Hotel amenities as a guest offering have become a vital source of attracting business and building a hotel brand. This is a relatively recent phenomenon that has grown in importance as guest's demand for good quality amenities has become universal. As I thought about writing this article I realized I should go to leaders in the hospitality field as well as draw upon my 15-year experience as the creator of a branded amenity line. Hunter Amenities of Canada and Susan Ricci, innovative former hotel managing director and current hotel and club consultant, became invaluable sources of information and comment from different points of view - which I think you will find as stimulating and helpful as I do. READ MORE

Connected. Conscientious. Curious. Simple, but accurate, these three words sum up the common core of traits Millennials bring to a travel experience. The named generation, defined as those born between 1980 and 1997, range from young adults about to graduate from college to 30-somethings juggling career and family in pursuit of that elusive sweet spot known as life-work balance. While they may be at different stages in their life journeys, research shows Millennials have a keen interest in travel experiences that connect them to their destination. A recent article in G Brief, a digital magazine published by Urbaneer Creative [http://urbaneercreative.com/], a creative consultancy for businesses READ MORE

Technology is having a huge impact on how guest preferences are formed, expressed, and received by hotels. The impact of mobility is profound, along with the centrality of guest choice. While technology has evolved, innovation at the front desk has not kept pace. This study examines the forces leading the industry to this point - and proposes some solutions. Should your hotel's guest check in be more like the guest experience at an Apple Store? What would this look like, and would it be a good thing - for you, your ability to manage your property, and above all, for your guests? The concept is not as farfetched as it seems. READ MORE

As the labeled ‘millennial generation' continues its ascent up the corporate ladder and young employees take the helm in management positions, Spire Hospitality - one of the nation's leading and most respected hotel management companies - shares how its leadership is hearing the needs and desires of this particular peer group to identify and provide tools to function in the manner in which these young professionals expect. With this age sector of sales employees continuing to expand as vice president of sales and marketing, I have been chosen to lead the team to discover cutting edge research, create new programs and rollout concepts in 2016. READ MORE

Every generation and demographic has seen its share of gimmicky marketing and cringe-worthy advertising. Millennials are no different. With all the attention millennials have received as the current ‘it' demographic, hotel brands are being challenged to come up with brilliant campaigns that they can relate to. In this push for creativity, some brands go overboard by jumping on the latest slang, trend, social media platform, or celebrity du jour, with the brand coming off as desperate as a result. While we can all admire a brand that will bend over backwards, they can end up doing the one thing that Gen Y hates the most: Trying too hard. READ MORE