In order to compete for market share in the luxury hotel world, owners and operators need to think beyond design and more about experience. What are some things hoteliers should consider in bringing a unique guest stay to life? David Ashen, president & CEO of interior design and brand consulting firm dash design, explores ways to utilize unusual and bespoke amenities – from VIP backstage experiences to tricked out gear garages -- to differentiate one hotel brand from another and more fully speak the luxury language of today's savvy traveler. READ MORE

There is a perception that lodging brand standards conflict with the development of historic buildings into hotels. This is more of a past problem than a current one. Well-located downtown land is becoming scarce, hotel brands are getting experienced in working with historic buildings, and market demands are fostering niche-driven brands that seek local connections. One great example is Baton Rouge's Watermark Hotel under Marriott's Autograph brand. This 1925 one-time bank headquarters 12-story skyscraper was transformed into a modern hotel balancing the unique and local qualities of the building with the need for a upscale hotel experience. READ MORE

With strong trading results in 2018 the future looks bright for the majority of hotels across Europe. Increasing visitor numbers to favourite destinations continue to boost performance while investor interest remains healthy for both single and portfolio assets. Hotel values across Europe saw an increase last year, although not at the levels of the previous year, with only six markets seeing hotel values drop. However, some destinations face unprecedented levels of new supply coming on-stream bringing increased competition and pressure on revenue while others face difficult geopolitical situations which is impacting visitor numbers, says Magalí Castells , senior associate, HVS London. READ MORE

Potential guests are seeking "experiences" when they consider upcoming travel. When travelers are researching, they hunt for an inspiring experience which aligns with their personal interests and desires. As a result, marketing efforts need to be pitched accordingly and content marketing is the ideal way to appeal to potential guests and existing customers. Content marketing is the creation, publication, and distribution of unique content to a target audience to drive new traffic and create loyal, sticky customers. Using a case study approach, authors Tinnish and Mangal explore how hoteliers can customize content marketing to achieve their goals of creating a differentiated, unique customer experience. READ MORE

With successful hotel properties increasingly emphasizing activities, experiences, and memory-making moments, the industry is in the midst of a correspondingly profound shift in the kinds of imagery it produces, distributes and leverages. More hoteliers are moving beyond the cold guest room photo and embracing a new generation of dynamic visual content. There is a vast and growing universe of compelling alternatives to the sterile empty-room photos of the past. Hotels are using lifestyle images, event photography, and video footage to create and share more animated, engaging and relatable content that will resonate with viewers and ultimately lead to more conversions. READ MORE