From the looks of it, boutique hotels are popping up everywhere you look. This article addresses the pros and cons of the aftermath of the boutique boom and what lessons might be learned as we move through the current paralysis of the credit markets and the daily operational struggle to both preserve rate and maintain occupancy. This compelling article will assist owners and operators, alike as they carefully analyze this niche of the hotel industry, as well as give you a sense of what to look out for if you are considering owing, operating or investing in a boutique hotel. READ MORE

Hotels are overlooking the revenue opportunity of Wi-Fi. Yesterday's Wi-Fi was about minimum bandwidth for limited data devices. But today's companies need to book employee groups into hotels with sufficient bandwidth as access to data is now mission-critical. Hotels have an opportunity to charge these guests for premium speed offerings for added revenue. Additionally, current technology allows hotels to scale their bandwidth up when needed. Fast data speeds provide hotels with a compelling reason for groups to book at their hotel, and these groups are willing to pay a premium for this premium speed. Wi-Fi - it's the new revenue stream. READ MORE

What are performance-based programs and what is right for your hotel? As we all know, utility costs - especially water - are rising faster than any other costs and most budgets already have built-in escalators of 5% - 10% to account for the predicted increase in utility rates. Following the method of performance contractors, hotel owners can now obtain loans based on the “value of future savings.” This strategy is gaining traction and is now being implemented with great regularity in the public sector. This article will look at the return for your hotel to implement a performance-based program. READ MORE

As hotels continue to add green services and practices to their operations, hotels guests are taking note. In fact, more than ever, travelers consider themselves environmentally conscious and are seeking hotel products that meet their personal values about protecting the environment. A hotel that provides green services to guests is in line with those same values. Green services may include linen re-use practices, eco-friendly activities, or extensive recycling policies, to name a few. Another growing part of that equation, however, is green amenities in the guest bathroom. Green amenities are now on the top of many hotels' green to-do list. READ MORE

To subcontract or to manage hotel spa operations in-house is a question that most hoteliers will ask themselves. Knowledgeable hoteliers realize that in order to be competitive their hotel must have a spa and offer spa services, but unfortunately many often look for the easy way out. For the most part, hoteliers do not fully understand spas or their management which in many cases leads to their choosing to subcontract. There are primarily two types of subcontracting for spas today. Both types will be identified and the positives and negatives outlined. READ MORE