For over 20 years, hoteliers have practiced MBWA (Management by Walking Around) to facilitate open, timely communication with associates and guests. With the advent of mobile technology and a flood of new ways to communicate, leadership becomes more challenging in an always-on, always-connected workplace. How does a hospitality professional lead a team in a digital world while holding true to the core competencies that make for a great hotelier? READ MORE

With guests bringing increasing numbers of Wi-Fi devices to hotels for business and pleasure (now including wearables), how will hotels accommodate them? From guest engagement and entertainment to internal operations and hotel services, Wi-Fi enabled devices can take hotels and their guests from check-in to check-out and everything in between. By understanding what applications are on the horizon, what can be done with the right technology and with an eye towards the future of Wi-Fi, hotels can increase RevPAR by optimizing operations, increasing efficiencies, and elevating guest engagement. READ MORE

The lines between business and leisure travel are becoming increasingly blurred. Fueled by the proliferation of mobile devices and the ability to stay connected, over half of business travelers now extend their business trips into leisure trips. This presents new opportunities for hotels, but they need to configure their services to be flexible. Conference and meeting planners also have to be cognizant of these changes, ensuring that they incorporate an element of leisure when they plan their meetings. This article will focus on hotels around the world that are responding to the blurring of business and leisure travel. READ MORE

Several surveys conducted over the years by the author from several hundred hotel managers indicated strong interest in the practice of ethics by employees at every level. Managers believe a comprehensive program of ethics would greatly benefit the bottom line by enhancing repeat business and word-of-mouth advertising. Yet fewer than 10% of the hotels surveyed indicated they have a program of ethics in place. The basic question is ” why, if the need is so great, are there so few hotels with a program for ethics?” READ MORE

On a quiet tree-lined street of the Upper East Side is where you will find the Hotel Plaza Athenee, nestled among genteel residences and lavish townhouses at 37 E. 64th Street between Park and Madison Avenue. Combining cosmopolitan luxury with the intimacy and services of a boutique hotel, Hotel Plaza Athenee has created a home away from home for royalty, world leaders, celebrities, executives and sophisticated travelers from all around the world since 1984. READ MORE