With guest satisfaction at its highest level in since 2006, what can be learned from the most recent J.D. Power Hotel Guest Satisfaction Survey? Hotel rankings by segment may feel like the essence of the study, but by digging deeper into the results individual hotels can focus on a few key areas, especially when it comes to the next generation of traveler, to improve your guest experience. Act quickly though. The 2015 results are already starting to come in. READ MORE

As unlikely as it seems, with hotel groups focusing on technology to enhance the guest experience, the time will come when the major area of competition is the energetic feel of the guest experience. This change is inevitable because energy is the only unexplored area of hospitality left. This article follows on from Part 1 and states three more scientific principles, which hoteliers must know in order to create an energetic Heart-Based Hospitality guest experience. When applied, the guest experience can be transformed to new levels above 5-Stars. The first hotel group to apply them will have a major advantage. READ MORE

Advances in technology, particularly the ability to send and store data securely “in the cloud”, have changed the way in which all types of business can be conducted, including back-office hotel accounting. One emerging business model being considered and adopted by management companies is the outsourced accounting team, providing an almost immediately tangible return-on-investment and bottom-line savings, along with allowing hotel teams to focus more time on serving their guests. In an age where technology should be making work easier and not harder, it's time to consider seven reasons why outsourcing may be a great option for your hotel portfolio. READ MORE

Winter of 2014 was one of the most severe winters in recent history, with many major cities seeing anywhere from 100 to 300% more snowfall than usual and the “Polar Vortex” keeping the northern half of the United States in record cold temperatures for days at a time. The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts this winter to be another arctic blast with above-average snowfall throughout much of the nation. Weather has proven to be cyclical, and we're in the early stage of a cycle. The severity of the storms the country experienced last year came as a shock to most - especially folks living as far south as Georgia. One of the biggest challenges hotel owners, operators, managers, and other hospitality professionals will face this winter is keeping their properties safe from the snow and ice that comes with each storm. To avoid potential hazardous conditions and to ensure the safety of hotel properties and their guests, it's imperative for hotel professionals to understand the importance of snow and ice management and to have a plan in place. By preparing in advance for winter storms and by following a few simple safety tips, property owners will be able keep their hotel landscapes beautiful and their guests, and employees safe and comfortable. READ MORE

It's an ever-changing world for hotel sales, marketing and revenue management professionals. In 2014 we've seen continued global hotel demand growth and moderate supply growth, but we've also seen a focus on integrating the disciplines of sales, marketing, and revenue management more than ever before. As customer acquisition costs continue to grow and erode hotel profit margins, the science of understanding and optimizing the business derived by channel and managing these and other intermediation costs will be paramount to success. READ MORE