Hotels and Guesthouses

At Smart Welcomes, hotels are at the heart of what we do. Over the past five years we have built a strong reputation for managing and operating guest houses, pop-up hotels, and full-service hotel operations in Plymouth and the South West. Our track record includes properties such as The Imperial, Ocean Stays, Gulland House, and Astor House, each of which demonstrates our ability to combine modern hospitality standards with local character and attentive service.

 

 

Experience That Delivers Results

 

 

Operating a hotel is very different from running a holiday let or short-term rental. It requires an understanding of staffing, housekeeping, reservations, pricing, and guest relations that goes far beyond simply offering a place to stay. Smart Welcomes brings this knowledge from years of hands-on experience.

 

• At The Imperial, a 22-bed guest house in the heart of Plymouth, we are refining every detail of the guest journey – from smart technology to housekeeping routines and breakfast services. Our systems ensure smooth operations while still creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat stays.

• With Ocean Stays, a 16-room self-check-in hotel just a few minutes from the world famous Plymouth Hoe, we are taking an existing business and revitalising it by linking it with our central operations and reputation from The Imperial. Guests instantly recognise the same standard of cleanliness, reliability, and comfort that runs across all of our hotels.

• At Gulland House, we successfully operate a hotel operation within an old student accommodation building. This required flexibility and innovation – creating a hotel-style environment in a non-traditional setting. Our ability to market, price, and fill rooms quickly operating the site remotely via self check in and automated locks, demonstrated that we can adapt to different types of buildings while still delivering profitability for owners.

• Astor House gave us another opportunity to showcase our skills, where we utilise a vibrant modern student block in the summer months, after the university students finish their courses and return home, and turn it into a pop-up hotel for the summer months .Through careful positioning and targeted marketing, we transformed occupancy levels and built a steady flow of direct and repeat bookings.

 

 

 

What Sets Smart Welcomes Apart

 

 

Many companies can let out a property, but few can run a hotel operation to the standard we provide. Our difference comes from three areas:

 

1. Professional Systems – We use advanced reservation platforms, dynamic pricing tools, and automated check-in systems to maximise occupancy and revenue while making the guest experience smooth and reliable.

2. Local Expertise – Our team knows Plymouth inside out. We understand the seasonality of the market, the demand drivers (from contractors at Devonport Dockyard to leisure guests visiting the Barbican), and the importance of pricing competitively against national hotel chains.

3. Hands-On Service – While technology drives efficiency, our people make the difference. From housekeeping and laundry through to guest relations and maintenance, everything is managed in-house. That means owners and guests can rely on consistent quality without gaps or excuses.

 

 

 

Creating Hotels That Work for Guests and Owners

 

 

Our hotel operations are designed to serve both sides of the hospitality equation.

 

• For Guests: We provide reliable, comfortable, and affordable accommodation that meets the needs of business travellers, contractors, families, and tourists. With 24/7 booking availability online, self-check-in for convenience, and high standards of cleanliness, guests know they can trust a Smart Welcomes property.

• For Owners: We maximise the revenue potential of each building. Our expertise in pricing strategy, marketing, and cost control ensures strong returns, while our in-house housekeeping and linen services keep expenses predictable. Owners have the confidence that their property is being professionally managed and maintained, with their brand reputation protected.

 

 

 

The Role of Pop-Up Hotels

 

 

One area where Smart Welcomes has become particularly strong is in the management of pop-up hotels. By taking student accommodation blocks or seasonal buildings and repurposing them for short-term stays, we have unlocked new revenue streams for property owners.

 

Our pop-up model is simple:

 

• We identify properties that would otherwise stand empty during off-season periods.

• We equip and staff them to run as fully functional hotels for contractors, NHS staff, or short-stay guests.

• We handle marketing, reservations, housekeeping, and operations end-to-end.

 

 

The result is additional income for owners and more flexible accommodation options for the local market.

 

 

A Proven Team

 

 

Behind Smart Welcomes is a team of professionals who have worked across every area of hospitality. From our guest services staff to our operations managers, each person understands the detail needed to make a hotel run efficiently. We bring together skills in housekeeping, maintenance, front-of-house, laundry, and revenue management under one roof – an approach that most small hotel owners or guest house operators struggle to replicate on their own.

 

 

Consistent Standards Across All Hotels

 

 

A guest staying at The Imperial should receive the same high level of service as one staying at Ocean Stays or Astor House. Consistency is central to the Smart Welcomes philosophy. We have developed standard operating procedures that cover:

 

• Housekeeping schedules and quality checks.

• Linen and laundry management (through our own commercial laundry).

• Guest communications and automated messaging.

• Maintenance reporting and resolution.

• Revenue management and dynamic pricing.

 

 

These systems mean that whether a guest books via Booking.com, Airbnb, or directly through our website, they experience the same seamless service.

 

 

Our Commitment to Growth

 

 

Looking ahead, Smart Welcomes is committed to expanding our hotel operations further. With the hospitality sector facing challenges from rising costs, changing regulations, and evolving guest expectations, professional management is more important than ever.

 

We believe that smaller hotels and guest houses can thrive if they have the right support. By combining our operational expertise with a strong local brand, we can ensure that independent hotels compete successfully against national chains.

 

 

Why Choose Smart Welcomes to Operate Your Hotel?

 

 

If you are a property owner or investor with a hotel, guest house, or potential accommodation building, Smart Welcomes offers a proven track record in making such ventures profitable and sustainable. We bring:

 

• Five years of practical experience across multiple hotel types.

• A full in-house team covering every operational need.

• Established marketing channels reaching over 30,000 guests each year.

• Strong links with corporate clients, contractors, and local employers.

• A brand that is trusted by both leisure and business guests.

 

 

In short, we know how to turn buildings into successful hotel operations.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

Smart Welcomes has grown from a serviced apartment operator into one of Plymouth’s most experienced independent hotel managers. With a portfolio that includes The Imperial, Ocean Stays, Gulland House, and Astor House, we have demonstrated again and again that we can take on diverse properties and deliver consistent results.

 

Whether you are a guest looking for a clean, reliable place to stay, or a property owner considering how best to operate your hotel, Smart Welcomes is ready to help. With our blend of professional systems, local expertise, and hands-on service, we are setting a new standard for independent hotel management in the South West.