As a hotel, how do you buy energy easily and how can you be sure of the lowest energy price? Two pertinent questions we put to Kristel Geubels, general manager at the beautiful Hotel Franq.
Hotel Franq opened its doors in 2017. This four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Antwerp combines the best of several worlds. Sleep in one of the 39 carefully decorated rooms in a historic building. Meeting becomes efficient in the state-of-the art meeting and conference infrastructure. Hotel Franq also boasts a super cozy bar and a well-equipped gym. And then there is Restaurant Franq, where, even as a non-hotel guest, you can enjoy chef Tim Meuleneire's culinary delights.
Energy is proving to be a hot topic in the hotel industry. Kristel: "We use quite a lot of gas and electricity in our hotel management. Just think about heating and air conditioning. In our hotel we find it important to keep all areas and rooms at the same temperature. We also have a restaurant that runs like a train since we earned our first star. The number of kilowatts we use at this site is considerable and takes a big bite out of the budget. Step one, of course, is being energy conscious. Step two is buying energy smartly."
Energy purchases, DIY or not?
As a hotel, do you do that yourself or not? Kristel: "I once listed what it would mean if we were to buy on the energy market ourselves. Then I have to have several conversations, analyze prices, negotiate, sign contracts. And it doesn't stop there. I also have to follow up on the figures, keep an eye on when the contracts expire, check again whether we still have the best conditions, etc. Are we then sure that we are paying the lowest energy price on the market? No! No Do It Yourself for us."
Hotel Franq recently joined the Relais & Chateaux quality label. Kristel: "we are now part of a family where high quality standards apply. Here at Hotel Franq we strive for exclusive service through a personal approach. That ranges from small attentions with the coffee to snacks presented on the old vault doors of our vaulted room (the building was a bank for a while). We provide an extra refreshment of the room when guests are at dinner and we provide artisanal pistolets that we serve at the table during breakfast. It's about making a difference to our leisure guests, going the extra mile for the business clients who come to meet or sleep. We recognize that philosophy strongly at Odot (O.) and we feel good about that. We both feel it is important to strive for long-term relationships in trust with our business partners and suppliers. I had questions about the first invoices, Tom Saeys immediately made time and came to go over the documents with me personally. Working with Odot (O.) means comfort for me, and one less worry."
Energy purchases in clusters
Hotel Franq used to rely on a general purchasing grouping for their energy purchases. Thanks to the specialized market knowledge and grouping at Odot (O.), they now enjoy better conditions than with their previous energy supplier. Kristel: "Because we switched relatively recently, Odot (O.) still buys our energy on the variable market. Odot (O.) waits until the right moment, when prices are lowest, to snap up our group. Tom made it clear with charts over 2018 how it works and the price benefits of snagging the gas and electricity price at the right time. He proactively keeps me informed. In summary, Odot (O.) does the work and we benefit from the results."
Want to take advantage of the results?
Also discover what Odot (O.) can do for your hotel or restaurant? We would be happy to come and explain.
Odot reduces your energy costs through a unique procurement model, supported by AI and innovative software. Our knowledge of the energy market, assures you the most advantageous rates, continuous price tracking and a contract that suits you.
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As a hotel, how do you buy energy easily and how can you be sure of the lowest energy price? Two pertinent questions we put to Kristel Geubels, general manager at the beautiful Hotel Franq.
Hotel Franq opened its doors in 2017. This four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Antwerp combines the best of several worlds. Sleep in one of the 39 carefully decorated rooms in a historic building. Meeting becomes efficient in the state-of-the art meeting and conference infrastructure. Hotel Franq also boasts a super cozy bar and a well-equipped gym. And then there is Restaurant Franq, where, even as a non-hotel guest, you can enjoy chef Tim Meuleneire's culinary delights.
Energy is proving to be a hot topic in the hotel industry. Kristel: "We use quite a lot of gas and electricity in our hotel management. Just think about heating and air conditioning. In our hotel we find it important to keep all areas and rooms at the same temperature. We also have a restaurant that runs like a train since we earned our first star. The number of kilowatts we use at this site is considerable and takes a big bite out of the budget. Step one, of course, is being energy conscious. Step two is buying energy smartly."
Energy purchases, DIY or not?
As a hotel, do you do that yourself or not? Kristel: "I once listed what it would mean if we were to buy on the energy market ourselves. Then I have to have several conversations, analyze prices, negotiate, sign contracts. And it doesn't stop there. I also have to follow up on the figures, keep an eye on when the contracts expire, check again whether we still have the best conditions, etc. Are we then sure that we are paying the lowest energy price on the market? No! No Do It Yourself for us."
Hotel Franq recently joined the Relais & Chateaux quality label. Kristel: "we are now part of a family where high quality standards apply. Here at Hotel Franq we strive for exclusive service through a personal approach. That ranges from small attentions with the coffee to snacks presented on the old vault doors of our vaulted room (the building was a bank for a while). We provide an extra refreshment of the room when guests are at dinner and we provide artisanal pistolets that we serve at the table during breakfast. It's about making a difference to our leisure guests, going the extra mile for the business clients who come to meet or sleep. We recognize that philosophy strongly at Odot (O.) and we feel good about that. We both feel it is important to strive for long-term relationships in trust with our business partners and suppliers. I had questions about the first invoices, Tom Saeys immediately made time and came to go over the documents with me personally. Working with Odot (O.) means comfort for me, and one less worry."
Energy purchases in clusters
Hotel Franq used to rely on a general purchasing grouping for their energy purchases. Thanks to the specialized market knowledge and grouping at Odot (O.), they now enjoy better conditions than with their previous energy supplier. Kristel: "Because we switched relatively recently, Odot (O.) still buys our energy on the variable market. Odot (O.) waits until the right moment, when prices are lowest, to snap up our group. Tom made it clear with charts over 2018 how it works and the price benefits of snagging the gas and electricity price at the right time. He proactively keeps me informed. In summary, Odot (O.) does the work and we benefit from the results."
Want to take advantage of the results?
Also discover what Odot (O.) can do for your hotel or restaurant? We would be happy to come and explain.