As a result of extensive research and consultation with Clarion franchisees, Choice Hotels International has embarked upon a 3-year strategy to reposition Clarion as a “focused service” hotel for the midscale “gatherings” market. What is focused service? A more targeted, streamlined and efficient way to meet the on-site food and beverage needs of today's corporate and group hotel guests. It means eschewing the old fashioned definition of “restaurant” as a traditional sit-down, three-meal facility, and focusing on more flexible ways to meet guest needs for convenient meals. This could include basic menu offerings provided in a multi-use space. READ MORE

One of the most crucial, and perhaps overlooked, strategic components is the understanding trends in the local restaurant scene and more broadly. There needs to be a savvy understanding of which trends will be a flash in the pan and which are long term and appropriate for a hotel. In addition to having a finger on the pulse of the restaurant world, the following are ten top strategies I believe hotel chefs can employ to compete and win. READ MORE

Customers, brands and markets are constantly evolving and changing and how you evaluate and react to these dynamics within the parameters of your own investment discipline can position you for some tremendous upside as our industry's performance improves. READ MORE

In the hospitality industry, the most important and vital investment you can make is your investment on your people. Your people are the lifeline of the hotel, keeping thing moving and working correctly. Steven Belmonte believes that by nurturing, mentoring, and encouraging them you are ensuring not only their success, but are ensuring the success of your hotel. It's important to remember how you got started in the industry and to remember what a difference it made in your life when someone took you under their wing, believed in you, and gave you the necessary tools to succeed in this business. Now it's your turn to give back. READ MORE

ADA compliance changes are coming; most businesses are already aware of this fact and have at least started talking about how it will affect them. The question is - how painful and complicated will this process be? Compliance changes are inevitable, they can be daunting and overwhelming or with a few simple steps and some professional advice they can be manageable. With nearly a quarter of the U.S. population looking for accessible places to stay or vacation - the hospitality industry can greatly benefit from being ADA compliant. So where do you start? Do you have a plan? What do these changes look like? Do you need some help understanding the ADA compliance changes? READ MORE