A major challenge for most U.S. hotel owners and operators during 2023 and through the first quarter of 2024 has been their ability to control fixed-expense budgets, particularly rising insurance costs. A toxic combination of weather events, inflation, hotel valuation, reconstruction, material, and labor costs has created an extremely challenging environment for hotel operators, other real estate-focused industries, and personal property owners. READ MORE

Seamless communication can be difficult to achieve in the hospitality industry, considering how fragmented the hierarchy of these businesses can be. However, seamless communication brings several key benefits for guests, employees, as well as the company itself. Establishing this culture of open communication through transparency and modern technology is essential in today's dynamic business landscape. READ MORE

Graton Resort & Casino, located in iconic Sonoma County, is a commanding presence among the rolling hills of Northern California's wine country. Owned and operated by the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, the 65-acre property has 200 hotel rooms and suites, an award-winning Spa and Salon, a casino with table games, the latest slot machines, upscale and casual dining, plus nightly live entertainment options. READ MORE

High turnover in hospitality threatens operations and guest satisfaction. Staff endure stress from service demands, erratic schedules, and career concerns. Turnover strains budgets, disrupts team cohesion, and lowers guest trust. To counteract this, hotels embrace wellness-centric approaches, investing in staff well-being and fostering a culture of support and belonging. Ultimately, prioritizing employees leads to industry success and enhanced guest experiences. READ MORE

In 2018, a video of two Black men being arrested and removed from a Starbucks store in Philadelphia went viral and shined a light on bias in service establishments. This article examines the legal rights of hospitality owners to remove guests from the premises, how this incident reflects societal changes impacting those rights and steps to minimize the potential impact of bias when serving guests. READ MORE