The rewards of a successful spa retail program are vast. This article provides best practices to launch a robust retail program online and offline. With proper resources and support, hotels and resorts will realize healthy profits, a higher level of guest satisfaction, and recognition as a true wellness brand. Make a commitment to your guest's wellness by offering home care programs that will extend the spa experience long after guests leave your property. Don't underestimate the power of one spa product to carry positive memories that will lead to loyalty and repeat visits. READ MORE

Wellness has gone mainstream in the hospitality industry, but few companies are considering that the largest driver of human wellbeing for the foreseeable future will be our relationship with technology. In favor of our modern devices we are sacrificing sleep, movement, safety, healthy relationships, mental health, productivity and more. Hotels and spas that are serious about wellness will need to educate themselves on the impact of technology on human wellness and consider their role in society as a place to experience the true modern luxuries: mindfulness, silence, meaningful connection, and respite from technology. READ MORE

This article focuses on specific market analysis and data applicable to the development and operation of dual-branded hotels. Much has been written about the dual-brand concept over the last several years, particularly related to the asset type's benefits and challenges. Instead of providing another such piece that rephrases the same concepts in different ways, this article will focus on data collected from our work with dual-branded hotels over the last several years. While a review of the history of dual-branded hotels and some basic concepts are necessary, this article will hope to provide new data and prove, or disprove, some commonly accepted themes related to dual-branded hotels in the United States. READ MORE

A shift is taking place in the hospitality industry as travelers are growingly seeking accommodation that provides unique experiences and a taste of the local culture of their travel destination. This concept plays an important consideration in the design of multifamily properties across the nation and a host of design strategies have been deployed to help property owners attract and retain today’s largest consumer generation – millennials. From design strategies to meet millennials’ needs and research concepts that cater to the local market, to tips for designing inviting community spaces, award-winning interior architect, Felicia Hyde shares her perspective on multifamily design strategies that can help hoteliers boost curb appeal and attract more guests. READ MORE

In the last several decades, boutique hotels have become a major part of the hospitality market. This article looks at the early development of boutique hotels on the west and east coasts during the 1980’s, and how those early concepts have been embraced by the hotel industry. Boutique hotels are a natural use for historic buildings. The history of the building (and associated neighborhood and city) can be used for thematic and design elements, while many historic buildings offer central locations advantageous to hoteliers. As part of this discussion, the article examines Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar in Philadelphia as an example. READ MORE