Today, some of the foremost hotel security threats are crimes on which insurers have started to tighten the reigns. These include abuse (both sexual and physical), battery and molestation. Adding to the mix is the despicable global crime of human trafficking. Each of these emerging threats brings new questions for hotels and their employees, including how employees can identify this type of deviant activity. This article walks you through each of these emerging threats and explores the risks, the potential solutions, the value of getting it right, and the ever-expanding costs of allowing this type of activity at your hotel. READ MORE

Illinois hotels and their restaurant, banquet and spa outlets are – more than ever – dedicating resources to establish eco-friendly practices that aim to preserve our environment. There is an abundance of ways hotels are being mindful in their everyday business practices, including initiatives ranging from monitoring for energy and water efficiency to reducing plastics, crafting sustainable wine lists and even placing used furniture with those in need. As one of the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association's core platforms, we explore how hotels nationwide can implement thoughtful, sustainable and turnkey practices as exemplified by others leading the way in this critical effort. READ MORE

Remember when rooftop bars and cool restaurants were novel? What was once unique enough to rile up crowds and delight hotel guests has now become the norm. Fortunately, hoteliers are now looking for fresh ways to connect with – and inspire – the communities that surround them. David Ashen, president & CEO of interior design and brand consulting firm dash design, examines what's behind this shift and some top ways today's brands are answering the call for connection, from art installations that excite to socially-conscious initiatives and more, hotels are more than a mere place for heads in beds. READ MORE

As people continue to take more interest in their pet's well-being, pet travel has become increasingly popular. In fact, according to the 2017-2018 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 37% of pet owners travel with their pets every year, which is a nearly 20% increase from a decade ago. Savvy hoteliers know how to capitalize on this and stay relevant among the competition. In fact, more than half of US hotels now allow pets, according to the 2018 American Hotel & Lodging Association Hotel Trends Survey. This case study explores the ways in which the Inn at East Beach, managed by broughtonHOTELS, used operational and promotional strategies to ensure the hotel was set up for success in becoming a dog-friendly hotel. READ MORE

Modern-day revenue management already relies on substantial number crunching, including sophisticated predictive analyses that help determine the optimal room mix and pricing-with the goal of achieving maximal RevPAR. Now, advanced metrics are pushing the revenue management envelope even farther, focusing on determining the complete costs of acquiring any given reservation. At the same time, advanced operational benchmarks are giving revenue managers, property general managers and the entire executive team a better handle on whether a given quoted rate is supportable in the overall quest for profitability and return on investment. READ MORE