Do you want your hotel to look good, work well, and perform financially? A good place to start is your interior designer. Indeed, your interior designer may not be the first person you think of to add value to your property and your bottom line, but my article shows you five specific ways this member of your team can do exactly that. READ MORE

Among the factors affecting design and purchasing decisions are 1) a tight economy, which is changing plans for both business and leisure travelers while creating price increases in products to be purchased as well as in the transportation costs for delivery of those products, 2) new standards by almost every franchise brand, which have led to considerable hotel renovation as well as property rebranding, and 3) travelers who have become more discriminating and demanding about their hotel accommodations. Nevertheless, the hotel industry certainly knows how to weather a storm - and this article provides specific tips for how owners can lower their risk and raise their chances for profitability by hiring the right FF&E team in this difficult environment. READ MORE

Hoteliers are always looking for those little touches that can make a big difference, for their guests and for their bottom line. My article this month suggests how some answers can be found through creative attention to art and accessories. We know that when a hotel looks special, guests feel special - so I offer ideas that can transform a nice hotel into a breath-taking hotel. Ideas that combine an uptown look with a down-home feel. Ideas that make your rooms anything but square. Many of my suggestions are easy to implement, all are easy on the eyes. READ MORE

First impressions can be effective or disastrous, but they are always lasting. Nowhere is that more true than the highly competitive hotel industry, where the look and feel of a property can immediately turn guests on - or off. But in the months after September 11, occupancy was down dramatically and franchisors relaxed their quality inspections - so hoteliers put many of their purchases for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) "on hold." Here's how you can maximize your FF&E investment and minimize your service interruptions. READ MORE

Hotel owners want to stay competitive and in compliance for the least amount of money. For them, "value" means price. Hotel guests want to stay in a place that offers the amenities of home while being friendly, tasteful, and meticulously maintained. For them, "value" means ambiance. An FF&E professional can help meet the expectations of both owners and guests - and that will pretty up your hotel and your bottom line. Here's how to streamline your decisions and your expenses. READ MORE