Even when a property has a built-in amenity like a prolific hot springs that pumps over three million gallons of water a day, creating a successful health and wellness program doesn't just happen. In 2008, with the opening of the Spa of the Rockies at Glenwood Hot Springs, the Colorado resort fully embraced its roots as a center for natural health and well-being. Since then, “helping our guests feel better,” is a company motto that is embraced property-wide, at the pool, spa and lodge. Two services in particular, the Zents™ Scent Journey and the new Spa of the Rockies foot ritual are prime examples of how complimentary add-ons are engaging health and wellness consumers and increasing the bottom line. READ MORE

What makes a hotel or spa experience special? What sets a property apart, attracts guests and inspires loyalty? Increased awareness of the benefits of clean and green living means that more and more consumers are seeking the organic label -on the food they eat, on the clothing they wear and on the bedding and bath linens they choose. And these aware, informed consumers expect the same high standards (or even higher) at a hotel or spa as those they set for their own homes. READ MORE

Today's hotel spa can be either a great profit centre or an essential amenity that is just another cost centre. Either one is fine. The key is in understanding what role your spa plays for your hotel, then finding the right help to bring that spa to life and ensure that the finished product fits with the overall objective. READ MORE

With the volume of credit card swipes at hotel check-in, as well as at their bars, restaurants and shops, hotels offer ample opportunities for cyberattacks. Cybercrime is evolving and escalating, and the potential damage of a data breach to a hotel's bottom line and reputation cannot be ignored or understated. Every hotel executive should take seriously the threat of computer security breaches, implementing the most up-to-date prevention and risk management practices, creating an emergency response plan and securing sufficient insurance coverage in the event there is a breach. READ MORE

The Boutique Hotel category has become an unfortunate victim of its own success. Mass marketing and misunderstanding has led to a watering down of the idea and the delivery of cookie-cutter “boutique-experiences”. The confusion among owners and operators between great small hotels and boutique hotels is part of the problem…but understanding the difference is the key to improved success (whether you are a real boutique hotel or a great small hotel). This article reviews the history of the category, what went wrong, what is working and suggests ways to improve. READ MORE