If mobile devices are considered handheld cultural and technological battering rams, trampling steadfast beliefs governing communications, transactions and shopping, then hotels are modern castles. Sometimes criticized as being fortresses against change, there's growing signs from all industries that mobile is marching onward, helping cement a new kind of special relationship with the entire travel industry. Considering that hotels are often end destinations for such travel, hoteliers would be wise adopting mobile's message, learning from the past. Mobile is where guests are going and hotels need to be dialed in for continued success. READ MORE

The need for more meeting space seems counterintuitive. The ability to meet and connect outside of a defined venue grew exponentially while the supply of meeting space stagnated over the last three years. And yet, many conference centers, resorts, and hotels are reporting that they do not have the meeting space that event planners and the like need to host their meetings and conferences. Creating non-traditional meeting space and location may be one of the most promising opportunities in developing or renovating meeting and conference space. But first, we must understand how consumers are redefining value in terms of meeting venues. Architect Eric M. Rahe, AIA, LEED AP, explores these issues and offers some best practices for meeting the demand for meeting space. READ MORE

How would you rate your spa's service Mojo? Often it is expected that the spa, by its own nature, will organically produce high service levels. However, the intricate guest journey through the spa begs for a better focus on service expectations. Does your spa's service Mojo exemplify the Spa Industry? Is it on the cutting edge of caring for guests so that they can completely and totally relax and feel cared for? READ MORE

Helpful interviewing and information gathering techniques can be vital to inquiries of significance to organizational, individual or other concerns. This article discusses information relating to successful interviewing and information gathering as well as challenges that could detract from attaining important information. Article information can be helpful, encompassing the spectrum of casual conversations to formal investigations; however, before conducting workplace interviews consult appropriate organizational representatives. Further, after reading this article, even if one is uncomfortable conducting interviews, the information provided will help in assessing the qualifications and techniques of those being considered to conduct interviews and gather information. READ MORE

Everyone wants to be famous these days. Maybe that explains the rise of reality TV shows. So don¹t you want your hotel to get in on the act and claim your 15 minutes of fame? One way to feature your property is with Digital PR or electronic public relations. Think of Digital PR just like you would regular PR except you are focusing on electronic media rather than print or TV coverage. So the goal is to get your hotel exposure in ezines, email newsletters, blogs and other online outlets rather than just the NY Times. READ MORE

With the world economy better resembling a roller coaster ride, hoteliers need to have an effective pricing strategy to maximise profits, while riding out the ups and downs in the market. Currently transient demand in the US hotel sector is breaking all records, yet subsequent price increases are not keeping pace. Since April 2010 the increase in average daily rates has been growing at half the speed that it dramatically fell, when the full impact of the global financial crisis kicked in September 2008. The European economy is still in turmoil, with daily ups and downs, leaving the direction for the hotel industry hard to predict. If forecasting was easy, all weathermen would be rich. In these erratic and uncertain times, pricing decisions will have one of the biggest impacts on hotel profitability. It is more vital than ever that revenue managers understand industry best practice and the latest supporting technologies to ensure their hotel rooms and services are priced at the right rate regardless of periods of high or low demand. READ MORE

Hotel owners may look to strategies designed to increase bookings, revamped marketing campaigns or cutting expenses in order to grow their business and see more profits. What many hotel owners don't realize is that undiscovered cash flow may exist within their own property, if they know how to find it. The application of a cost segregation study may significantly reduce the hotel owner's tax liability and provide needed cash flow for other business endeavors. READ MORE

Luxury properties are wrought with upscale amenities from lavish architecture and furnishings designed to transform your world, exotic foods and ingredients to satisfy even the most squeamish and discerning palates, rare wines and cocktails procured specifically to take guests on a euphoric journey. Even what you smell, what is in the air, has been carefully selected to entice guests to embrace the full experience and pleasure of what the hotel has to offer. Yet with no expense being spared on providing these amenities; the security and safety for guests often falls short. READ MORE

Reduced occupancies. Apprehensive associates. Concerned creditors. All hallmarks of turbulent economic times and issues that we have each been facing during the past year. As business leaders, we directly affect how well our organizations weather the storm through our interactions with the various constituent groups that we rely on, namely our associates, our guests, and our vendors/capital providers. In people-intensive industries like ours, communication and accountability are inevitably critical to our success, and never is this more important than in today's economic climate. READ MORE

Today's travelers are choosing hotels that inspire them and effectively articulate why their rooms and amenities are 'worth' the price. But hotel listings on travel sites are typically lackluster and undifferentiated with unclear value propositions. The challenge for hoteliers is this: successfully conveying their hotel's unique value on the sites travel shoppers use to research and compare hotels online. Hoteliers can capitalize on their presence on travel websites by applying online merchandising techniques and using visual content to their advantage. READ MORE

From the looks of it, boutique hotels are popping up everywhere you look. This article addresses the pros and cons of the aftermath of the boutique boom and what lessons might be learned as we move through the current paralysis of the credit markets and the daily operational struggle to both preserve rate and maintain occupancy. This compelling article will assist owners and operators, alike as they carefully analyze this niche of the hotel industry, as well as give you a sense of what to look out for if you are considering owing, operating or investing in a boutique hotel. READ MORE

What are performance-based programs and what is right for your hotel? As we all know, utility costs - especially water - are rising faster than any other costs and most budgets already have built-in escalators of 5% - 10% to account for the predicted increase in utility rates. Following the method of performance contractors, hotel owners can now obtain loans based on the “value of future savings.” This strategy is gaining traction and is now being implemented with great regularity in the public sector. This article will look at the return for your hotel to implement a performance-based program. READ MORE

As hotels continue to add green services and practices to their operations, hotels guests are taking note. In fact, more than ever, travelers consider themselves environmentally conscious and are seeking hotel products that meet their personal values about protecting the environment. A hotel that provides green services to guests is in line with those same values. Green services may include linen re-use practices, eco-friendly activities, or extensive recycling policies, to name a few. Another growing part of that equation, however, is green amenities in the guest bathroom. Green amenities are now on the top of many hotels' green to-do list. READ MORE

To subcontract or to manage hotel spa operations in-house is a question that most hoteliers will ask themselves. Knowledgeable hoteliers realize that in order to be competitive their hotel must have a spa and offer spa services, but unfortunately many often look for the easy way out. For the most part, hoteliers do not fully understand spas or their management which in many cases leads to their choosing to subcontract. There are primarily two types of subcontracting for spas today. Both types will be identified and the positives and negatives outlined. READ MORE

Establishing a powerful online presence is a must for every business today, especially in the hotel industry. Developing even the most incredible website is not enough to generate or increase your business. Using a well thought out link building strategy can provide the necessary visibility for your site by providing more places for searchers to find your hotel property across the web, and boosting your search engine rankings so your prospective customers find you. Relevancy is the key to establishing a good link building strategy and establishing positioning in the Internet. READ MORE

Since Google Earth launched, millions of Internet users have traveled the globe in search of everything from Mount Kilimanjaro to their childhood homes, all from the comfort of their own computers. But, this popular satellite-based application is far more than a way to pass the time at work. When integrated into a website, Google Earth is a powerful tool that can boost Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and support the overall marketing strategy. READ MORE

It amazes me that spas have been "allowed" to be "lazy assets," but now, as a response to the challenging economy, there is a necessity and sense of urgency to focus on how spas can be profitable business ventures. Developers, investors, asset managers, hotel/resort operators and directors of finance are carefully examining every department within their lodging establishment with an eye on how to deliver the spa experience in an economically logical way so the spa is profitable. As a result of careful scrutiny and due diligence, we are seeing the creation and use of spa-specific business tools to help spas attain higher levels of financial performance and profitability. The following are the key components of my simplistic approach to spa revenue maximization... READ MORE

For years, making decisions in revenue management and, to some extent, hotel management has been ruled by gut instinct. Revenue managers and hotel operations executives frequently justify their rate setting decisions by saying, "I have a feel for the market" or "I know what the market will do." Yet when asked for a concrete example of how they knew this, they usually have no answer. Smooth economic times are behind us and while their return is inevitable, today we must navigate challenging waters. How can you make the move from instinct-driven to data-driven business decisions? Here is a proven a six-step process... READ MORE

Online travel reviews are nothing new; they have existed in one way or another for over 10 years. Sites without user reviews may become less common over the next few years, as consumers rely more heavily on others' experiences before making a decision. So how can hoteliers take advantage of this growing trend to bring in more business to their property? Easy, include customer reviews directly on your site. This article explains and analyzes the pros and cons of posting consumers' reviews of your property on your own website. READ MORE

Is pricing in “nines” merely a 20th century pricing technique that has lost its relevance in the 21st century? The answer is like most things… it depends. One thing is certain though: the nice smooth supply/demand curves our economics teachers drew on whiteboards are nothing like real life. I recently met with executives at a large retailer and learned about price elasticity studies they have done in merchandising. The results are very interesting. It turns out price elasticity is not a nice smooth curve… it's lumpy. So how can hotels benefit from this insight? READ MORE

For hoteliers, there are many variables to consider when trying to decide which is better - acquisition and renovation of an existing hotel or development of a new one? With so much to consider, it can be challenging to decipher which makes more financial sense. Objectively the end goal is to determine which will lead to profitability faster, but how is that determined? With the right plan of action to navigate the decision making process, the difficulty in reaching an educated decision can be greatly reduced. Regardless of your proposed project, there are a series of steps that can simplify the process when deciding to renovate or build. READ MORE

The only way to truly measure a guest's experience in a particular establishment is to record feedback. Allow easy access to comment cards, provide automated calls inquiring a guest's recent stay, and e-mail inquiries post check-out. Expanding on a guest's experience within your property is priceless. The feedback on any particular experience will not only help you to make any necessary changes but positive comments will help boost morale within. Knowledge is power; it also allows you to be proactive rather than reactive to whatever situation may arise. The ability to effectively and efficiently track, record comments will help to bring your establishment to the next level. READ MORE

Next Generation Technology: Trendy Term or Actual Practice? Well, it is a trendy term like most trendy marketing terms it is being used to sell something rather than to identify actual practice. Is there Next Generation technology development going on? Absolutely. However, you wont hear too much about it until it's being pushed out in user testing or Beta versions. Anything that is out there now isn't Next Generation it's Now. Make sure you do your due diligence when in the market for technology. Don't get sold on trendy titles. READ MORE

Customer satisfaction in the hospitality environment can be formed impulsively and is heavily based around guest perception. It's not necessarily what you're truly doing that matters, but more what your guests think you're doing to provide them a high-quality experience. This isn't to imply negligence or deceit, but more to illuminate how the little things can make a big impression. These principles are transferable as they relate to the Fitness amenity. From a commitment to replenishing consumable items, to cost-effective upholstery upgrades, it doesn't take a major budget to keep guests satisfied with your fitness center. READ MORE

It is increasingly important to stay up with spa trends in today's highly competitive world. This article will discuss a few of the recent trends permeating the spa industry which reflect consumer expectations and demands. It is clear that concepts, design elements, menu development and pricing must be thought through carefully in order to attract a strong customer base. An emphasis on the importance of sustainability, preventive health, the use of creative promotional techniques and a focus on new spa consumers are but a few of the important trends in the spa business. To ensure that your spa is "cutting edge," stay up with those trends and your spa will prosper. READ MORE

When hotel owners come to me with questions about signing up for an app, one of their number one questions is “How will this drive revenue?” Hotel mobile applications present the opportunity for hoteliers to increase bookings through numerous functions, but the easiest to use and easiest way to track is through push notifications. READ MORE

Identifying risk factors in employee defection is critical to preserving the highest quality workforce. Highly valued employees can be poached if employee morale is down, turnover is high and if a hotel does not have a long-term strategic plan that is communicated to employees. An ideal workforce can be maintained through a series of steps including, but not limited to, compensation packages, non-monetary fringe benefits, inclusion of employees into operational decision-making and the offering of management and/or career advancement training. READ MORE

Which reasons make a destination worth visiting? Is there a correspondence between how tourists perceive a destination and how the Destination Management Organization (DMO) promotes it? The main purpose of this research is to identify the reasons that make a destination — in this case, the Republic of Malta — worth a visit from the tourists' perspective. The study aims on one side, at recognizing and analyzing the main arguments used by tourists — the demand side — when reporting on their experiences on a specific destination, and on the other side to compare the found arguments with those used by the DMO — the supply side — to promote itself. READ MORE

To determine whether or not your mystery shop program is working, ask: Is it based on relevant logic? Does it measure brand delivery? Are my results objective? Can I turn my data into a plan? Can I turn my plan into action? Jesse Boles of FreemanGroup explains how to get the answers to these questions and use your mystery shops to uncover what truly drives guests to return and recommend. Quality assurance inspections and guest comment surveys aren't enough. To measure guest service and brand delivery, you need a well-designed and well-implemented mystery shop program. READ MORE

Despite the explosive growth and popularity of social media usage in hospitality, it's the mighty good ol' email that remains one of the most powerful and influential direct marketing tools that a hotel can use. Emails allow hoteliers to engage customers in a personalized and interactive relationship that's mutually beneficial, increase conversions and sell more efficiently. But, to reap those benefits, your email actually needs to be opened and read FIRST. How do you win the right to be recognized and accepted into your customer's overflowing email box? Here are my 7 steadfast copywriting rules to make your hotel emails worth opening. READ MORE

Green-Oriented Travelers encompass corporate, group, and individual travelers, all of which are not only interested in 'green' hotels, but now actively seek out and spend money with hotels that have environmental programs. Despite the economic environment, data continues to emerge from 3rd party independent surveys, directly from customers and prospects, and from hotels themselves stating the 'green oriented' traveler market is growing and they are spending more and more money with 'green hotels.' This article will look at these trends, data sources, and case studies and the real business benefits by aligning with the green-oriented traveler. READ MORE

The hotel pantry has become a standard at many select service and extended stay brands. Marriott International's highly successful "The Market" and Hilton's well planned "Suite Shop" and "Pantry Pavilion" are not only guest favorites for their quality and convenience - but a revenue generator that adds dollars to a properties Sales Per Occupied Room. Unfortunately, some of the best GM's in the country admittedly know little about retail, so what should be a small gold mine for the hotel often becomes a hard to manage, unprofitable endeavor due to a few easy-to-correct, retail industry mistakes READ MORE