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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: January 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 31, 2012Leaders Need Partners, Not FollowersManaging others is clearly a complex undertaking and only a fool would argue otherwise. That said, there are aspects to it which are not so hard to understand. By Enda Larkin More... [1115 views] When Diners' Eyes Feast on Their CellphonesSome restaurants try to accommodate smartphone addicts and even join in. Others try to discourage the diner distraction. By Jessica Gelt More... [567 views] Costa Concordia Company Offers Passengers CompensationThe Italian company that owns the capsized cruise ship Costa Concordia has offered passengers 11,000 euros (£9,000; $14,000) each in compensation. More... [269 views] How to Get Facebook FansFacebook is a social media hub, and having a page for your business is de rigueur for any entrepreneur. By Vivian Wagner More... [742 views] Hotel Laundry – In-House or OutsourcedLaundry is an important function for hotels, but what provides the best service - in-house, outsourced, or a mixture of both? Lisa Jenkins reports. More... [901 views] Restructured Palms Is 'Focusing on Customer Service' in 2012Joseph Magliarditi is bullish about the Palms. The president of the off-Strip resort said Tuesday the property has enjoyed a profitable last six months of 2011, even as the hotel finalized its new ownership structure. By Chris Sieroty More... [226 views] London 2012: Thousands of Hotel Nights Made AvailableThousands of London hotel rooms no longer needed for Olympic officials, media and others during the games have been put back on sale to the public. More... [501 views] Snakes Are the New Guests at Mumbai 5-Star HotelsGuess who's giving the city's upper-crust some unlikely company in the swank five-star hotels these days? Snakes. More... [836 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief.............................. More... [699 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 30, 2012Rack Brochure: Rest in PeaceToday's Discussion Article: I remember my first ad agency assignment in hospitality, some 30 years ago, to design and produce a ‘rack brochure' for the Inn on the Park Hotel in Toronto. At the time, the project was considered the quintessential component of their marketing plan, requiring both significant design effort and budget given the substantial print runs. The advent of the Internet has all but arrested the rack brochure status and marketing funds, but does down necessarily mean out? By Larry Mogelonsky More... [888 views] Social Hospitality Principles Defined and Explained by Chris Brogan and The Roger Smith HotelChris Brogan recently found himself exploring Oslo, Norway after a conference. He wanted to buy some gifts for his children back home, but didn't know where to shop. So he spent much of the afternoon walking by store after store, not sure where to find the perfect item (and spend his money). Finally, one shopkeeper came out of her boutique, began talking with him, and introduced some of the things she made and was selling. That store got his business. By Josiah Mackenzie More... [441 views] A New “Golden Age of Travel” Will Create Jobs Worldwide and Boost the Global EconomyIn a global study released at the World Economic Forum, it was revealed that international travel is considered even more important than the Internet, TV/movies, or political diplomacy at stimulating the economy and breaking down cultural barriers. More... [1019 views] Turning Customers Into Fans and FollowersSocial media is an important aspect of any online marketing campaign. More than 80 percent of Americans use a social network, spending 23 percent of their online time on them. Facebook and Twitter lead the pack, with Google+ growing since its initial launch. The importance of social media will only increase in 2012. By Rae Hoffman-Dolan More... [617 views] Guess Who Gets to Deal with Hotel Room BedbugsA room for a midweek night starts at $695 and can soar up to $4,500 for a suite, but this particular hotel on Central Park South may have a problem commonly, if unfairly, associated with more low-rent lodging - bedbugs. And it may also have a bigger issue - grumbling workers. By Joseph Berger More... [466 views] A Hospitality School With 100% Job Placement! How Do They Do It?Dreams, ambitions, goal setting all make life interesting and dynamic. Even small thoughts such as "I'm going to have barbeque tonight" blows energy into our lives, making each day desirable. On the other hand, these small desires are so fragile that they will simply be forgotten when the pages are torn from the agenda. Being such an existence that bears no significance in this ever growing universe, there is only so much that one can do to change the world. So in the end, what really makes life worth living is to love and be loved. By Jeong Beom Pyon More... [539 views] Out of Perfume? Call a Fragrance ButlerHotels today are in the thick of a trend that caters to their guests' seemingly smallest needs, by doing things like providing custom playlists for their iPods and giving them eight choices of pillows for their beds. Now, the luxury brand Rosewood has a new amenity to add to the list: perfumes that are specific to each property...By Shivani Vora More... [403 views] Luxury Hotels: France Boasts the Most Expensive Ski Hotel in the WorldThe Suites de la Potiniere, situated within the exclusive Courchevel resort in the French Alps, is the most expensive luxury ski hotel in the world. That's the finding of a new survey conducted by Luxury-Hotels.com. The number one ranking revealed itself after the average rates for a standard double room for all luxury hotels located inside ski resorts were compared. The analysis focused on the period spanning January to March 2012. More... [422 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 27, 2012How to Influence the “Generations”, Get them Through our Doors, and Spend Their MoneyToday's Discussion Article: Look for the gurus, hire the wizards, retain the seers. Help us portend the future of our Hospitality Businesses. Oh, please do! By John R. Hendrie More... [576 views] Hotel Giants Embracing Guest Reviews - Good or BadIn a sign of how powerful online reviews are to travelers, some of the world's biggest hotel companies are adding customer reviews of their hotels to their own websites. By Barbara De Lollis More... [622 views] Why Pinterest Is Of Interest to Your HotelWe were over at a friends house watching the Texan's playoff game a couple of weeks ago and during one of my trips to the kitchen I couldn't help but notice the wives hovering around the kitchen table staring at my neighbors' iPad screen as she scrolled through some of her favorite recipes on Pinterest. By Tom Costello More... [1023 views] Give Employees a Sense of OwnershipSurely you have a possession you really care about-a baseball, a sports car or an autographed Bee Gees album with a signature across Barry Gibbs' chest. By Mike Michalowicz More... [542 views] Capsule Hotels May Stack Up in Hong KongForget bunk beds. In Hong Kong, capsule hotels just might be the next big thing for budget travelers. By Hana R. Alberts More... [446 views] Starwood Says US Hotel Occupancy Above Pre-Crisis LevelsOccupancy rates at U.S. hotels run by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. are back above their level before the financial crisis started, according to President Matthew Avril. By Alaa Shahine More... [292 views] London Hotel Goes from Bottom to Top of TripAdvisor ReviewsTwo years ago, when Amerimar Enterprises bought the St. Ermin's Hotel in Central London, its TripAdvisor ranking was in the 400s. By Nancy Trejos More... [1046 views] Attempt to Cycle Up World's Tallest HotelThe world's tallest hotel recorded in the Guinness World Records, Rose Rayhaan by Rotana of Dubai, is strongly bidding for a second world record as Polish trial cyclist Krystian Herba attempts to climb the stairs of the 72-storey hotel on bicycle. By Lily B. Libo-on More... [422 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 26, 2012The Easy Button, the Big Easy and an Easy-Bake Oven'Is there an EASY way that I can make MY hotel communications better?' Which got me to thinking - Is there an E.A.S.Y. way to better hotel communications??? And the answer is YES - and here are my four E.A.S.Y. steps to help make YOUR hotel's communication E.A.S.Y.! More... [650 views] Suites Rule the Luxury Hotel LandscapeFor many of us a room in a luxury hotel is already an indulgence. But for some, even that's not enough - they want a suite. By Andrea More... [534 views] A New Amadeus Report Outlines the Future of TravelTechnologies and evolving social values and trends will combine to establish a new era of collaborative travel over the next decade and beyond, according to 'From chaos to collaboration: how transformative technologies will herald a new era in travel' a report developed by The Futures Company and commissioned by Amadeus. More... [445 views] How to Get New Employees On BoardCongratulations if your firm is hiring these days. Given the continuing economic challenges of late, you've accomplished no small feat. But just hiring someone doesn't ensure that your new recruit will help propel your small business to future success. By Darren Dahl More... [658 views] Trump: Banks to Blame for Hotel MalaiseThe U.S. hotel industry would be faring even better and perhaps expanding with new construction if it weren't for banks' reluctance to lend to the hotel industry. So says Donald Trump, long-time hotelier and television personality who flirted with a presidential run. By Kris Hudson More... [354 views] Conference Market Keeps Amsterdam's Hotel Sector BuoyantAmsterdam's hotel sector has demonstrated enviable resilience to the downturn, with business and conference travellers increasingly attracted to the city and a large number of tourists staying for extended weekends. More... [184 views] Starwood Closes 2011 Adding the Most New Hotel Rooms in Its HistoryFrom the American Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in Los Angeles, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that building on a year of record growth and deal activity in 2011 it plans to open an additional 80 new hotels in 2012, following last year's addition of 81 new hotels around the globe. More... [473 views] What is a Boutique Hotel? Research White Paper for Defining Boutique and Lifestyle LodgingsThe Boutique & Lifestyle Lodging association moves forward in developing a universal standard for boutique & lifestyle hotels More... [1317 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [610 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 25, 2012How Gaming is Changing the Travel IndustryFacts on how online games can further increase revenue, promote engagement and allow visitors to interact online. By Jamie Wigginton More... [844 views] What Do Travellers Want? Setting Hotel and Travel Marketing Priorities in 2012The Internet and social media have placed a wealth of information at the fingertips of travelers. So we should be making better decisions, right? By Daniel Edward Craig More... [887 views] Do We Really Need Women Only Service at Dukes?Today's Discussion Article: I've just heard about the latest hotel trend in town - women only rooms. Well-regarded Dukes Hotel in swanky St James' is leading the field with its new offering, Duchess Rooms. Closer inspection of the ‘feminine touches' included in Duchess Rooms reveals a near-laughable amount of cliché, at least to me. Let's inspect: By Holly More... [781 views] Bad for Business: Four Poor Facebook HabitsIf you don't have a Facebook page for your business, it's not the equivalent of trying to operate without a telephone and modern plumbing. But social media is something almost no business can afford to be without. By Jacob Harper More... [829 views] London Hotels: New Kips on the BlockSmart new hotels are popping up all over London as the Olympics draw closer. Here are 2012's new-builds and revamps. By Claire Wrathall More... [368 views] WTTC’s Tourism for Tomorrow Awards Showcase Initiatives Leading the World in SustainabilityThe World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) just unveiled the twelve finalists for its 2012 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The awards are one of the highest accolades in the global Travel & Tourism industry and recognise sustainable tourism achievements among businesses and destinations across the full spectrum of the industry. More... [268 views] STR Reports Global Hotel Pipelines for December 2011According to the December 2011 STR Global Construction Pipeline Report, the Asia Pacific hotel development pipeline comprises 1,460 hotels totalling 355,957 rooms. More... [520 views] Google Hotel Finder Now Shows Results Based on Travel TimeGoogle has added a new feature to its Hotel Finder that filters hotels based on their maximum travel time from a location or landmark. By David Moth More... [451 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [590 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 24, 2012Center for Hospitality Research Studies Focus on Distribution Strategies for Restaurants and the Financial Strategies for HotelsTwo new reports from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration are aimed at helping hospitality managers improve their sales and revenue. More... [687 views] Is the Hotel Business Centre Really Past Its Sell By Date?Will the hotel business centre begin to look as obsolete as these rather ancient looking computers? By Andrea More... [647 views] Hotel Lawyer in Los Angeles: ALIS - What's the Commotion All About? Closing the Conference Hotel to OutsidersToday's Discussion Article: Hotel lawyer in Los Angeles, looking at a new first in the hotel conference industry. By Jim Butler More... [267 views] The Life of a Hotel Doctor: 'I Have Insurance'In rudimentary English, a guest explained that his rash needed attention. 'I'll be there within the hour,' I said, and quoted the fee. He replied with a phrase that makes a hotel doctor's heart sink. 'I have insurance.' By Mike Oppenheim, M.D. More... [340 views] How to Disagree at Meetings in a Positive and Productive WayHow many times have you sat in a meeting thinking, 'This is all wrong'? How many times have you disagreed with something, but not spoken up, for fear of making waves, rocking the boat, holding things up or being viewed as the naysayer? How many times have you wanted to disagree but were afraid to in front of others? And how many times have you left the meeting upset at yourself for not speaking your mind? By Matthew E. May More... [977 views] We Can't Wait: President Obama Takes Actions to Increase Travel and Tourism in the United StatesPresident Obama signed an Executive Order and announce new initiatives to significantly increase travel and tourism in the United States. More... [527 views] Hotel Industry 2012 Wage ForecastThe coming year should prove to be a continuation of the modest growth experienced by the lodging industry across the nation last year; this should be welcome news for many hotel management team members as they receive modest raises in 2012. More... [584 views] Hotels Fetch More Guests with New Rules for Bringing PetsRoscoe listens to a recitation of the room-service menu at The Curtis Hotel and appears to consider each item carefully. By Kyle Wagner More... [282 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [677 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 23, 2012Do You Want to Tap the New Growth Markets?What is the single most important aspect for the long-term success of any hotel? Returning customers whose experience was so stellar that they vocalize it in the form of writing rave online-reviews and recommending the hotel to their network. As we know, this doesn't happen when customer service is ''satisfactory.'' By Denise Pirrotti Hummel More... [1469 views] Is Room Key the Game Changer We’ve Been Waiting For?Today's Discussion Article: January 2012 has already been marked by the launch of what has been touted as the panacea for our industry - a rebuttal to the online travel agency onslaught that has so dramatically shifted the hospitality power structure. I am referring of course to Room Key, the new (supposed) OTA managed by the hotels. By Larry Mogelonsky More... [2323 views] The Need to Understand and Work with the Law Continues to Grow in Hospitality – Today and in the FutureIn my continuing professional work as an educator, an expert witness for both plaintiffs and defendants, as a consultant, author and speaker, I clearly see that the need to understand and work with the law continues to grow. As owners and operators in hotels, restaurants, spas, clubs and other hospitality businesses, we must recognize what a litigious society we are and how to protect all parties to the best of our knowledge. By John Hogan More... [324 views] Seven Technologies Marketers Can't Live WithoutIn real estate, the three most important things are location, location, location. And, the three most important areas to pay attention to in marketing today are automation, automation, automation. By Ivana Taylor More... [844 views] Beyond Soggy Petals in the Bathtub: Mr & Mrs Smith’s Top Ten Valentine’s Breaks for Stylish LoversHere are 10 hot properties that offer something a little bit different... More... [615 views] Maldives Still Number OneThe Maldives remains the most desirable destination, according to Kuoni's annual poll. The top ten list of destinations people most want to visit is included in the Kuoni Travel Trends Report 2012. More... [512 views] Marriott Delivers Late EditionsMarriott International Inc. has been trying-and failing-for more than four years to build a brand of hip hotels. Now, it finally may be breathing some life into its competitor to the stylish W chain. By Alexandra Berzon More... [559 views] Shangri-La Joins Effort to Ban Shark Fin SoupA swell of opposition against shark fin soup-a traditional but increasingly controversial Chinese dish-gained backing from the luxury Shangri-La Hotel chain just days before Chinese New Year, underscoring efforts world-wide to stop the hunting and trading of the endangered fish. By Jaspm Chow More... [443 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [644 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 20, 2012Volatility Is the New NormNow, you don't need me to tell you that there is probably nothing harder than trying to manage through volatile times, but a number of managers and owners I met over recent weeks made important comments about managing through volatility, which I think are worth considering: By Enda Larkin More... [555 views] Order Takers vs. Personalized Sales. How Effective is Your Hotel Selling over the Phone?Do you know what the conversion % is of your hotel's reservations department? We seem to put a lot of focus on our website conversion statistics, but how many calls are we actually converting in to bookings. By Patrick Landman More... [1213 views] Industry Leaders Predict Top Trends For 2012 – What’s Hot, What’s Not?The travel industry is growing globally but the geographical, socio-economic and technological balances are shifting. The Internet continues to be ascendant and disruptive in its ability to change the way the travel industry and its consumers operate. By Ritesh Gupta More... [1093 views] Five Leadership Lessons From Martin Luther KingOne morning in 1965, Robert Ellis Smith, then-recent Harvard University graduate, received a phone call that would change his life. By Katie Morell More... [827 views] Celebrity Chef Andrew Turner Issues First Aid Challenge to Hospitality IndustryCelebrity chef Andrew Turner is pledging his support for leading first aid charity St John Ambulance in a bid to raise awareness of the importance of life saving knowledge in the hospitality industry. More... [261 views] A London Hotel's Ratings Skyrocket after It Starts Reading Its TripAdvisor ReviewsFor anyone planning a vacation, travel website TripAdvisor's customer-written hotel reviews can be a valuable resource. By Julie Zeveloff More... [489 views] Brits Should Head Down Under to Banish the BluesA survey by Skyscanner asked travellers to rate how happy they were on their last holiday, and the results showed that on average, UK tourists in Australia scored a massive 9.7 out of for 10 happiness on holiday. More... [271 views] TripAdvisor Announces World's Best HotelsInstead of looking furiously through sites like Expedia or flipping through magazines like Conde Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor has made a list of the world's best hotels. By Jessica Sinclair More... [961 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [639 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 19, 2012Direct Sales: ''Give 'Em the Old Razzle Dazzle, Razzle Dazzle 'Em''What has happened to direct sales in the hospitality industry? Once a discipline of an enviable combination of great social skills, good business judgment, and powers of persuasion, direct sales was many times the starting point for learning the business of hotels. By Brenda Fields More... [849 views] Yes Hotels Can Learn a Thing or Two about ROInteraction from TVToday's Discussion Article: I'm not the only one that has been harping about how hotels should up their ante with social media but if TV networks can effectively incorporate it into their marketing strategy then hotels can't be too far behind can they? I don't see any hands. By Tom Costello More... [315 views] In Search of Hotel Excellence: True Blue Bay Resort, GrenadaDo you really need a beach? That was the first question I asked Russ Fielden, owner and operator of True Blue Bay Resort in Grenada while on a recent visit. In the past 14 years, Russ, along with his wife Magdalena, have proven that a successful Caribbean resort need not have the classic sand beach centerpiece to be successful, provided that the team treats this deficit as an opportunity. By Larry Mogelonsky More... [777 views] Four Promos That Will Increase Your Facebook Fan CountThe question I receive most frequently from my clients is: How do I increase the number of fans on my fan page? By Christien Louviere More... [946 views] Conde Nast Johansens Luxury Travel Guides Unveil Winners of 2012 Awards for ExcellenceCondé Nast Johansens, the international luxury travel guides from the most trusted name in travel publishing, Condé Nast Publications Ltd., announced the winners of the 2012 Awards for Excellence. More... [575 views] Hotel Spas Lag Industry Recovery, But Will Lead in Healthier TimesThe great recession appears to have been harder on hotel spa operations than on hotels themselves. According to a new study released by PKF Consulting USA (PKFC), hotel spas experienced deeper declines in revenues and profits than did hotels, as measured by RevPAR, in 2008 and 2009 and also are taking longer to recover. More... [415 views] Hotel Lawyer on Hotel Management Agreement Disputes between Owners and Hotel OperatorsI believe that most owner-operator disputes stem from the owner's belief that the operator is not operating the hotel in a satisfactory manner and is treating the owner unfairly. A bad economy drives the parties to take action. When discussions fail to resolve the issues, litigation or arbitration claims often result. By Jim Butler More... [452 views] Haute Hotel Amenities Worth Travelling ForLuxury hotels are pretty good at ensuring you receive a VIP experience each and every time you visit, but some go well beyond the conventional with unexpected, over-the-top amenities. By Meghan Callaghan More... [466 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [564 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 18, 2012Congee: Breakfast of ChampionsWhen people travel to a foreign location, they are indeed yearning for that localized, authentic experience, but it's nonetheless comforting to have some semblance of normality while regrouping at the home base - and that home base should be your hotel! By Larry Mogelonsky More... [1313 views] CRM and the Seven Signs of LifeHow to breathe life into your Customer Relationship Management strategy. By Carolyn Bondi More... [629 views] Tebow Aura: How Reinforcing the Simple Team Concept can Lead Your Hotel to Greater SuccessToday's Discussion Article: Now that I have your attention: If you are caught up like a good part of America with the football playoffs at this time of the year, as well as all the hoopla surrounding the story of Tim Tebow and his passion, beliefs and success in winning last-minute football games (despite the Denver Broncos' loss this past weekend), then you might see some similarities in this story. By Robert J Nyman More... [575 views] Four Ways to Tweet as a Visual BrandCompanies that rely on a visual or photographic web presence often find it difficult to convey their media on Twitter. Take, for instance, apparel brands that need to get social media eyes on their merchandise, or a design firm that seeks exposure. How can these types of businesses ensure that Twitter followers see their wares? By Stephanie Buck More... [323 views] Thailand's Top Ten Beach HotelsLaunching a fantastic series on the best places to stay on the beach around the world, chosen by local experts, Thai resident Andrew Spooner picks 10 gorgeous pads from £4.50 a night. More... [794 views] International Tourism to Reach One Billion in 2012International tourist arrivals grew by over 4% in 2011 to 980 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer. With growth expected to continue in 2012, at a somewhat slower rate, international tourist arrivals are on track to reach the milestone one billion mark later this year. More... [444 views] 'Scary' Airport Good for TourismA Wellington tourism boss says a video showing frightening landings at Wellington Airport could attract visitors to the capital. By Tom Hunt More... [452 views] Star Rated Hotels That Double As Movie StarsIt could be the grand facades, the plush rooms or the staff available at the snap of a finger-whatever the case, moviemakers have been casting luxury hotels in TV shows and films for decades. By Ashley Hamilton More... [1040 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [617 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 17, 2012Are Hotel Groups Ready for Total Transparency in Traveller Reviews?Today's Discussion Article: As traveler reviews continue to grow in influence and pervasiveness, more hotels are debating, 'Should we post reviews on our website? Do we dare?' By Daniel Edward Craig More... [1196 views] Why Expedia and Priceline Don't Want You to Hear About RoomKey.comRoomKey.com will scour through the available hotel rooms across several lodging chains, offering up the best deals. In a world where Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz Worldwide, and priceline.com do essentially the same thing, why should Room Key stand out? By Rick Aristotle Munarriz More... [1531 views] Google Integration of Google+ into Search Results - 'Social Search' Finally HereGoogle's integration of Google+ into its search results is a major change, one Brands and Businesses must not ignore. And with Facebook having the potential to immediately capture a quarter of the search market globally were it to launch its own search engine, this move by Google has not come a minute too soon. By Andreas Pouros More... [542 views] Litigation and Disputes Between Hotel Owners and Operators Are On the Rise? Why?The number of owner-operator battles has really escalated over the past few years. This is not just a matter of these disputes getting more media attention. There are a lot more disputes. What you see in the press is just the tip of the iceberg. By Jim Butler More... [734 views] Six Things To Never Do In A HotelI used to be able to sleep well in the humblest of places. But the older I get, the harder it is for me to get a good night sleep while traveling. By David Seminara More... [1862 views] Gold Medal Winners: The Best London Hotels for 2012With fewer than 200 days until the start of the London Olympics, the city's hotel industry is rising to the challenge with a crop of new and refurbished properties. Here are some of the best for 2012... By Frank Barrett More... [588 views] Palm Jumeirah to Host More HotelsHundreds of new hotel rooms are to open on the Palm Jumeirah after many projects were mothballed in the financial crisis. By Rebecca Bundhun More... [547 views] Build a Workplace-Wellness Program in 4 Easy StepsYou're a busy small-business owner. You have sales to close, employees to hire, leases to negotiate and meetings to attend. Why should you care about office wellness? By Katie Morell More... [366 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [575 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 16, 2012Online Review and Reputation Management Trends for Hotels in 2012Today's Discussion Article: In 2011 the use of online reviews and social media reached an unprecedented level of adoption within the hotel industry - becoming nearly universally embraced by hotel executives as a key source of customer insight, a tool to achieve operational and service excellence, and a way to drive revenue growth. In this article, I would like to share the top trends I see in this area from my perspective as founder and CEO of a company that is leading change in the way hotels leverage and benefit from the social web. By RJ Friedlander More... [1608 views] Costa Concordia: Italy Cruise Ship Survivors FoundThree survivors have been found on the stricken cruise ship Costa Concordia, more than 24 hours after it ran aground off the Italian coast. By Bethany Bell More... [568 views] Hotels.com Survey Finds Free Wi-Fi is the Make it or Break it Factor in Hotel Bookinghotels.com® recently conducted a hotel amenities survey, asking travelers to dish on their favorite in-room and hotel perks. More... [1214 views] The Art and Importance of the Game ChangingThere has never been a better time to invent, create and innovate game-changing products, business models and services, and you've got to hange it up dramatically to succeed. By Teresa Spangler More... [386 views] Hotels in Europe and the USA Most Welcoming to BritsAccording to a recent survey by leading online travel agent, Netflights.com, British holidaymakers are likely to experience the best service from hotels in Europe and the USA. More... [196 views] One Quarter of All Hotel Rooms Booked in U.S. Are Through a Hotel’s WebsiteData from the Third Quarter 2011 TravelClick North American Distribution Review (NADR) reveals that during Q3 2011, hotel websites, referred to as brand.com, were the fastest growing booking channel, increasing 6.1 percent from last year. More... [644 views] Hotels in Paris, Istanbul and Budapest Became More ProfitableHotels in Paris, Budapest and Istanbul can rightly call 2011 one of the best years in history of their hotel business. By Ilya Kalachev More... [342 views] Hamster Named Frederick Among Bizarre Items Left Behind by Travelodge GuestsA list of the most bizarre items left behind by guests at Travelodge hotels has been revealed, including a hamster named Fredrick and an 18-month-old baby. By Hannah Furness More... [915 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [787 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 13, 2012Designing and Developing a Bar MenuToday's Discussion Article: It has been well established that the design and layout of a menu can affect your guests' choices and that, with a bit of planning, your menu can increase turnover without any change in food and beverage costs. By Andrew Mullins More... [1342 views] Is There a Villa in Your Future? An Interview with Debbie Misajon of Epic HideawaysDebbie Misajon is the founder and managing director of Epic Hideaways - a villa rental company specializing in destination luxury properties. I had the opportunity to interview Debbie over the holiday break and ask a few questions about some of the more exceptional aspects of Epic Hideaways. By Larry Mogelonsky More... [817 views] Great Hotel Designers: Philippe StarckBack in the 1990s, Philippe Starck virtually reinvented the boutique hotel with his work on the Delano in Miami and the Royalton in New York. In London, he has put his imprint on St Martin's Lane and the Sanderson. By Andrea More... [865 views] Three Ways Small Businesses Can Maximize Twitter'Your business needs to be on Twitter.' It seems like all the small-business-marketing publications tell you to do it. But how will Twitter help you improve your small, local business? By Rae Hoffman-Dolan More... [696 views] The 5 Most Important Requirements for Successful Staff Tech TrainingCompetent, experienced trainers are the secret ingredient to ensuring a customer's success when rolling out a new technology. By Jeff Welles More... [489 views] Fairmont Wedding Tips & TrendsWhen it comes to knowing what modern brides want. Here are a few trends Fairmont wedding experts predict will be big in 2012. More... [748 views] Avoiding Common Issues With Travel SitesTraditional travel agents are a dying breed, and yet Americans are increasingly turning to travel agencies to book their tickets and to make reservations. How is this possible? By Jason Steele More... [368 views] Five Shanghai Hotel Bathtubs with Incredible ViewsThere's a lot to see in Shanghai, and the ogling shouldn't stop once the day is done. By Sophie Friedman More... [1309 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [609 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 12, 201212 Communications Resolutions for 2012Today's Discussion Article: The confetti has settled, and the champagne bubbles have fizzled. It's back to the grind stone and time to get down to the business of 2012. January is a time for making resolutions and setting goals, and what better topic to resolve to improve than your Communications! By Jim Hartigan More... [1132 views] 'They Can’t Get No Satisfaction.'There are Patrons who never are satisfied with a Hospitality Experience. I knew one of those selfish characters quite well. There are others lurking about. Dissatisfaction is part of their DNA, whether they are looking for attention, condescension, 'I am smarter than you' mentality, or whatever. They exist and should be avoided, if possible. By John R. Hendrie More... [989 views] TripAdvisor Abandons List of Dirtiest HotelsEach January in recent years, the online travel review site TripAdvisor.com has kicked up storms of publicity and protests by releasing its scathing lists of the 'dirtiest hotels' in the world. But not this year. By Joe Sharkey More... [665 views] Four Tips to Keep Your Website Ahead of the Curve in 2012Sure, having a website for your business serves a practical need: to draw net-surfing users to your product or service. However, it's also much more than slapping on a run of the mill two-column template and calling it a day. By Lauren Hockenson More... [709 views] Five Hotel Cabanas That Will Make Your Jaw DropMany luxury hotels have cabanas tucked next to their glimmering pools or sandy beaches, but a few take the concept of shade and relaxation over the top. We've collected five private cabanas from Palm Beach to Maui with unique amenities. By Morgan Lord More... [640 views] Expedia ‘To Use Bloggers’US site businessweek.com claims: ‘Expedia, the biggest online travel agent, hopes bloggers can serve as an important plank in its effort to re-engineer the way people shop for hotel and airplane tickets by incorporating those transactions into a marketplace driven by social networks.' More... [497 views] Google Maps Indoors Of Las Vegas HotelsIn a blog post this morning, Google announced that they're including indoor maps of several Las Vegas hotels in order to help tourists in town for CES find their way through Sin City's enormous hotels. By Drew Bowling More... [391 views] Romance By the Hour: The Hotel Trend Hitting London's Fanciest EnclavesHotels with an hourly rate don't have the smartest reputations. You tend to find them in grubby side streets near train stations and red light districts, not in the posh London enclaves of Knightsbridge and Marylebone - until now. By Jenny Coad More... [489 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [601 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 11, 2012On The Move December 2011Global Staff Movements for December 2011 provided by Spectrum International. More... [1252 views] Mini-Bar, Maxi-ProfitsToday's Discussion Article: One aspect of a hotel room that definitely merits more discussion from a profitability and customer satisfaction standpoint is the minibar. I sat down with Sandeep Sharma, VP Account Management at Minibar Systems, the pre-eminent supplier in this segment, to address the issue. By Larry Mogelonsky More... [1422 views] Need PR and Marketing Help? Ask Away! Q&A with Jennifer Nagy of jlnprIn December 2011, tweeps all around the world started noticing changes to the Twitter that they know and love. But as with every social media site, even the smallest change can be a little confusing. So I'm dedicating this entire column to answering your questions about the new and improved Twitter.By Jennifer Nagy of jlnpr More... [267 views] Investment Banker Sues Starwood Over Sex Assault in Hotel RoomAn investment banker on a business trip sued Starwood Hotels chain on Monday, saying that a front desk clerk gave her room key to a drunken man who then assaulted her in bed. By Chris Michaud More... [1454 views] Culture Beat: Understanding Culture Is Essential For Every BusinessMy name is Alexandra Levit, and I'm a culture convert. I'm other things, too. I'm a former nationally-syndicated career columnist for The Wall Street Journal and an adviser to the Obama administration on workplace issues. But what I mean is that I used to think that understanding and adhering to organizational culture wasn't that important, and now I know better. More... [315 views] China's Pipeline Increases in 2012As we head into 2012, China is leading the hotel pipeline pack by a long shot, having already surpassed the United States in terms of prospective rooms, according to Lodging Econometrics data. By Patrick Ford More... [447 views] Visitors Return to Vienna. Will Rate Follow?Vienna's position as the leading conference destination in the world was once again reaffirmed in 2010 through the International Congress & Convention Association's city rankings. The city also remains a popular leisure destination attracting an increasing number of visitors from markets such as China, the Middle East and Russia. By Tim Jones More... [208 views] In Pursuit of Whales – 'Harpooning' your High RollersThe Gaming Industry at least in the Pacifc Rim has a name for those High-Rollers - Whales. Their colleagues in the North America seek the same type audience, perhaps not from Asia (although always welcome), but collected throughout their sphere of influence. By John R. Hendrie More... [196 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [678 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 10, 2012Group Sales Automation Tools Hit Critical MassReggie Aggarwal, Founder and CEO of Cvent, speaks in a slow deliberate fashion. When asked to describe his approach to business, he replied, 'Running scared always, and the paranoid survive.' Perhaps those hotel managers who do not embrace his computerized group RFP system are the ones who should be scared. By Larry Mogelonsky More... [1264 views] Top 8 Mistakes of Hotel WebsitesToday's Discussion Article: Your hotel website is a vital tool in generating more bookings as well as presence online: but not all sites are created equally. Having reviewed hundreds of hotel websites, here are the Top 8 Mistakes I see along with quick and free clues as to how to avoid them. By Matt Landau More... [2073 views] Ten Ways To Be More InterestingHere's how to be interesting in ten simple steps. By Jessica Hagy More... [1260 views] The Most Beautiful Avenues Of The World 2011/2012Presence international mystery shoppers visited the 30 main avenues in the world to measure the welcome and service for tourists. More... [760 views] ‘Good Staff Are Hard to Find’, Says GTMCTravel management companies are recruiting again, but say there is a ‘dire shortage' of talent in the jobs market. The Guild of Travel Management Companies says there is a ‘relatively small pool of experienced staff'. More... [660 views] InterContinental Will Launch New Upscale Brand in ChinaInterContinental Hotels Group PLC Wednesday said it will launch a new upscale hotel chain in China in the next six months and eventually export the brand across the booming economies of Asia Pacific as it strives to become the operator of choice for increasingly wealthy Chinese travellers at home and abroad. By Simon Zekaria More... [536 views] Top 10 Hollywood Movies Most Ordered in Hotel Rooms in 2011The Hollywood movie that hotel guests rented most in their hotel rooms in 2011 was Universal Pictures' Bridesmaids. By Barbara De Lollis More... [1788 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [668 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 9, 2012New Year, New You – A Self Assessment ToolToday's Discussion Article: The end of one year and the beginning of another is always a time for self-reflection. Maybe over the holidays you spent some time thinking about your life - be that personal or work-related. By Enda Larkin More... [1087 views] Smart Hotelier's 2012 Top Ten Digital Marketing ResolutionsHow can hoteliers use real-time customer information to create time- and location-relevant promotions? Which digital channels and formats most effectively reach today's hyper-interactive travel consumers and generate the highest ROIs? By Max Starkov & Mariana Mechoso Safer More... [923 views] Restaurant Trends at London Hotels in 2012We compare our London hotel experiences with Lost in Catering's review of 2012 restaurant trends. By Andrea More... [922 views] Six Secrets To Overcoming BurnoutFeeling a little burned out in your job or career? Perhaps you are feeling it and don't even realize that's what it is. Whether you already recognize burnout or not, it's a good time to evaluate whether you have it, and what to do it about it. By Mike Michalowicz More... [1428 views] Who Took the 'Hotel' Out of the Hotel Restaurant?The operators of Culina like to talk about the Beverly Hills, Calif., restaurant's lively bar scene, open crudo station and sleek design, with its rows of wine bottles visible behind walls of glass. Culina is located inside a Four Seasons hotel-just don't call it a hotel restaurant. By Andrea Petersen More... [443 views] Engage Your Customers through Social Media like Four SeasonsHave you ever met anyone who really gets you? OK, now how about a brand? One that understands you - knows what you need - relates to you? By Todd Wilms More... [841 views] Hoteliers See Green in 'Green' Tuxedos, LinenAs more U.S. hotels get out of recession-era cost cutting mode and into update mode, they appear to be more interested in 'green' products - at least in one particular category. By Barbara De Lollis More... [247 views] Japanese Love Hotels: A Recession-Proof Play?Low valuations are providing a good opportunity to invest in an industry that can thrive even in downturns, says Garry Frenklah, who represents Alchemy Japan. By Joe Marsh More... [440 views] Hotel News In BriefHospitality industry news in brief............................ More... [645 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 6, 2012The Resolution Solution – 5 Simple Revenue Management Resolutions for 2012Today's Discussion Article: We all have things that we have been wanting to do, intending to do, etc. but for whatever reason didn't do in 2011. It is way too easy to get caught up in the minutiae of the revenue management process. Opening and closing rates, inventory etc., and not pay attention to the trends in the discipline of hotel revenue management. By Carol Verret More... [1135 views] Hotel Predictions for 2012There are probably as many predictions for 2012 as there are pundits in the media. All doomsday forecasts aside, let me throw my hat in the ring with my own hotel predictions for the New Year. By Larry Mogelonsky More... [1434 views] Growth, Analysis and Opportunities in Hotels and Lodging Stock - January 2012The hotels and lodging industry shaped up pretty well in 2011 thanks to the gradual global economic recovery, and seems to be poised for long-term growth. With the return of business as well as leisure travelers coupled with decelerating supply growth, pricing power remained steady in the year. More... [267 views] Famous Hoteliers Get Wake-Up CallNo strangers to being pampered on the road, the rich and famous in recent years jumped into the luxury-hotel game-just in time to watch the economy slide into recession. By Kris Hudson More... [637 views] Nine Surefire Ways To Destroy Employee MoraleThere's more to being a boss than just telling people what to do. It's about building a rapport and fostering a real relationship with your employees, so that you trust each other and can get things done. By Kim Bhasin More... [1236 views] Three Hotel Firms Without Loyalty Schemes, and WhyFor many hotel chains, the loyalty programme is an integral part of business and the Middle East has witnessed a variety of initiatives for generating repeat business in 2011. More... [559 views] Cheapflights.co.uk Top 10 New Year Resolution Destinations"Forgetting life's daily routine and being secluded somewhere peaceful with the right support is the ideal way to help achieve your goals. This is particularly true when it comes to decisions such as quitting smoking, losing weight, or even spending less time checking email and playing with gadgets," says Nadine Hallak, travel expert for Cheapflights.co.uk. By Theodore Koumelis More... [361 views] New Year Brings Wealth of Hotel OpeningsWith the arrival of the new year comes a calendar of hot hotel openings. The year starts off strong with the arrival of several key properties, including one of the year's most anticipated................ By Michael Martin More... [867 views] News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief................................... More... [613 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 5, 2012What Is The Difference Between Hospitality Excellence and Mediocrity?Today's Discussion Article: Like most trainers, I frequently engage participants in interactive activities that hopefully shift their paradigms. With one such activity, I give participants a list of like-hotels in a location they've never been to, and then have them each place a group sales or reservations inquiry call. Afterwards, each participant reports back to the overall group on their experiences and observations. By Doug Kennedy More... [2412 views] New Trends in Hotels Set to Roll On in 2012Large 'wet room' style showers (as pictured above in the Town Hall Hotel) are becoming ever more common in luxury London hotels - will this trend continue in 2012? By Andrea More... [2606 views] Tending to the LoyalistsWith airplanes flying so full these days, it's not easy to find a seat using frequent flier miles. But hotel loyalty programs are a different story. By Julie Weed More... [263 views] Why You Have To Hire Young Workers, and How To Do ItA sluggish economy has forced companies large and small to reprioritize and streamline their efforts. When shaping your organization's culture and focus, there are a few things to remember when it comes to Gen Y: today's 20-somethings are eager to work, and ready for you to hire them. By Karlee Weinmann More... [537 views] Luxury Hotels Target Chinese CustomersThe beginning of the recovery for China's hotel market began in 2010 and in 2011 demand increased further for rooms. By Tania Lee More... [639 views] Young, Affluent Travellers Disavow Luxury Defined by Older GenerationA new generation of travel buyers is embracing definitions of luxury that pose significant challenges to some of the world's most revered high-end brands. By Danny King More... [633 views] The Bulgari London Hotel & Residences Expected to Open in AprilJust in time for the 2012 Olympics being held in London, England, the Bulgari London hotel is expected to swing it's opulent doors open in April to welcome guests. By Alison Cavatore More... [552 views] Top Five Tips for Travelling Safely with PetsWith the trend of traveling with pets on the rise, Travelhoppers' travel experts present tips that encourage safe travel with pets. More... [300 views] Hotel News In BriefHospitality industry news in brief............................ More... [575 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 4, 2012Top Five Predictions in Digital Marketing for 2012Today's Discussion Article: The end of the year is the perfect time to look back and plan the year ahead. Technology for the hospitality industry in 2011 moved at the speed of light. Social, local, mobile (SOLOMO) is the hot topic of the year. More... [1033 views] A Quick Checklist for a Communications Champion Part 2In Part Two of my Communications' Checklist follow the remainder of the alphabets each hoping to enjoy a place in your mind space and get reflected upon on several thought-provoked occasions. Read on - By L. Aruna Dhir More... [569 views] Lessons from the Field: Lessons of Life in Auld Lang SyneAs we end the year and begin the next, it is often positive to reflect on the year's events and how they impacted us. I suggest you take 5 minutes and perform a simple exercise. On a plain sheet of paper, mark the following... By Dr. John Hogan, CHE CHA CMHS More... [356 views] In Search of Hotel Excellence: Interview with Gloria Ah Sam, Spa Director at Ojai Valley Inn & SpaGloria Ah Sam is the Spa Director at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, a 5-Diamond resort nestled within the pastoral mountains of Southern California. As a destination spa, Spa Ojai has received numerous accolades for its unique treatments that blend new age aesthetics with locally sourced, organic produce as well as traditions from the Chumash, Ojai Valley's indigenous people. By Larry Mogelonsky More... [533 views] Five E-Mail Marketing Services Help Businesses GrowE-mail marketing is one of the best ways to nurture relationships with customers and potential customers. Although social media is hot, e-mail marketing has an important role to play in online marketing and content distribution. More... [471 views] Estonia and Iraq Top Charts for Travelling Brits, While London Olympics Attract Japanese TouristsIn its new 2012 Travel Trends Report, Skyscanner has revealed that Estonia, Russia, Iraq and Cape Verde are all emerging destinations likely to see a significant rise in interest from UK tourists over the coming year. More... [218 views] Tune Hotels to Expand in UKBudget hotel chain Tune Hotels aims to expand its presence in the United Kingdom (UK) to capitalise on the growth prospects in the country. By Eugene Mahalingam More... [307 views] Radisson Edwardian Heathrow’s Stunning ChandeliersOn a recent visit to the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow for a free Wifi touchdown, we couldn't help but notice its assortment of beautiful chandeliers. The hotel, which prides itself on being the antithesis of typical Heathrow airport hotels, is decked out with opulent, glamorous furnishings - and its grand chandeliers are the icing on the cake. More... [306 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief............................ More... [606 views] Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 3, 2012Hotels Need To Get Past 'Small Talk' on Social Media ChannelsToday's Discussion Article: I remember when social media began to take shape in my life as thought leaders, web strategists, and futurists like Pete Blackshaw, Jeremiah Owyang, and Brian Solis emerged to pave the way for individuals like me to become content creators. By Tom Costello More... [796 views] A Quick Checklist for a Communications Champion in Hotels Part 1To say that the job of a Hotel Communications Head is that of a master juggler would be quite an understatement. It is a bit like the tight rope act, only with a pole in your hands and a water filled pot on your head. Having said that; it is a lot of fun activity, like the circus, with all that background preparation and hard work blending harmoniously with the grease paint and glitter of the forefront. By L. Aruna Dhir More... [709 views] Marketing 'Greenness' to the Luxury TravellerWhen Bardessono Hotel, Restaurant, and Spa was conceived, the vision was simple - to be the greenest and best luxury hotel in the world. Period. Clearly, this was not an easy undertaking. On February 2, 2009, at the absolute bottom (almost to the minute) of the Lodging Industry's economy, Bardessono opened in Yountville in the heart of Napa Valley, California. This 62 room property was developed at a cost of over $1,000,000 per key, enabling it to quickly join Auberge, Calistoga Ranch, and Meadowood in the elite group of Napa Valley's finest luxury hotels. By Jim Treadway More... [293 views] This One Leadership Quality Will Make or Break YouOne of the most often overlooked aspects of leadership is the need for pursuit. Great leaders are never satisfied with traditional practice, static thinking, conventional wisdom, or common performance. In fact, the best leaders are simply uncomfortable with anything that embraces the status quo. By Mike Myatt More... [654 views] Interview with Sous Chef at London Bridge HotelAdrian - Sous Chef at the London Bridge Hotel's Quarter Bar takes us behind the scenes to show us how our lunch was prepared. By Timea More... [277 views] Hotel Companies Still Need More Women Directors, Says HVS Executive SearchInterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), whose worldwide brands include Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn Express, has taken the top place in the HVS Executive Search European Hotel Board study, the fourth year the company has made it into the top three. More... [468 views] Asian Hotel Companies are Rapidly Expanding GloballyAsian hotel chains are spreading their wings and, slowly but steadily, expanding globally. By Elaine Tan More... [656 views] World's Worst Airports for Business TravellersLow fares business class specialist Lets Fly Cheaper (LFC) has compiled its first 'world's worst airports' list of international and domestic airports with the worst records for delayed flights. More... [1447 views] Hotel News in BriefHospitality industry news in brief............................ More... [621 views] 
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ehotelier Hospitality News Archives: January 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 31, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 30, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 27, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 26, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 25, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 24, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 23, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 20, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 19, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 18, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 17, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 16, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 13, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 12, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 11, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 10, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 9, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 6, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 5, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 4, 2012Global Hospitality Newsletter: January 3, 2012
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