In February 2009, the Budget Motel Chain saw the launch of a new trading name, Arra Accommodation Group, that encompasses not only the Budget Motel Chain but also Paragon Motels and a new mid level brand called Orbit Inns.
While it remains intact and has grown to incorporate more than 220 properties, the Arra Accommodation Group now also caters for those wanting mid-range and up-market places to stay through the Budget, Paragon and Orbit brands.
The Budget Motel Chain – which is aimed at economy-conscious travellers and offers good, clean comfortable accommodation at below average rates – has been operating since 1978 and covers all Australian states and territories and both islands of New Zealand.
Paragon provides stylish, high-quality four star plus accommodation and is ideal for the corporate sector and discerning travellers whilst the Orbit Inns are 3.5 star properties with the guarantee of greater room space and a series of affordable luxuries.
"Our properties can satisfy everyone from the budget to the executive traveller, from those on business trips to families and seniors.
"No chain has a greater depth of accommodation choices at prices ranging from $80 to $180 dollars. We are extremely proud of our range of independently owned and operated motels."
Arra Accommodation Group – is setting a new standard in affordable accommodation. At a time when the discerning traveller demands good value and exceptional service, Arra provides a unique balance of attractive aesthetics and moderate pricing.
With over 220 motels in the Arra Accommodation Group, properties are found in the smallest country towns through to the largest cities and you would find you are close to an Arra Member property just about wherever you are in Australia and New Zealand.
A large percentage of member properties within Arra are owner operated smaller motels with average size of 19 units. These businesses are often family run, located in all regional areas of Australia and New Zealand. However, it is not to say large motels located in the capital cities and metropolitan areas do very well by being a member.
Some of the strategies and benefits member properties receive by being a member of the Arra Group include: rights to use our proven internationally recognised registered Budget, Orbit or Paragon trademark name and logo; listing in the Arra Accommodation Directory, that enjoys annual worldwide circulation in excess of 160,000 copies by member properties, tourist information centres and major airports etc.
The Arra Group is arguably the lowest cost referral chain in Australia and it is extremely difficult for an independent motelier to market their motel on a national and international scale equal to what can be offered as a member of the Arra Accommodation Group.
With the introduction of the Arra Accommodation Group and the importance the group places on technology it is currently reshaping its website strategy. At the forefront there is www.arrahotels.com website that will cater for all Arra brands.
Due to the popularity of its current websites (www.budgetmotelchain.com.au and www.paragonmotels.com) these sites will continue to form an important ingredient in the Arra marketing strategy. All websites contain detailed information on all member properties including telephone numbers of your property and website links to member home pages.
As well as selling rooms on the Arra websites, members can also utilise the Arra Group's channel manager. The channel manager allows member properties to currently list inventory on several other party website portals, including wotif.com, Booking.com, Agoda etc.
Budget Motel Chain – The Budget Motel Chain was established in 1978 and is a not for gain registered public company structured as a non profit co-operative run by members for the members. It all began after a visit to the USA by a group of Canberra businessman who identified the need to establish a motel chain with a similar in concept to Motel 6 in the USA, here in Australia. So, they built 'Motel 7' in the Canberra suburb of Narrabundah that then became the inaugural member of the unincorporated association known as the Budget Motel Referral Service Association. The basic philosophy of their motel chain was to offer clean, comfortable, affordable accommodation to the Australian market.
In 1991, New Zealand motels were invited to join the Budget Motel Chain and over the years since then, the membership in New Zealand has grown beyond 70 member properties.
In 1999, the Budget Motel Chain celebrated its 21st birthday and proudly boasted 21 years of servicing the travelling public with their motel accommodation needs and then in 2003, the Budget Motel Chain celebrated not only its 25th birthday but also its success as a major player in the accommodation industry; servicing the travelling public in the future with clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation.
During its 30 years, the Budget Motel Chain has earned credibility in the accommodation industry as being reputable, reliable and a financially sound motel referral chain.
Tony Sheer said, "Our research has shown the travelling public is more and more price conscious with their spending habits, which includes their choice of motel accommodation. In other words, they are after 'value for money'. We are delighted with the response it receives from the travelling public, especially the 'over 50's age group', who continually use our member properties. They are affectionately referred to as Budget Guests, who consistently and regularly support our member properties. Over the years we've grown with our customers needs and kept our key values, whether it be providing service with a smile or comfort at an affordable price."
Once a property has passed these criteria, it is then assessed through Budget's 'Comfort Control' requirements to ensure the property is value for money.
When assessing a new motel, the group does not use the AAA Tourism star rating system, although as a guide member motels are a minimum of 2½ star rating, with the majority either being three or 3½ star and several in fact being four star.
Many Budget motels have much more than the usual minimum requirements. Many features include swimming pools, barbeque areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, tour facilities, restaurants and bars, laundry facilities, and recreation rooms.
Tony Sheer said, "Our longstanding and continuing philosophy of providing the travelling public with good, clean, comfortable accommodation at an affordable tariff has been the hallmark of our success. We are keen to attract genuine business for our member properties by offering the travelling public with a simple value for money approach."
"Orbit Inns provide you with the space to relax". This slogan exemplifies the groups property type and customer; spacious luxury and value for money. Providing Foxtel or Austar pay television, a queen or king size bed in every room and extra special amenities such as spa baths and room service, Orbit Inns caters for the business or holiday client.
Like Budget, before becoming an Orbit Inn, properties have to pass a list of criteria to determine their market position and compatibility with the brand.
This criteria includes clientele are seeking a mid range style property that displays pleasant external and internal presentation; consumers willing to pay a reasonable yield rate but are still price sensitive; comfortable, well equipped, nicely furnished room not showing obvious signs of wear and tear; value for money is still able to be satisfied; good corporate appeal as well as responding to the more discerning guest; neatness, good order and commands a "yes, looks good" reaction; good standard of maintenance internal and external and fits well with the slogan " you will always come back".
Each member property of Orbit Inns must be a minimum of 3½ star rating as assigned by AAA Tourism or Qualmark (NZ) or equivalent assessment as determined by Arra.
Paragon Inns, Motels and Hotels – Launched in 2007 as the up-market alternative for accommodation needs throughout Australia and New Zealand, the philosophy of Paragon is quite simple, "A group of properties that deliver attractive presentation, excellent facilities, and where guests will say – this has appeal!"
The objective of the group is to provide a selected list of locations that deliver attractive presentation, excellent facilities and added benefits that will leave guests pleasantly surprised. At present there are several Paragon properties throughout Australia and New Zealand with all listed on the www.paragonmotels.com website
Like the other two brands, before becoming a Paragon branded property, properties have to pass a detailed list of criteria to determine their market position and compatibility with the brand.
This criteria includes presenting a stylish, up market, quality establishment; quality furnishings, fittings and property maintenance is of a very high standard; good range of services to satisfy corporate, special occasion guests and consumers seeking good quality accommodation and related services; facilitate online booking services; well presented staff and comfortable with the slogans "affordable luxury" and a "pattern of excellence".
Each member property of Paragon must be a minimum four star rating as assigned by AAA Tourism or Qualmark (NZ) or equivalent assessment as determined by Arra Accommodation Group.
For further information on becoming a member property of the Arra Accommodation Group contact David McCall (03) 9784 4111 or admin@arrahotels.com