HOTELS

On the final day of business in 2008, I pledge the following to my readers:

                                                                                                  

• In 2009, I will continue to travel and tell interesting, relevant stories from the hotel industry around t

...Read More

Comments (1)

Each year during the month of December, people across the globe send others all kinds of messages--happy holidays, happy new year, thanks for the business, etc. 

But unlike that inedible fruitcake, with these messages, at least in the business world, it's not just the thought that counts.

If you're going to send a holiday greeting, take the time to personalize it. It doesn't matter it it's an e-mail, an online image, a snail-mail card or a snail-mail photo--it's more meaninful if it's personalized. And it's even more meaninful if there's a short note rather than just a signed or printed name.

It shows that you too...Read More

Comments (4)

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide last week put out a release touting beer as the beverage of choice this holiday season, noting that about 75% of consumers surveyed by its Four Points brand said they would spend less money than last year on festive celebrations and cocktails.

“During these times and with the holiday season upon us, more and more people are realizing that beer is one of those simple pleasures that they can still enjoy without taking a huge bite out of their budget,” says Scott Kerkmans, Four Points by Sheraton’s chi...Read More

Comments (0)

While 2008 is rapidly coming to an end, I managed to fit in one final trip to Latin America this year (my third in 2008), this time visiting Panama to get a feel for the booming hotel business and development climate there.

I spent most of my trip at a business hotel in Panama City, but I did manage to escape for one night to an intimate lodge outside the fishing village of Pedasi, about a 5-hour drive from the city. 

Similar to ...Read More

Comments (0)

In late 2007, a travel article in The New York Times said that Panama's Playa Blanca was about to hit the tabloids. The newspaper was right to draw attention to the destination, but perhaps a bit early with its prediction.

Now—late 2008—is the time to tout Playa Blanca, where hotel projects under construction include the Playa Blanca Beach Resort, Spa & Residences; the 126-room Bristol Buenaventura and villas; the 220-room Nikki Beach Resort & Residences Playa Blanca; possibly a 445-room ...Read More

Comments (2)

The Holiday Inn City of Knowledge at the Panama Canal is aptly named, but not just because of its location in Panama City's 'Ciudad del Saber' area. The name is appropriate because housed in the same building is The Panama International Hotel School.

A vision of Herman Bern, president of Empresas Bern—the parent company of Bern Hotels & Resorts—and a longstanding IHG franchisee, the two-in-one property is off to a great start, says Thierry Eck, the hotel's general manager and the school's dir...Read More

Comments (3)

The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile has come up with something so simple to drive traffic into the hotel, its central lobby bar and its second-floor restaurant that other hotels are certain to steal the idea.

The property is hosting monthly food and beverage events in its recently renovated lobby—from a wine & cheese sampling to beer & pastry pairings.

So far the events have been comp...Read More

Comments (1)

More than a month remains in 2008, but most of us already are looking ahead to 2009, which looks to be a challenging year.

That said, HOTELS can help you get a head start on brainstorming how to drive guest satisfaction and revenue in your F&B outlets. These articles should help:

Food Trends For Hotels In 2009

Using Occupancy Data To Improve F&B Forecasts

Recipe For A Destination Restaurant

Comments (2)

Is the simple offer of free breakfast enough to get people to book hotel stays during this downturn?

I have my doubts, but apparently it's worth a shot, because both Hyatt and Kimpton are offering up free breakfast promotions.

Hyatt's involves free breakfast for AAA/CAA members who stay at Hyatt hotels and resorts throughout North America between November 15, 2008 and February 28, 2009.

“Travelers always seek value in their vacations, and this year we are delighted to offer AAA/CAA members the opportunity to enjoy a full, satisfying breakfast, along with a great rate, to s...Read More

Comments (2)

Is it time to renovate or reconcept your F&B outlets? 

This may be a tough question to ask yourself in the current economic climate, but it certainly is an important one. Guests aren't interested in excuses about lack of capital--they're interested in lively, relevant places to eat and drink that fit their modern lifestyles. 

"Now is the time to adjust, to re-evaluate what you are doing, to increase efficiencies and to reinvent your business and evolve," writes our F&B blogger, Bob Puccini. "Recessions force you to take a look at yourself. What things can you do today to enhance or reposition your business?"

Facing tough decisions on where to spend and where to cut, what's a hotelier to do?
...Read More

Comments (3)

A 25-year-old brand, Courtyard by Marriott now has a fresh look and feel that includes an open lobby to promote social interaction, an updated business library incorporated into that lobby and a new central F&B outlet, The Bistro.

 



By the end of the year, 12 Courtyard properties (including new-builds and retrofits) will feature the new look and fea...Read More

Comments (1)

Four Points by Sheraton has them both.

The costumes aren't for guests though--Four Points properties around the world have been collecting guests' and staffers' donations of new costumes to be delivered to local childrens' hospitals, so that an even greater number of kids can enjoy what may just be their favorite holiday. 



A new survey conducted by Four P...Read More

Comments (0)