Seamlessly combining old-world charm with the best of today's technologies and amenities, The Sofia Hotel is a boutique lodging property in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.

“Our philosophy has always been to leverage the best technology to optimize guest experiences,” says John Maclean, assistant general manager of the property, which chose the IQware Global Property Management System as its primary technology system.

“The Sofia Hotel is a unique, independent brand that ownership created to blend traditional hospitality values with the latest technological advantages,” Maclean says. “We leverage the Internet to directly market to our customers and use IQware's high-touch/high-tech customer relationship management tools to stay in touch.”

The Sofia Hotel uses IQware for property management, online reservations and back-office operations, among other functions.

“As an integrated solution for GDS, WEBRES and Expedia Quick Connect, IQware improves our inbound marketing and allows guests to book directly into our PMS without having to interact with our associates,” says Maclean.

Automated room booking functionality also lets the hotel control inventory and rates in real time across different distribution channels, resulting in significantly improved revenue per room. IQware's outbound CRM solution allows The Sofia Hotel to communicate with guests automatically and keep close tabs on amenity preferences, reservation statuses and other information critical to guest satisfaction.

“With IQware, we can cost effectively launch personalized e-mail marketing campaigns in just a few clicks and track our results with real-time reporting,” Maclean notes.

The Sofia offers a wide range of technology-related amenities, including T1-speed Internet, a complimentary 24-hour business center and global videoconferencing.

IQware's regular software upgrades are a part of all that.

“Even though it's packed with modules and features, IQware is extremely easy to use. We have no problem training our people,” says Maclean. “Just as important, IQware keeps getting more user- and guest-friendly.”