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How-to

How to Set Minimum and Maximum Room Rates (A Practical Framework)

A step-by-step method to set rate floors and ceilings that protect profitability and keep dynamic pricing disciplined.

Sigma Revenue Team

Minimum and maximum rates are the guardrails that keep your strategy stable. Without them, dynamic pricing can turn into chaotic “up and down by gut feel.”

The goal of min/max is not to sit in the middle

The goal is a defensible range that lets you move confidently with demand—without dropping below profitability or exceeding what the market will accept for your product.

1) Set your rate floor

A rate floor is the minimum price that:

  • protects margin and covers costs;
  • fits your positioning (quality and service level);
  • doesn't train the market to wait for constant discounts.

Start with one floor for your base room, then refine by season and room type.

2) Set your rate ceiling

A rate ceiling is the maximum price that remains:

  • realistic for your market and product;
  • convertible (it doesn't kill demand on strong dates);
  • supported by value (policies, amenities, reputation).

On peak nights and major events, ceilings can be higher—but still need to be defendable.

3) Build a room-type rate ladder

Once you have min/max for the base room, add logical differentials for each category (for example +X for superior, +Y for suites). This supports upsell and prevents inconsistent dynamic pricing across room types.

In Sigma Revenue, this is easier to manage in the Calendar View.

4) Tie min/max to your automation rules

If you use automation, min/max are your seatbelt. For example, Autopilot can adjust rates automatically while staying inside your range.

You get speed and consistency without losing control over strategy.

5) A minimal implementation checklist

  1. Set floor/ceiling for your base room for the next 90 days.
  2. Add differentials for 2–3 core room types.
  3. Define step size and review cadence.
  4. Add peak-night rules (min stay) when needed.

To see how this fits as an investment, check pricing.

Ready to make pricing decisions with confidence?

Sigma Revenue combines real-time data, competitor context, and demand forecasting to make dynamic pricing simple.