| News for hotel and lodging professionals | March 5, 2013 |
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| Guest Experiences |  |  |
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- Hotel bars upgrade drinks and entertainment
Gone are the days of watery cocktails and stale peanuts at the hotel bar and in are expensive, over-the-top drinks served up with some good old-fashioned flair. Hoteliers are hoping the handcrafted cocktails using specialty ice, exotic ingredients and myriad garnishes will draw in locals and visitors alike. USA Today/Hotel Check-in blog
(2/22)     
- Hotels offer more than a night's stay with activity packages
Hotels typically do not see huge gains in revenue by offering unique packages, but packages can help differentiate a property and keep guests returning. "Doing something unique gives them an incentive to come back," said Fabio Berto, director of business development at Rome Cavalieri, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, in Italy. The hotel offers a "Gladiator Training" program through which guests can learn how to fight with swords. Other hotels offer activities such as cycling and windsurfing with leaders in those sports, as well as more leisurely activities. The Wall Street Journal
(2/20)
- Column: 10 elements of top-notch guest service
Developing a hotel atmosphere that exudes warmth, efficiency and value in its amenities and staff is key to securing guest loyalty, Alan Campbell writes. "The best advice that is true and to the point is this: 'If you don't take care of your customers, somebody else will,' " Campbell writes. eHotelier.com
(2/22)
 | Build Guest Loyalty and Gain Repeat Visitors with Access to WSJ.com
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With updated around the clock news. Or you can provide your guests redemption code cards upon
check-in to give them the added benefit of accessing WSJ Digital Plus both on and off premises.
View the WSJ.com video and get started today. |
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| Hospitality Technology | | |
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- Hyatt "lab hotels" swap front desk for mobile-equipped Andaz "hosts"
Hyatt explores technology with its eight "lab hotels," four of which are in the U.S. One concept involved associates moving around the lobby with iPads to expedite check-in and assist guests, eliminating the need for a desk. An Andaz "host" acts as "doorman, concierge, front office and bell attendant," whose work can includes greeting guests, carrying luggage and more. Hotel Management online
(2/5)
 | Better get The Journal.
A better news source with mobile and digital capabilities can make a lasting impression. If you're looking for a way to improve what your guests take away from your property — better get The Journal.
Click here to offer your guests the news source they want. |
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| Market Trends | | |
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- Some hotels want guests to come "home," stay awhile
Hotel suites may look a lot more like home, as hotels are designing them to be more comfortable with features to accommodate longer stays. Best Western is breaking into the suite segment, as other chains offer extended-stay options as well. "The rooms allow the guest to completely unpack and set up shop no matter how long you're going to be there," said Loren Nalewanski, vice president and global brand manager for TownePlace Suites by Marriott. "[It] makes it easy for business to happen even though they might not be at their workplace." HotelNewsNow.com
(2/27)
- Celebrity chefs can enhance room-service menus
The Chatwal in New York is among the many hotels that offer unique dishes for room service prepared by a celebrity chef. Others include The London West Hollywood in California, Nobu Hotel in Las Vegas and The Surrey in New York, this feature says. HotelChatter
(2/28)
- Renaissance in Washington, D.C., debuts $30M renovation
Sunstone Hotel Investors poured $30 million into renovations at the Renaissance in Washington, D.C., which is debuting its new look. In addition to spalike guestroom bathrooms, an in-room iPod docking station, Aveda spa products, and 40-inch HDTV, the hotel brought a new concept to the lobby. Breaking Travel News
(2/25)
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- Monday, March 04, 2013
- Friday, March 01, 2013
- Thursday, February 28, 2013
- Wednesday, February 27, 2013
- Tuesday, February 26, 2013
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