Are your hotel leave policies up-to-date? Several changes have occurred since 2008 when the U.S. Department of Labor issued modifications to its Family Medical Leave Act rules to provide leave associated with military service. These changes include DOL's 2010 administrative interpretation clarifying the definition of in loco parentis, which affects employees who are not parents but have assumed parental responsibilities. Recently, on February 16, 2012, DOL issued additional proposed FMLA rules covering qualifying exigency leave, flight crew FMLA eligibility, and expanding military caregiver leave. These changes warrant a brief synopsis and review to ensure your policies are up-to-date. READ MORE

If hoteliers want growth, they can no longer rest on their laurels and depend on traditional established customer bases. They must look to expand into new markets. Broadening international customer bases is one way to do this, and it can be easier than some think. Harnessing technology is one way to work smarter, not harder, in order to attract a new global customer base and keep them coming back. READ MORE

It's been called an internet bar, a technology lounge, and a business club - but regardless of the name, it's the new hotel lobby and at many properties it is the most exciting, most glamorous space in the entire building. It's where guests stay connected with other people by sharing food, beverages, and conversation. It's also where people stay connected through technology, using their smart phones, tablets, and laptop computers - or using the special business and travel assistance systems made available by the hotel. So what's driving this trend - and how should savvy hoteliers respond properly? My column provides some of the answers. READ MORE

The social location space is shifting rapidly and bursting with innovation. Right now, it's less important for a hotel marketer to know which social location app will lead, and more important to design a social location strategy that compliments the objectives of your loyalty program. In this article I review social media darlings foursquare and Yelp check-ins, and talk to Starwood Hotels and Resorts to learn how social location marketing is reinventing how they cultivate brand fans. READ MORE

Many independent hotel managers are unhappy with the amount of business generated by the websites. This should come as no surprise as only 14% pursue a structured online strategy. Yet, embracing e-commerce is the best opportunity for independent hotels in the downturn of 2009/10 as online bookings continue to grow and travelers show a healthy appetite for booking directly at the hotel's official website. This article tackles the issue of how independent hotels should create a structured online strategy to ensure e-commerce success for their official websites. READ MORE