A few things you probably don't know about the lodging industry.
We are always so grateful when our guests choose to book their stay at the Big Sky Motel. It keeps the legacy of a family strong.
I remember the days as a kid playing Innkeeper with my cousins in the living room at the Big Sky Motel. If it were up to them, we most certainly would have played something else.
I would grab all the unused keys from the office, take the old triplicate credit card copier *chunk chunk* and make pretend reservations.
I remember the days when I would watch my grandma donna build a thriving business with a spiral notebook, an incredible work ethic, and a ridiculous eye for detail.
I remember listening to her welcome guest after guest as if they were her friends - many of them were.
I remember the surprise of callers when she would tell them the rate was $45 for one person and $55 for two people.
My nostalgia for those days as a toe-headed grandkid is so damn strong. Unfortunately, the lodging and travel industry has changed so massively since then. I care about your journey to Roundup, and around the world and there are a few things I want to make sure our guests understand to make their travels to better.
Hilton vs. the Big Sky Motel
We believe the stories of independent roadside motels tell the story of our towns, states, and country.
Even more, these big brands would make it all but impossible to help our community when we experience disasters like the fires in the Bull Mountains.
It is also incredible that Roundup has three independent properties to welcome you. That is rare.
Today, 72% of properties in the United States belong to a big brand. They may not be named "Hilton" or "Marriott", but odds are the properties you stay in are a piece of that mega corporation story. The Big Sky Motel has never and will never be a part of that story. Sure, it would mean we could take discounts on products, and market to a larger audience. However, we would lose track of our own story - a story that many of you helped build.
The decision to remain independent is not one taken lightly, but we make the decision with pride every single day.
Are the points worth it?
Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, and similar sites are another piece of this puzzle. They offer massive marketing boosts to small properties like ours. At a cost. Did you know that everytime you book with one of those sites, nearly 20% of your transaction goes to them (not the small town motel you are booking with). This system is a predatory trap that keeps your money from getting to the property so that you can earn loyalty points, that you will spend the next time you book on their site, ensuring another 20% is held from the property.
For fifty years, the Big Sky Motel has existed without the help of these sites (with the exception of a few experiments during COVID), but it isn't always easy. Google searches love those sites and almost always prioritize their links over our own links where your direct booking means 100% of the transaction makes it's way to the team that will take care of you during your stay.
What are we doing?
First, we are, and always will be an independent family owned motel. We make every decision for our guests, for our team, for our family, and for our community. We know their needs better than any corporate brand and we act on it.
Second, we are making it as easy as possible for you to book directly with our team. You can always call and chat with a member of the Big Sky Motel family about your reservation at 406.323.2303. Chances are, that same person will be there to check you in. We have also built a mobile-friendly website that allows you to book directly with us online and avoid paying 20% to the giants of the industry.
Finally, we are telling our story. We are building a brand of our own and strengthening our reputation every single day. For decades, people have built memories when they stay at the Big Sky Motel. I know in my heart that these brick buildings standing tall on Main Street have something special in them and my team and I will do everything in our power to celebrate that something special - from check in to check out.
What Can you Do?
The lodging industry has changed faster in the last five years than it ever has and we are committed to standing proud through these changes as a family owned, independent roadside motel.
Our ask of you is simple. When traveling to Roundup (or anywhere around the world), book directly with an independent property. Keep these icons of our nation alive.
The next time you travel to Roundup, we would love to welcome you to our story. There are also two other great independent properties in town that appreciate direct bookings:
The Autumn's Inn: (406) 323-1000
Ideal Motel & RV Park: (406) 323-3371
We look forward to welcoming you to the family on your next trip through Eastern Montana.