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3 Smart Service Programs Every Hotel Operator Should Implement to Reduce Spending

Key Takeaways for Operators

Strategic service sourcing can generate significant savings while reducing operational risk. Avendra International's competitively sourced service programs typically deliver 10–20% cost savings through negotiated pricing, standardized contracts, performance guarantees, indemnity protections, and clearly defined service-level expectations.
Landscaping, energy management, and elevator maintenance are high-impact categories for hotel cost optimization. Bundled landscaping services offer year-round cost control and property improvement credits, managed-risk energy procurement can reduce energy costs by 20% or more, and structured elevator maintenance programs can deliver 15–20% savings while improving safety and reliability.
Strong supplier partnerships help hotels improve guest experience, operational stability, and budget predictability. Through Avendra's sourcing network and supplier relationships, operators gain access to scalable service solutions, enhanced accountability, emergency response support, performance monitoring, and long-term asset protection.

With margins under pressure, the fastest, lowest‑risk savings come from smarter service procurement. When competitively sourced and tightly contracted, services deliver significant financial impact, stronger reliability, and reduced liability. Through Avendra International’s $20.5B collective purchasing power, operators gain competitive pricing, favorable terms, and standardized agreements with leading national and regional providers that are scalable for properties of any size.

Consistent Savings. Reduced Risk.

Avendra’s service programs typically deliver 10–20% savings, supported by contractual safeguards such as guaranteed response times, clearly defined scopes, indemnity and insurance requirements, and performance accountability.

“Our contracts reduce spending and improve building reliability while protecting the guest experience,” says William Key, Director, Strategic Sourcing & Category Strategy Leader, Aramark + Avendra International.

We’re highlighting three service programs that can help operators save money while elevating the guest experience.

1. Landscaping That Works Smarter Year-Round

Curb appeal sets expectations before a guest ever walks through the door, influencing perception, brand confidence, and long-term asset value.

“Landscaping is one of those services where guests may not notice perfection, but they absolutely notice inconsistency. Our goal is to help operators deliver a consistently high guest experience while controlling long‑term costs,” says Key.

Bundling exterior services simplifies management and locks in value, especially when programs are established ahead of peak season.

Program benefits include:

Bundled grounds maintenance, design, irrigation, tree care, snow removal
12‑month price holds to protect against seasonal volatility
3.5% annual property credits reinvested into landscaping materials and grounds improvements

Supplier Solution: Davey Tree Expert Company

With rising water costs, labor shortages, and aging infrastructure, operators need smarter tools to protect landscapes and control costs. Davey Tree Expert Company helps organizations reduce water loss, stabilize operating expenses, and build healthier, more resilient landscapes through the strategic implementation of smart irrigation platforms.

2. Energy Management That Reduces Volatility and Risk

Energy remains one of the most unpredictable and difficult costs to forecast. Traditional procurement approaches often expose operators to unnecessary market price swings.

Avendra’s managed-risk energy strategy—powered by Zenith Energy, a Priority Power Company—uses aggregation and active market management to reduce exposure and improve cost predictability.

“Clients typically realize 20%+ savings, with some seeing 25–30% reductions through a structured energy strategy,” says Key.

The process begins with a utility data review, followed by a customized analysis identifying savings opportunities, budget risks, and recommended procurement strategies, all at no cost to the customer. Avendra remains actively involved to ensure alignment across finance, facilities, and supply chain teams.

Program benefits include:

Energy purchasing contracts crafted by industry legal experts
Customized solutions for single properties and portfolios
Unified energy strategy across stakeholders
Web-based dashboards for usage, cost visibility, and risk analytics
Industry-specific legal, engineering, and procurement expertise

On-Site Solar Solutions to Support ESG Goals

Avendra and Zenith also provide on‑site solar assessments and consulting, helping operators evaluate feasibility, system design, and financing options so they can invest confidently in renewable energy solutions. These solar services support long‑term energy stability while helping properties meet their ESG commitments.

Supplier Solution: Zenith Energy, a Priority Power Company

Managing more than $1B in energy spend, Zenith partners with hospitality brands to simplify procurement, stabilize costs, and mitigate market risk across multi‑site portfolios—keeping properties powered, efficient, and guest‑ready while advancing sustainability goals.

3. Elevator & Escalator Maintenance That Protects People and Budgets

High‑risk, high‑liability assets demand disciplined contracts. Elevators and escalators are mission‑critical touchpoints—when they work flawlessly, guests feel safe, confident, and cared for.

“Few services impact guest safety and confidence as directly as elevator maintenance. Strong contracts and accountability help ensure reliability without exposing operators to unnecessary risk,” says Key.

Avendra’s turnkey program manages surveys, data, pricing, negotiations, and oversight—delivering 15–20% savings and reducing exposure with built‑in indemnity and liability protections.

Program highlights:

24/7 emergency response for passenger and equipment issues with dedicated Avendra support
All‑inclusive maintenance scopes, which cover maintenance and repair services, component replacements, and inspection and testing.
Predictable pricing, volume‑based advantages, and smooth conversion from existing contracts

Supplier Solutions: Avendra has partnered with the four leading elevator service providers—KONE, Otis, Schindler and TKE—ensuring competitive options and reliable coverage in this critical category.

Make Every Dollar Go Further

Strategic service sourcing is more than cost control; it’s asset protection, risk mitigation, and operational stability.

“The best service programs protect the guest experience quietly—through reliability, accountability, and predictable costs. That’s where smart sourcing delivers its greatest value,” says Key.

With Avendra’s programs, operators gain confidence that costs are controlled, contracts are enforceable, and service performance aligns with business goals.

Explore more client success stories in the Spring/Summer 2026 edition of Edge Magazine – North America. Download your copy here.

We get it, and we can help.

3 SMART SERVICE PROGRAMS EVERY HOTEL OPERATOR SHOULD IMPLEMENT TO REDUCE SPENDING

FAQs

Hotel operators can reduce costs by implementing strategically sourced service programs that leverage negotiated contracts, bundled services, and performance-based supplier agreements. Programs such as landscaping, energy management, and elevator maintenance can deliver measurable savings while improving reliability and guest satisfaction.

What savings can hotels expect from Avendra International's service programs?

Avendra International's service programs typically deliver 10–20% savings across service categories. Energy management strategies may generate 20% or greater reductions in energy costs, while elevator maintenance programs often provide 15–20% savings through optimized contracts and supplier management.

Which service categories offer the greatest opportunity for hotel cost savings and risk reduction?

Key opportunities include landscaping services, energy procurement and management, and elevator and escalator maintenance. These categories represent significant operational expenses and liability exposure, making them ideal for strategic sourcing initiatives focused on cost control, compliance, safety, and asset performance.