Director Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel "The Great Gatsby" brought in a whopping $50 million at the box office during its recent opening weekend. And fans of the book and the movie are swooning over the stylish 1920s set and costume design created and brought to life by the film's co-producer and Oscar winner, Catherine Martin. Martin has recently teamed up with Fairmont Hotels and Resorts to transform a...

When you picture hotels with apiaries (bee yards), the image probably conjures up a property set on a bucolic patch of land in the country somewhere, but W Austin is proving that bees can thrive in an urban environment as well.  The 37-story hotel, located smack-dab in downtown Austin, Texas, recently renovated its barren rooftop space into a buzzing apiary, complete with ten honey-producing hives. The hotel teamed up with non-profit Cen...

Atlantic City's casino hotels haven't had a whole lot of luck in the past few years. Gaming revenue has been down for six years straight, since many neighboring states have developed new casinos, and hotel business was disrupted last year when Superstorm Sandy walloped the New Jersey coastline. And even Revel, the billion-dollar resort that many business owners and residents considered a beacon of hope for the fledgling tourist destination, is undergoing b...

In 2011 Red Roof Inn announced that it would rollout a sleek and modern NextGen room design in its properties nationwide. The $120 million redesign was meant to give travelers more technology and a fresh, residential feel. The rollouts are continuing to hit hotels and the new design is boosting business for the brand. Red Roof saw revenue increase almost 6 percent last yea...

Travel can be stressful, and keeping zen mentality while on the road for business is a difficult task. But Kimpton Hotels are attempting to help guests relax and restore with the addition of yoga mats in every room and a special "Roll-Out Service" for fitness-concious consumers. The custom-designed Gaiam yoga mats will feature a playful butterfly motif and will be available in all guestrooms beginning this week. As part of the new "Roll-Out" servi...

As part of Earth Week, we are saluting the hotels all around the world that are making changes to implement sustainable practices and tools to protect the earth and help their properties run more efficiently. But few can say that they are nearly fully powered by solar energy. However, the Turtle Island Resort in Fiji has that distinction. The luxury retreat began the installation of 968 solar panels last year, and the panels now provide ...

To celebrate Earth Month, the American Hotel and Lodging Association has announced its support of the Global Soap Project , a a nonprofit organization that works towards the goals of reducing waste and improving global health. More than 1,100 hotel properties send partially-used bars of soap to Global Soap for recycling. The group recycles up to 7,500 pounds of used soap each week to pro...

I don't think there is any hotel out there that would turn down money—especially money designed to help the hotel upgrade its offerings and improve guest satisfaction. So I think there are plenty of properties that will find this post particularly interesting. Cintas has teamed up with the "Hotel Fixer" Anthony Melchiorri  for a special contest where hotels can enter to win...

This year, Homewood Suites is launching an initiative called "Take Flight"—a program designed to retrofit existing outdated properties and bring them up to modern-day standards. The rollout is meant to be an affordable way for owners of older assets to keep their offerings fresh and current. Take Flight focuses on the functionality and ambience of shared spaces and in-suite enhancements to increase productivity and comfort for the way guests live ...

It looks like it's another feel-good Friday thanks to some folks at Wyndham Hotel Group. Through the Starlight Children’s Foundation, the company was able to donate a new multi-media Fun Center to children undergoing treatment at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, N.J. “Wyndham Hotel Group is proud to donate a Fun Center to The Valley Hospital to help provide joy to children when they need it most,” said Jeff Wagoner, president, Wyndham H...

If hotel restaurants—especially those in city center locations—want to stay competitive, they have to offer outstanding food and service. But the design of the space is also essential, and restaurants that don't meet expectations of experience-seeking guests and locals will start to see profits shrink. The Omni Chicago knows how important revitalization is to the hotel. The property recently underwent a renovation that included public spaces, mee...

Hampton Hotels practices this little thing they call "Hamptonality," which is the brand's philosophy of offering a caring, service culture to its guests and communities. And nearly 100 Hampton team members in the Atlanta area showed off their Hamptonality by helping renovate the gymnasium at the John H. Harland Boys & Girls Club in the city, which serves more than 265 area children and teens each day during after-school hours. Since late ...

Nativo Lodge in Albuquerque, New Mexico doesn't want its guests just to experience art hanging on a lobby wall. The three-star hotel wants its guests to be immersed in it. Beginning in May, guests will have the opportunity to book one of four rooms designed by acclaimed SWAIA Native American contemporary artists . "These new artist rooms offer our...

When it comes to professional sports, I'm a Phillies fan—through and through. I'll always root for the home team and I am not-so-secretly hoping they get themselves together and improve upon a pretty disappointing 2012 season. Needless to say, I'm not a huge fan of the San Francisco Giants. But considering the Giants are the standing World Series Champs, people out in the Golden City and surrounding areas are getting pretty excited about the start of baseb...

Staying healthy and keeping up with diets while on the road is becoming more and more important to travelers. And hotels that offer healthy options or expanded fitness offerings will continue to have a leg-up on those that don't evolve and adapt. Omni Hotels and Resorts is continuing its commitment to offer healthy lifestyle choices by bringing celebrity dietitian and nutritional guru Cheryl Forberg on board as the brand's in-house nutritionist. Y...

I think we can all agree that quick, reliable Internet access is a must-have during any hotel stay. But hotels are still struggling with implementing costly, high-speed services to meet the needs of today's technology. And many brands are still charging a fee to connect—a practice that irks guests who expect to connect for free. But InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is now offering free Internet access to all loyalty-program members around the w...

If you're up on your hotel history, then you may know that Neal Prince helped put InterContinental Hotels on the map back in the 1960s. The architect and designer was the founder and director of the Department of Interior Design at Pan American World Airways, the company that founded InterContinental Hotels Corporation—what we now know as IHG— in 1946. As Pan-Am expanded their air service to new destinations and locales around the world, the comp...

We all know that social media has become a vital marketing tool for the hotel industry. It gives hotels the chance to reach guests, promote their property, and control their online reputations. But some hotels and hotel brands use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram better than others. One brand that is achieving major milestones through social media is Hilton Hotels & Resorts. The company just reached a whopping More...

As the workforce continues to evolve and become more mobile, hotels are adapting their offerings and making small-meeting venues more readily available to their guests. Last September we told you about a new concept from Marriott called Workspring at Marriott , and now it looks like Westin Hotels is rolling out a similar offering to give business travelers more flexibility and better technolo...

This month, Homewood Suites, Hilton's all-suite, upscale brand hit a pretty impressive milestone with the opening of its Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando Airport hotel. The hotel includes the brand's 35,000th suite and a number like that is cause to celebrate. To mark the event, the hotel rewarded guests with special check-in gifts, but one lucky guest was given a major reward for checking into the milestone suite. Guest Ken Pope was given a...

The city of Dubai definitely knows how to party, and its newest international hotel destination, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, showed that they could compete with all of the other city hotels by hosting a big opening bash last night. The hotel, which was officially accepted into the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's tallest hotel, rises 17 stories and comes in just just 2...

There is nothing that says luxury hospitality like an over-the-top, completely decked out hotel suite. Hotels that invest in creating one-of-a-kind suites could see big payouts from A-list guests and high rollers. The Hilton Chicago understands the importance of keeping its suites in top-notch condition and recently completed a $1.8 million overhaul of its famed Conrad Hilton Suite. The two-story suite has the distinction of being the largest hote...

These days, it is rare to find a hotel company that doesn't offer some kind of sustainability program. Hotels understand the importance of recycling, saving on energy costs, and reducing waste. And the Econo Lodge brand, franchised by Choice Hotels International, will do its part to help the environment by implementing the Room to be Green (RTBG) program across its entire portfolio in 2013. The RTBG program is available to all Choice Hotel brands ...

With the addition of the recently opened Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the area has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. And the hotels surrounding the Barclays and the Brooklyn Academy of Music—Marriott Brooklyn Bridge, Indigo Brooklyn, Nu Hotel, Aloft Brooklyn, and Sheraton Brooklyn—have been booming. But the area is still ripe for hotel development, and More...

Before starting to work for a travel industry publication, I always had the impersonation that business travelers were lonely people. I imagined that it would be a sad, solitary experience to always be on the road, away from family and friends. But since I've done a little bit of traveling for work since starting here, I'm starting to learn that that's not the case at all. Business travelers know how to make connections with people no matter where they win...

Best Western may be a brand that offers guests great amenities such as free wireless Internet, breakfast every morning, and a hotel gym at most locations, but those are not the things the it is highlighting in its new ad campaign. Instead, the Phoenix-based company is focusing on guest service with its ""Stay With People Who Care" campaign. "The Stay With People Who Care message is really about reminding people that hospitality is the essence of t...

It may be the middle of February, but that won't stop us from daydreaming about spending days lounging by the pool, soaking up some sun. And guests staying at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara can now stay connected to all of their tech gadgets while hanging out at the resort's Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club on Butterfly Beach. The hotel designed a a special “e-Connect Chair," which is a technology-enabled chaise lo...

This year, the Academy Awards will celebrate its 85th year of recognizing some of the best films, actors, and directors to hit the silver screen. Leading Hotels of the World, the luxury hospitality organization that consists of over 430 independent hotels, also happens to be commemorating 85 years in the hospitality industry during 2013. So, it makes sense that Leading Hotels would take time to recognize 85 of its properties that have graced...

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and hotels all over the country are pushing elaborate, romantic packages to attract couples. But we haven't seen anything quite as extravagant as the "Love Blossoms" suite, created by Renaissance Hotels. The suite, which will be available at participating Renaissance Hotels from February 14-16, is completely decked out from wall-to-wall, top-to-bottom with different types of flowers. In fact, the suite is compri...

To say that the opening of the world's first Nobu Hotel has been highly anticipated would be an understatement. Since it was announced, buzz has been building for the unveiling of the new Las Vegas resort, located at Caesars Palace. And yesterday, between Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Nobu Hospitality primary shareholders, actor Robert De Niro and Hollywood film producer Meir Teper, cut the ribbon and officially opened the 181-room boutiqu...

I've written about the the organization Back on My Feet  in the past and how the nonprofit helps homeless individuals change their lives and find jobs through counseling, training programs, and, of course, running. The program uses running to to create self-sufficiency and discipline in the lives of those in need. Ba...

What do you do when you want to take your hotel's branding to the next level? You commission fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld, who most notably served as head designer and creative director for Chanel, to create an emblem to represent the property. That's exactly what Sofitel So Singapore has done to bring attention to the 134-room property located in the center of the bustling city. The former telecommunications and postal building, owned by Roya...

In 2000, Silverbirch Hotels & Resort, a hotel management company in Canada, launched its inaugural "Friends in Need" program, which helps raise money for local charities by offering guests special holiday rates and donating $10 from each sale to a hotel's charity of choice. This year, the program exceeded expectations and the company was able to collect 15 percent more than initially anticipated. The goal set out by Silverbirch as $50,000, a s...

Temperatures this week in the Northeastern part of the United States have been brutal. We've been battling below-freezing weather for four days now, so our minds are drifting to warmer climates and destinations—like Africa. And not only are the highs near 80 degrees an attractive reason to escape to Aberdare National Park in Kenya, but a particular lodging destination called The Ark is making us even more ready to hop on a plane and take that...

If you're a Fairmont President's Club member and are staying in North America, you'll get some high-class treatment from the luxury hotel brand. One of the newly expanded perks of the program is chauffeured car service in chic BMWs. The U.S. program will be an extension of a program that was initially launched in Canada and will feature the BMW 750i Sedan. The service will be available to guests for rides around town, to meetings, or for...

The InterContinental London Park Lane sits on the site of 145 Piccadilly, the former childhood residence of Queen Elizabeth II. The hotel's historic ties have inspired a regal renovation to the property's 8th floor Royal Suite. The four interconnecting rooms have been redesigned in a matching style and can be joined to create a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom space totalling 196.7 square meters. Designed by The Gallery, the specialised studio within HBA's L...

Napa might be California's premiere wine destination, but travelers visiting Andaz San Diego won't find a shortage of fine vino to try and sample. And now, guests can get a taste of the celebrity life with the newly launched red carpet collection at the hotel's wine bar.  The Andaz Wine Bar feature a wall of 88 different types of wine all housed in temperature-controlled interactive wine machines. Guests just need to push a button to dis...

I think we can all agree that one of the benefits of staying at an extended stay property is the fact that rooms come with their own kitchens. For guests that are residing in one of these properties for a few weeks or months, the ability to make meals and prepare food is a huge benefit. But just because the rooms come with a kitchen, doesn't mean guests will always want to cook.  Extended Stay America recognized the need for a quick and conve...

At 80 years old, Bill Marriott, Jr. remains one of the most recognizable and successful figures in the hotel industry. He helmed Marriott International for 40 years and grew what started as a family-owned restaurant chain into a lodging giant that now encompasses nearly 3,800 hotels across 18 brands in more than 70 countries. And hotel junkies can now ...

Over the past few years, hotel companies have made a big effort to reduce waste and encourage the use of sustainable practices and materials in properties all over the world. Hilton Worldwide is one of the front-runners in the industry's push to "go green." The company's LightStay program calculates sustainability performance impact across its global portfolio of hotels, and is used to improve the guest experience and drive economic returns for owners...

Over the past few years, several big-brand hotel companies have launched special programs to cater specifically to Chinese guests. Hilton launched Huanying in 2011 and Marriott rolled out its Li-Yu program last year. Both programs offer tailored services and special amenities to make Chinese guests feel more welcome.  And now, Langham Hospitality Group is getting on board with a program designed for Chinese group travelers called Ying.&n...

Back in September of last year, Marriott Hotels and Resorts launched a new workplace concept called Workspring at Marriott . The concept, designed by Steelcase, hopes to bring in more small business groups to Marriott hotels. Now, Marriott International is trying out a new concept called Workspace on Demand, which allows small groups to book meeting space in h...

Admit it—you overindulged during the holidays. The supply of cookies and treats and large, multi-course meals seemed endless, and I for one, had a hard time practicing self control. If you're in the same boat and need to get back on track for the New Year, W Hotels in New York are offering a "Detox to Retox" package for guests. The hotel brand teamed up with Cooler Cleanse, a cold pressed juice and raw food cleanse co-founded by Juice Generation’s...

One of the greatest joys of traveling the world is getting the opportunity to experience the flavor of a culture through unique food offerings. And often times, the greatest portrayal of heart and innovation comes in the form of street food sampled from curb-side vendors, open-air markets, and freewheeling trucks.  But Omni Hotels & Resorts is giving guests the chance to sample some of the most authentic and delicious street foods from ar...

When the Circular Dining Room at the Hotel Hershey opened in 1933, it was an inventive take on the traditional restaurant. Milton S. Hershey, founder of the resort and chocolate tycoon, did not want the restaurant to have corners, because he said that guests placed in corners of restaurants did not tip well.  Now, the famous restaurant will undergo an extensive renovation to update its look for the New Year. The restaurant closed down on Janu...

During the holidays, plenty of hotels and corporate hospitality groups get into the spirit of season by hosting food drives, collecting for Toys for Tots, volunteering at local shelters and community organizations, and more. And the employees of Denihan Hospitality Group showed did their part to bring holiday cheer to New York-based residents by donating to the the Food Bank for NYC. After experiencing the devastating affect that Hurricane Sandy h...

The PGA National Resort & Spa, located in Palm Beach, Fla., may be a golf-centric destination as the host of the PGA Tour Honda Classic, but it appeals to all types of guests who are searching for a little bit of relaxation and luxury. Sure, the property boasts five resort and championship level golf courses, but it also has a lineup of new suites to appease every type of traveler. The resort recently revealed three types of designer suit...

Bill Marriott, executive chairman of Marriott International, was honored earlier this week by being inducted into the Business Travel Hall of Fame. The second annual award ceremony was held on December 10 at the St. Regis Hotel in New York City. Presented by the BTN Group, the hall of fame recognizes travel executives that influence the industry and shape today's business travel landscape. Under the leadership of Bill Marriott, ...

As the year winds down, hotel companies are taking time to recognize the accomplishments and achievements of team members with awards and accolades. And Luxe Worldwide Hotels gave special honors to Norbert Mede from the Hotel Griffon by naming him General Manager of the Year at the 2012 Luxury Travel Expo in Las Vegas. “Norbert is a shining example of the cal...

You may think that with over 1,000 properties across North America, the staff at Vantage Hospitality's corporate headquarters office would be a busy bunch. But in all reality, they just hang out and make parody videos of pop songs and goof off. Just kidding—we know these guys work hard. The Vantage staff let go of their inhibitions and, along with Buddy, the company mascot, got together to do a parody of Carly Rae Jepsen's radio hit "Call Me Ma...

Most of the time, when we think about a hotel room, we imagine a square room with four walls in a sky-high urban building or a sprawling resort near the ocean. But modular hotels and pop-up hotels are bucking tradition meeting certain needs for easy-to-assemble, temporary lodging. One design group is thinking outside of the box with the new More...

Although the winter season often means a drop in incremental revenue from outdoor spaces and restaurants, the W Los Angeles - Westwood has figured out a way to keep people partying by installing its own outdoor ice skating rink. The hotel's WET pool deck was transformed into a 1,600 square feet hybrid ice skating rink and a rink-side lounge called CHILL. The space, which features winter cabanas and a skate-up bar, was designed by LA-b...

Staten Island was one of the areas his hardest when Superstorm Sandy ravaged the East Coast late last month. Area residents and business are still struggling to rebuild.  But team members from four Hilton Garden Inn properties in the Northeast are doing their parts to help with relief efforts and get much-needed supplies to the local community. Last week, HGI Brand Performance Support Director Sean Collard joined volunteers from HGI Norwalk, CT; HGI Bridgewater, NJ; HGI R...

The NYU-SCPS Preston Robert Tisch Center's Alumni Society raised over $22,000 at their annual Alumni Reception and Silent Auction, which took place on November 13 at the New York Marriott Marquis. Auction items included: hotel stays in New York, London, Fort Lauderdale, Vermont, and Miami; Field-level tickets to a New York Mets game; One noncredit NYU-SCPS course; Nat Sherman cigars; Entry tickets to any Tough Mudder event; Tickets to New York...

If there was ever a rock star in the global hotel industry, it would be Petter Stordalen, owner of Scandinavia's Nordic Choice Hotels. So far in his life, the 49-year old billionaire has completed an Iron Man race, was chained to a bridge while protesting a UK nuclear treatment plant, and did a spontaneous back flip on stage at a Prince concert. The man also knows how to make an entrance, and the openings of his hotels usually involve some sort of unforgettable show. When he opened his $200 mi...

Anyone who travels frequently and tries to keep expenses under control knows that budget hotels are a great place to check in for a cheap rate. While these types of hotels usually offer comfort and convenience, they rarely offer the innovative design associated with more expensive properties. While some small-space, creative hotels, such as the Pod hotels in New York, are catching on in the U...

Embassy Suites Orlando - Lake Buena Vista South and Sierra Land Group, Inc. grabbed the giant scissors and took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony last night to celebrate the grand opening of the new 11-story, 300-suite hotel in Florida. Rich Maladecki, president & CEO of Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association, served as master of ceremonies for the gala, which included an official ribbon cutting with ribbon dancer entertainers; ...

You would think that Kurt Ritter, the president and CEO of Rezidor Hotel Group, would be content with winning two lifetime achievement awards for his work in the hotel and hospitality industry. But, to add another feather to his cap, the European Hospitality Awards presented the industry veteran with yet another lifetime honor at a ceremony held last week in London. “I am very honoured to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award – and yet very h...

A large-scale hotel business like Marriott understands that its franchise partners make up a big portion of the company's success. So its nice to see the top executives recognize the efforts of those companies that continue to help Marriott's brands grow and develop. At Marriott's MINA Conference held last week at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort in Florida, five full service franchise partners were honored with the Partnership Circle Awa...

Visitors and locals now have a new place to kick back and indulge in Boston with the opening of The Reserve at The Langham, located in the bustling financial district of the city. The new lobby lounge and European-style champagne bar opens to the public this week following an eight month $6 million renovation to the hotel’s 6,000 square foot lobby. “The Langham, Boston is a timeless hotel with great historical significance to ...

Hilton Worldwide is continuing its committment to going green by launching a new recycling program for the mattresses in its hotels  in coordination with the installation of new Serta mattresses and box springs. In partnership with DH Hospitality, mattresses will be recycled into other products, including: steel spring for tools, automobiles, and construction materials; wood for tempered flooring, particle board shelving and a variety of p...

With travelers demanding more health and fitness-related options while they are on the road, hotels are taking measures to give guests what they want by launching new initiatives and programs. Hotels across the country have introduced fitness rooms, launched healthy menu options, and are providing programming to keep guests in shape and get them active (See " Hotels Focus on Fitness ").&nb...

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto owns successful restaurants all over the world. His spots in Philadelphia, New York, Tokyo, Mumbai, and New Delhi have won him plenty of praise and respect from the foodie community. And now the Japanese extraordinaire will open a signature restaurant in Maui as well. Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa has teamed up with the former Food Network star to launch Morimoto Maui in Hawaii when the resort opens in the sp...

The Presidential Election is less than a month away, but there is still plenty of time to brush up on the candidates and do some research into how the results will affect your lodging business. To help hotel owners make informed decisions, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has launched an election resource center...

In January, Dolce Hotels and Resorts will open its 18th property in North America with The Alexander Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, and we're finally getting a glimpse of what guests can expect from the new property. The hotel was developed by Indianapolis-based Buckingham Companies and designed by the noted architecture firm, Gensler. Located in the heart of CityWay, a new 14-acre neighborhood that also includes residential, office, and ...

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the grand re-opening of the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club , a historic property on Florida's west coast, the hotel is breathing new life into original murals on the property. The murals are original to the 86-year-old resort and, once redone, will be a focal po...

In 2009 Marcus Hotels and Resorts launched its Artist-in Residence program at The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee to support the work of talented local artists and to make the hotel a destination for art-loving guests. Due to a positve response from guests, Marcus Hotels has decided to expand the program to other properties including More...

The hotel industry is aware that advances in technology have made the mobile booking market a very viable way to sell rooms. And mobile travelers are using the ease and convenience of mobile devices to book rooms closer to their date of travel—even waiting until the same day. Same-day booking apps are not new to the market. Hotel Tonight, Orbitz Mobile Steals, and Priceline Tonight-Only Deals all let travelers score same-day deals in certain cities. But now...

Election Day is looming just on the horizon, and hotels in Washington D.C. are getting prepared for next month's big political event. Some are ramping up with special foodie options such as Presidential Cheese at the Blue Duck Tavern in the Park Hyatt Washington or getting ready with evenings of More...

Almost all hotels have some sort of program in place to help local communities and provide a service for residents and guests at their properties. And for over a decade, Hampton Hotels has made it a goal to aid in the refurbishment of a landmark in every single U.S. state. The brand reached that goal last week by donating $25,000 toward the restoration of the Kīlauea Lighthouse in Hawai‘i in honor of National Public Lands Day. “We are thri...

We have covered a whole lot of topics relating to hotel technology and hotel art, but this is the first time we get to put the two together and throw a robot into the mix as well. Accor's ibis hotel brand, a budget-friendly concept with primary locations in Europe, has launched an innovative new concept called Sleep Art. This is an experience where guests sleep on a special mattress that contains 80 sensors to track movement, sound, and te...

Hilton Worldwide has made a commitment to finding natural and alternative energy sources to power its hotels around the world. Since 2008, the company has achieved more than $147 million in cumulative savings through LightStay, a proprietary system developed to calculate and analyze sustainability performance. And the efforts of the hotel company are not going unrecognized. This week, Hilton Worldwide was presented with a 2012...

Bentley is a brand that has always been associated with luxury. The sleek, stylish, and powerful designs of the UK-based car manufacturer appeals to a wide audience of drivers. And now, those same aesthetics will be winning over hotel guests at the St. Regis New York. Starwood Hotels & Resorts recently teamed up with Bentley Motors, and as an offshoot of that partnership, the St. Regis New York launched the Bentley Suite— a 1,700 square foo...

Business travelers continue to be important assets to hotels in terms of generating revenue. And hotels that incorporate functional and innovative meeting spaces will undoubtedly bring in more business. Marriott Hotels & Resorts has launched a whole new concept called Workspring at Marriott that offers an on-site suite designed with today's technology-savvy traveler in mind. Workspring at Marriott is specifically designed as a collaborative...

As green design continues to expand in several areas of the hotel industry, more and more hotels are seeking out LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is continuing to work with developers and hotel owners to take the guesswork out of building these types of eco-friendly properties.  More...

It seems like more and more hotels are teaming up with interior designers to launch special suites and rooms with lots of style and personality. The latest property to get into the game is The Dorchester, which unveiled 22 new suites done by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud. The suites at the Dorchester Collection hotel, located in the Mayfair section of London, maintain the hotel's classic English residential style but incorporate new contemporary ...

Now in its 18th year, the Lodging Conference brings together hotel owners, presidents, CEOs, developers, architects, designers, and other industry insiders for networking connections, educational round-table discussions, and deal-making opportunities. The conference, which will be held at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix Oct. 2-5, will focus on the improving economy and growing developm...

For today's business traveler, the importance of staying connected at all times cannot be overlooked. Hotels have taken steps to ensure business guests have access to high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting facilities, and printing capabilities while staying on-property. But Four Seasons is taking connectivity to a whole new level by launching initiatives to help travelers stay connected on the go.   More...

Thursday, the first day of panels and discussions at the inagural HR & Diversity Summit, was jam-packed with informative sessions and important information about cultivating a diverse culture in the hotel industry. We were snapping photos throughout the day and wanted to share some of the people and events that made the event so special. The day kicked off with a keynote address from Dr. ...

The inaugural HR & Diversity Summit , presented by Lodging Media in conjunction with the Boston University School of Hospitality Administration, began on Wednesday at the Omni Parker House in Boston. The opening reception, sponsored by Wyndham Hotel Group, brought in industry icons, as well as influential leaders from other disciplines, for a night full of good food, networking, and ...

If you happened to read our July story about hotel minibars , you know that guests are still using them, and hotels are making incremental revenue off the sale of in-room snacks. Although the concept of the minibar might be considered slightly old-fashioned in today's multiple-option, grab-and-go society, hotels are still finding ways ...

Election season is underway and the big Presidential showdown will be here before you know it. Hotels across the country are getting involved with the festivities and some properties are encouraging guests to get out to the polls and vote on Election Day. Brooklyn's newest boutique property, Hotel BPM , has partnered with Spin the Vot...

Hotels located in areas that suffered severe damage when Katrina hit New Orleans seven years ago, are bracing for another hurricane as Isaac picks up strength and heads for the Gulf Coast. According to this report from NBC News , Isaac reached hurricane strength on Tuesday afternoon with sustained winds of up...

It seems that more and more hotels are doing away with staid, traditional lobby designs and incorporating more informal and interactive spaces where guests can mingle, relax, and have fun.  While we were at HITEC this summer in Baltimore, we stopped by to visit Uniguest, a hospitality technology company that focuses on improving the guest experience with interactive touch points, to see if they had any new and innovative products. Sure eno...

We've written about a whole lot of historic properties being converted into boutique hotels, but we've never covered the conversion of a 1907 ferry into a small-scale lodging property. According to this story from the NY Daily News , the Yankee, a historic boat built by Neafie, Levy & Co., bega...

Bill Duncan, global head of brand management for Homewood Suites by Hilton, knows just how difficult it can be to to keep in touch with family members—especially young children—while on the road for extended business trips. Duncan's years as a working parent on the road inspired him to create a children's book series to help guests stay connected with their kids while away from home. More...

Country Inns & Suites by Carlson celebrated its 25th anniversary this week, and the upper midscale brand partied hard at a big event held at the Mall of America on Wednesday. Scott Meyer, vice president, Midscale Brands, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Americas and 30 Country Inns & Suites Brand Ambassadors invited shoppers to open a Country Inns & Suites guestroom door that was set up in the middle of the Rotunda. When ...

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Discovery Channel's most anticipated week of programming— Shark Week . If you've been following along with all of the underwater action this week, then you'll likely be excited about the new addition to The Seagate Hotel & Spa . To celebrate Shark Week, the 1...

If you can't get enough of IKEA's cheap, particle-board furniture at home, you might soon be able to experience it while traveling. According to this article from The Globe and Mail More...

In all industries, employee healthcare disparities have a big impact on the reputation of a company and the costs of healthcare on a national level. In the hotel industry, Wyndham Worldwide is doing its part to reduce the number of healthcare disparities by providing its employees with a comprehensive health and wellness program and recognizing the impact that this plan has on its workers. Last week, Wyndham was the only hospital...

For years, Gordon Ramsay has spent his time yelling at chefs and restaurant owners and managers on television shows such as "Hell's Kitchen" and "Kitchen Nightmares." And now, the hotel industry is about to experience some of Ramsay's signature wrath. On Monday and Tuesday, August 13 and 14, Ramsay's new reality show " Hotel Hell " will debut on Fox with a two-part series...

Hotels often make appearances in big-screen movies, and W Hotels is no stranger to the film business. The W Hotel Boston provided a backdrop for Anna Faris and Chris Evans in the movie "What's Your Number?" and Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher filmed a scene at the W Hotel Westwood for "No Strings Attached." And now, aspiring filmmakers have their chance to set the stage at a W Hotel by participating in "Four Stories: A Short Film Competiti...

The Ritz Paris is one of the most famous hotels in the world, with a storied history that all began when César Ritz made the dream of owning his own palace a reality in 1898. Residents and guests of the Place Vendôme property ...

Marriott International recognizes that its success is based on the hard-working team of associates it employs all over the world. And last week, the top general managers in the select service and extended stay categories received recognition at an annual award event. 26 general managers, some from as far away as China and Russia, gathered in Washington D.C. for the presentation which took place at the at the Key Bridge Marri...

If anyone followed the recent coverage of the Tour de France on television or online, you're likely aware just how grueling a lengthy bike ride can be. But a team of Starwood executives, including CEO Frits van Paasschen, are ready to take on the challenge and complete a 354-mile ride to support UNICEF. the company’s fifth annual Road to Awareness bike...

AmericInn announced it is a founding partner in “ Hotels For Heroes ”, a nationwide program that provides free hotel stays for wounded U.S. troops and their families while they are receiving treatment. The program, which gives frequent travelers the option to donate their hotel guest loyalty points to “Hotels For Heroes”, was launched by government, military and fo...

Wyndham Worldwide recognizes that a diverse workplace can lead to increased productivity and a global advantage. In fact, diversity is among the top five strategic focuses at the hotel company.  Wyndham has been named among the Top 25 Noteworthy Companies by DiversityInc, ranked in the top 10 for supplier diversity by DiversityInc, among the Top 50 Companies by LATINA Style, among the top 100 companies by Working M...

I have dreams about being whisked away to Paris. In those dreams, I spend my time nibbling on colorful macaroons, splurging on high-end garments from Chanel and Givenchy, sipping extremely strong espresso at a street-side cafe, and staying in a luxury hotel. And that dream hotel stay doesn't include a first-floor room the size of a closet—no, that dream hotel room looks something like the new penthouse suite at the Four Seasons Hotel Geo...

Hilton Hotels & Resorts is a company that understands and recognizes the importance of luxury spa amenities to the hotel industry. Hilton has created its own successful spa brand called eforea, which is in 11 locations around the world with more than 90 eforea spas currently in development. To demonstrate the importance of spas to the hospitality industry, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has released a report on global spa trends. The report includes a survey of 6,000 respondents throughou...

The number of electric cars on the road is still minimal compared to gas and hybrid vehicles. But electric models may very well represent the future, and Tysons Corner Marriott is prepared to offer guests traveling with battery-powered transportation the chance to charge their cars for free. The hotel recently installed two 30-amp charging stations in the lower level of the property's parking garage. This makes Tysons Corner Marriott one of 100 charging locations in the state of Virginia.<...

Hank Thomas has fought for civil rights his entire life. He was a member of the original Freedom Riders and was arrested 22 times for his active attempts at bringing equality to African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Thomas also received a Purple Heart for his bravery in the Vietnam War and continues to be a highly regarded civil leader and diversity advocate. He also happens to be in the hotel business. ...

I've always been fascinated at the role that colors play in mood management. It's widely known that certain colors evoke specific feelings and emotions. For example, red often creates energy and stimulates an appetite and blue is often thought of as a calming color. So, it makes sense that certain hotels take colors into account when designing guestrooms and public spaces. Pod 39 Hotel, the newest Pod hotel in New York City which opened July 5, created three different "mood rooms"—RED with ligh...

When it comes to developing and implementing diversity strategies on a global scale, Patricia (Pat) Harris, vice president and global chief diversity officer for McDonald's Corporation, reigns supreme. She began her career with McDonald's over 30 years ago and worked her way up the ranks from administrative assistant to her current leadership role, where she is responsible for putting diversity practices in place at the brand's 31,489 restaurants in 118 cou...

When listing amenities, hotels often incorporate activities specifically geared towards adults and young children. But few properties really develop programs to cater to the crowd of teen travelers. However, Omni Hotels & Resorts is putting a new emphasis on the in-between age group with its new Teen Connection program . This su...

The Lodging staff recently returned from HITEC, the industry's largest technology trade show which is presented every year by HFPT. This year, the convention was held in Baltimore. One feature that attendees had the chance to see this year was a new incarnation of Guestroom 20X More...

In September 2011, Accor announced the grouping of its economy brands under the ibis banner. And now ibis and ibis budget properties are getting completely redesigned public spaces in properties around the world. I The goal of the redesign is to offer guests “open-plan” areas where materials and colors are combined to create a warm, casual atmosphere that nurtures interaction and friendliness.

There is no denying that Chinese travelers make up a large portion of hotel guests around the world. And now, Marriott International has designed a program to make Chinese guests feel more at home in its properties worldwide.  The lodging company is in the process of rolling out the "Li Yu" welcome program , beginning with hotels in Asia. The words "Li Yu" mean "Serve with Courte...

There's a hip, new lodging property creating buzz on the New York hotel scene—and it goes by the name Roger. Roger New York , located in the city's NoMad district, is the new rendition of what was the Hotel Roger Williams. The property recently unveiled its new identity and showed off brand new guestrooms and public spaces. The renovation and rebranding is meant signify the concept of ...

Here at Lodging , we kind of have a thing for cute animals traipsing around hotels More...

If you've ever wanted the experience of being waited on hand and foot by a highly trained butler, you can now enjoy that luxury at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel , located on New York's Central Park. The idea of traditional Indian hospitality is something that permeates through the collection of Taj hotels—specifically showcas...

This September, Lodging Media is presenting the HR + Diversity Summit in Boston, Mass in conjunction with Boston University's School of Hospitality Administration. The three-day event, held Sept. 5-7, is chalked full of panels, workshops, and big-time speaker...

The highly anticipated Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace won't open until late 2012, but Nobu Hospitality partners including Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, along with designer David Rockwell and principals from Caesars Palace, gave the public a sneak peek at the Las Vegas property last week during an event in New York City. Rockwell Group designed the hotel space to convey an extension of the fun and energetic Nobu lifestyle,...

Longevity and success is not something that is easy to achieve in the hospitality industry, but The Alfus Group Inc., a New York-based hospitality executive search firm, is proving that it is possible to achieve both. The firm celebrated its 20-year anniversary this spring with a lavish reception at the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City. This recruiting company has placed top executives in the hotel and restaurant industry sin...

Considering that the hotel industry is heavily based on the principle of hospitality, it is no surprise that so many brands and companies get involved with charitable projects and community-service activities. And Concord Hospitality , a hotel management and development company based in Raleigh, N.C., has been helping others with its Share Day program for over four years now. Share Day ...

Although the LEGOLAND Hotel in California, the nation's first of its kind, won't be ready to welcome guests until the summer of 2013, it looks like some early visitors managed to find their way onto the property to check out the progress. A family of ducks—a mother and her five ducklings—were caught on camera wandering around the construction zone. The adorable intruders tried to find their way into the building and then turned to head to the p...

Since I've lived in the City of Brotherly Love for over six years now, I would consider myself a staunch Phillies fan. But, let's face it, the Fightin' Phils are doing pretty much bupkis with their season this year and their chance of a comeback seems unlikely. So, come playoff time, I might have to change my allegiance and support the San Francisco Giants (I know—blasphemy!) due to the team's current second-place standing in the NL West and my inexplicable...

You may or may not have seen the new television commercials from Hampton Inn while watching one of your favorite programs. The ad spots hit home the message of "Hamptonality"— the brand's play on the world "hospitality." The commercials aim to attract business and leisure travelers by focusing on amenities such as free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, hot coffee, fresh bedding, and more.  And if you've ever wondered what exactly goes into creati...

As the summer heats up, more and more travelers are heading to the Jersey Shore for fun family vacations. And if those people wind up at the Concord Suites in Avalon, NJ, they will discover that the resort is in the process of making some eco-friendly changes to the property. Just last week, the hotel hosted a Solar Celebration to unveil the new $500,000 Rooftop Solar Array which w...

Earlier this week, the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration recognized one of the hotel industry's leading women with its annual Innovator Award. Kathleen Taylor, chief executive officer of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, was honored at the fourth annual award ceremony on Tuesday, which was held at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. This marks the latest accolade for Taylor, who has many achievem...

Hotel brands know that the right advertising campaign can be key in attracting business and getting people interested in what they have to offer. And it looks like the Autograph Collection , Marriott's portfolio of independent hotels, is getting pretty serious about branding and finding the right advertising agency to come up with a killer creative campaign. On Sunday's season ...

Most people have a distinct travel style. There are those travelers who would prefer to sprawl out on the beach and stay there for the entire trip, and then there are others who want to sightsee and take in all the cultural activities of a particular destination. And beginning Friday, IHG is giving everyone a chance to discover what category they fall into with a new poll and travel sweepstakes promotion.

Last week, I had the pleasure of touring Revel , the new Atlantic City resort and casino that is finally, officially open for business after years of development and a couple major delays. Michael Prifti, Managing Principal at BLT Architects , the executive architecture firm of the resort, led the tour and offered some major insight into the construction, operations, and amenities of the 6...

Hotels are usually associated with happy memories—a family vacation at the beach, a destination wedding in the Caribbean, a romantic weekend for two. But one man believes they may be the ideal location for ending a marriage as well. The New York Times recently published an article about the Divorce Hotel , a concept developed by...

Miami Beach is a party town, and The Catalina Hotel , a member of South Beach Hotels Group, fits right into the landscape of beach bodies, neon-lit nightclubs, and colorful cocktail drinks. Next week, TV viewers will get a chance to experience all the drama, fun, and excitement of operating a hotel in Miami when " The Catalina " deb...

As the summer season approaches, travelers are adding up their loyalty points and hoping to use some of those rewards for vacation stays at destinations around the world. And anyone planning to stay at a Radisson or Radisson Blu property this summer can tack on 50,000 bonus Gold Points with the brand's Big Night Giveaway <...

We recently returned from HD Expo in Las Vegas, and have to say that it was quite an impressive show. And while there were plenty of innovative and drool-worthy designs to admire from some of the leading hospitality vendors, we were pretty blown away by the new Kirk Nix-designed textile collection for Robert Allen Contract. More...

Atlanta Hospitality Alliance, an organization for networking and professional development for Atlanta-area hotel owners, developers, operators, franchisors and professional service providers, marked a milestone by awarding its first scholarship to a deserving student. Ashanteh Bain, a senior majoring in Hospitality Administration at Georgia State University's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality Administration, was honored with the newly fun...

For travelers seeking out a special wine-tasting experience, they can now test and sample some of the finest varietals at Sheraton hotels around the world.  The brand has partnered with Wine Spectator to develop and roll out new curated wine menus at Sheraton properties along with Sheraton Social Hour wine-tasting events, meant to foster guest interaction.
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Eight exceptional employees were recognized for their hard work and service to the Marriott brand at an award ceremony held in their honor. Marriott International handed out the prestigious J. Willard Marriott Award of Excellence at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Bethesda, Md. to employees that embody the company’s core values. The honorees were nominated by their supervisors and peers for outstanding performanc...

Everyone's favorite fiery chef, Gordon Ramsay, has joined the Las Vegas restaurant scene with the debut of his new eatery Steak, which opened at Paris Las Vegas last week. The restaurant marks the celebrity chef's first location in Las Vegas.
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Booking a room with a view is often high on the priority list for travelers. And while many beach destinations offer ocean views, rarely do they give guests the chance to look out at the ocean floor. However, the development of the Water Discus Hotel may make staying under the sea a possibility in the near future. The Water Discus Hotel, designed by Deep Ocean Technology, who have partnered with Swiss investment and technology company BIG Inves...

The Lafayette Hotel in San Diego made sure to keep the historic charm of the property while undergoing a $4 million renovation project, which began in 2010. These renovations included exposing the original 1946 terrazzo lobby floor and replacing the hotel's period-era, red-shingled roof. But the hotel also decided to incorporate modern, eco-friendly technology into the project with the installation of a ClearEdge Power fuel cell system. This sy...

As a way of engaging communities in South and Southeast Asia, Hilton Worldwide has announced a three-year partnership with Room to Read , a global nonprofit organization focused on improving literacy and gender equality in education. The partnership hopes to aiming to reach more than 2,000 young people in the first phase of the program, and Hilton will encourage its hotels across ...

Marriott's Renaissance Hotels launched its first-ever global ad campaign last week with the goal of encouraging guests to "Live Life to Discover." The campaign was executed by Anomoly, an ad agency with offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, and Toronto, and pushes the Renaissance brand to a world-wide audience of business travelers.

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The AAHOA ( Asian American Hotel Owners Association) 2012 convention is well under way in Atlanta, and leaders in the industry are in attendance to talk about some of the most important issues affecting property owners and hotel professionals. Although serious topics such as fair franchising and the Travel Promotion A...

A multitude of hotels hosted activities and events to celebrate Earth Day 2012. Companies made donations to green charities, renovated with eco-friendly materials, and gave guests special Earth Day discounts. But the staff at the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, British Co...

Eye-popping spectacles are not uncommon at hotel grand-opening celebrations around the world. But the Revere Hotel Boston Common  took its launch to new heights by installing a 24-story catwalk that scaled the building's facade. The gravity-defying runway served as a main focal point for the celebration, which was held on Wednesday. The date coincided with the 237-year annivers...

There are countless hotel companies and executives that lend support to charities all across the nation—and Marriott's David Grissen is one of those industry insiders working to make a difference. Grissen, who serves as president of the Americas for Marriott International, also spends his time as the vice chair for Back o...

The Trump family made an appearance earlier this week to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Trump International Hotel & Tower to celebrate the official grand opening of the property. More...

The Four Seasons Houston is celebrating a milestone in its hotel history by marking three decades of s...