It is interesting to observe how the role of the concierge has evolved over the centuries. Particularly in Europe, concierge means "keeper of the keys," referring to someone who was the caretaker of a small inn, usually living on the premises. Over time, the role of the concierge transitioned into the hotel employee whose occupation is to assist guests with special requests, anything from directions, to dinner reservations, airport transfers and tickets to concerts among other things. READ MORE

Under the eye of storm for a while, Rate Parity has become one of the biggest challenges for hoteliers today. Is it just another headache or will it turn out to be the primary influencer when it comes to online sales? Is rate parity restricting your ability to maximize your revenues or presenting an opportunity to go for fairer Net Based Parity. With the recent UK Office of Fair Trade's ruling, hotel industry is debating whether this finally brings the death nail for parity as we know it. But does end of parity going means end of worry for hoteliers? Let's explore the ongoing debate over rate parity and what it means for the hotel industry. READ MORE

The Affordable Care Act began its official rollout on October 1, 2013, and with it a whole new set of regulations was added to an already complex system, effectively making a do-it-yourself approach no longer feasible, even for an independent hotelier. However, while having to outsource payroll is becoming a must, hoteliers must be careful about which provider they choose, because not every payroll or accounting software provider is able to offer the expertise, support and understanding of the complexities associated with the unique employee needs of the hospitality industry. READ MORE

While travelers dream of white sand beaches and warm locales during the cold winter months, you may be surprised at how many from around the world make the trek to New York City. More at the end of the year, in fact, than any other time: September through December is the busiest travel season for the world's most visited city. People seek out Santa at Macy's, the famed Rockefeller Center tree, and designer holiday shopping, but what many guests to New York don't realize is how much there is to do aside from the "typical tourist" activities, and especially the best way to navigate the city when millions of visitors take on the streets. READ MORE

In the hospitality industry, we strive to build relationships with our guests. In the concierge profession, many of these relationships are often life-long and fulfilling relationships. Many of us have participated in life transforming events for these guests. Whether planning surprise engagements, assisting with wedding and honeymoon plans, or finding the right schools and colleges for their children, every aspect of our service can be a pivotal moment or an emotional shift in winning a guest for life. Many concierges have been in the industry so long that they have actually watched their guests' children grow up. This is because top concierges are committed for life. READ MORE