Palazzo Scammacca

Tell us about your property

Palazzo Scammacca is a historic noble palace built in the 19th century, located in the heart of Catania, just a few minutes’ walk from Piazza Duomo.

In 2019, it was completely renovated and converted into an accommodation venue with seven apartments and three double rooms, each with its unique style.

The palace also features spacious halls with period ceilings, modern amenities, and furnishings, making it the perfect place for hosting private events or business meetings.

We realized that a seasonal price list was no longer sufficient and that a more dynamic pricing strategy was essential. The challenge was that we couldn’t have someone constantly updating prices. Since we also run a winery and aren’t solely focused on hospitality, we thought an automated pricing system would be ideal for us.

How did you manage rates before Smartpricing, and what were the main challenges?

Before Smartpricing, we used a fixed price list that followed a seasonal logic.

At some point, however, we realized that seasonality alone wasn’t enough and that more dynamic pricing was necessary. Our main challenge was that we couldn’t have someone constantly updating prices. Since we also run a winery and aren’t solely focused on hospitality, we thought an automated pricing system would be ideal for us.

Beyond operations, were there other needs you wanted to address with Smartpricing?

Yes, because we know that price determines the type of guest. Our property is very unique, and its aesthetic appeal is a key feature—it’s not just a place to sleep.

Before Smartpricing, we often noticed guests who were only focused on finding the lowest price. These guests would probably have been just as satisfied in a less refined environment than ours.

With the help of Smartpricing, we’re trying to attract guests who aren’t just hunting for the lowest price but are seeking a particular atmosphere they can appreciate. For any accommodation, the challenge lies in defining your market position and target audience, and then ensuring consistency between what you offer and the price you set. This is where Smartpricing comes into play.

Would you go back to managing prices the old way?

I wouldn’t go back. The software does its job well and is incredibly useful. One feature I greatly appreciate is that when someone asks for a price—perhaps over the phone—you can simply open Smartpricing and provide the current rate on the spot.