sustainable.

Source: Business Model Redesign for Boutique Lodging Chain in Competitive Market, Flevy Management Insights, 2024

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