In the 21st century, American spas have had over 20 years in development and have expanded to a more sophisticated venue. But by creating this menu of enticing services, have spa managers and product companies traveled too far in their claims? I think today's spa guest well understands, for example, that by applying a daily moisturizer helps to keep the skin healthy, but will not reverse the aging process. When a spa list of services makes unrealistic claims such as this, or, stating that a product or a treatment will cure your ailment, you begin to tread dangerously in the liability arena. READ MORE

We have all encountered that difficult to please guest. They arrive complaining even as they check in to the hotel, and they forge on through all the areas of the property, feeling put upon and dissatisfied. Having begun my spa career in the days that the majority of the people enjoying the spa experience were the very wealthy old moneyed rich, the majority of our guests were considered difficult to please. No matter what we did, they were unhappy. Read on for some juicy stories on difficult spa guests and how we remedied each situation. READ MORE

The health spa department of your property is a viable and a generous revenue producing outlet. Often, when searching for a manager for this area we tend to think that someone with general people skills is adequate to operate your spa facility. It is a mistake to regard your spa as an afterthought, since it can be the most active area of the hotel with the most concentrated daily usage by your guests. READ MORE

Everyone has a spa, everyone has a great hotel room and everyone is price competitive, but what about innovating on what you already offer? What about bringing the spa to the guest in the comfort of their hotel room or suite? Why not, seems like such an effortless service to offer, right? Let's have some fun with this. Spa services are becoming more and more creative and innovative with the advent of more sophisticated product lines and therapy equipment. The spa facility offers the guest a true escape from the rigors of a person's daily life and is often the best location for complete de-stressing. Or is it? READ MORE

Spending a day in a spa has always been a wonderful personal experience. It is a day that hopefully promises to deliver serenity, calm, warmth, individual attention to your every need, relaxing and a bit of indulgence. But as this industry has evolved, we are seeing more integration of couples treatments, that can, if done properly, deliver an additional perspective. The question yet to be fully understood, is sharing what has normally been a self pampering day really allow for that true individual tranquility? Does the interjection of your significant other interrupt just a little of your "ME" time? And, what about the trend to integrate what would normally be a segregated clothing optional space? READ MORE

Hotel appraisals are often needed during critical times, such as when buying or selling a hotel, gifting your hotel as part of an estate plan, or resolving valuation concerns during marital or partnership dissolutions. Because a significant investment is on the line, hiring the right appraiser to accurately assess your hotel's worth is crucial. An interesting analogy can be drawn between hotels and oysters. Like an oyster, a hotel consists of several parts. The rock that the oyster lies on is analogous to the hotel's underlying land. The shell of an oyster is similar to the building of the hotel. Together, the land and building are the hotel's "commercial property." Finally, an oyster usually has no value without its pearl. Likewise, the combination of land and building in and of itself does not make a hotel. The value of the hotel is in the hotel's business, like the pearl to the oyster. When valuing hotels, all three parts-the land, the building, and the business-need to be addressed. The land and building are usually appraised by real estate appraisers who utilize appraisal methods that are better suited for commercial properties. The business of the hotel needs to be valued by business valuation professionals, who are trained to appraise companies using approaches and methods that cater to the complexities and nuances of business operations. This article focuses on three aspects important to hotel valuations: the differences between hotels and commercial properties; the approaches used to determine their respective values; and important considerations in choosing a qualified business valuation professional to appraise your hotel. READ MORE

There are many factors that directly influence the value of a subject business or hotel, and they can generally be classified under the following three main areas contributing to value: company environment, industry dynamics and economic conditions. These factors then form different aspects of due diligence research. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the three areas of due diligence research in more detail. READ MORE

Effective and efficient management is one of the most crucial factors to a business' success and survival. An essential responsibility of management is to formulate and execute strategies that increase shareholder value. This is often referred to as strategic planning, which "consists of the process of developing strategies to reach a defined objective. Strategic management is used by businesses to provide overall direction for company operations and establish specific goals and duties in the areas of marketing, finance, human resources, and information technology. READ MORE

If you are not developing a project in California and think this article is irrelevant, keep reading because the California Environmental Quality Act("CEQA") is the model for future regulations in your jurisdiction. We will highlight how CEQA shapes development projects but more importantly how politicians, organized labor, and environmentalists often leverage the CEQA approval process to further their self-interests at the expense of developers and communities. READ MORE

Many cutting edge spa facilities have endeavored upon the education of their therapists in age old techniques and practices that live within the cultures that offer us an artistic palette in which to create and re-adapt ancient treatments, herbs, and tools as modalities for healing in our modern facilities. Along with the trainings, the tools, and the product lines, comes awareness, that as practitioners, these therapists do not just "perform" a therapy, treatment, or ritual, but are deeply spiritually, mentally, and physically involved with the understanding, research, and proper application of these techniques. READ MORE

While lead generation has always been an important topic, it is an issue that has really jumped onto center stage over the last couple of years. Although the growth of technology has helped in the gathering of leads, the conversion factor has not increased. So the critical question we need to explore is: how do sales professionals reliably increase their reservoir of qualified leads, and ultimately convert them to revenue? READ MORE

Keeping up with technological advancements is a constant challenge to Concierges today. How to incorporate the latest innovations into our work without losing the human touch, which is our hallmark, is also a challenge. Innovation and education are the key elements in making technology work for us and making these new products profitable for the hotel or resort's bottom line. Savvy hoteliers will find new uses for the latest inventions like Kindles and learn about the wonders of Emotiv technologies. If you haven't heard of these yet, you will find that they will be part of your vocabulary before too long. READ MORE

Has this internet access changed the need for the concierge? It is a double-edged sword. Yes, the guest has computer access, but then, so does the concierge. So, since virtually everyone now has computer access, the question becomes, "Why do guests need a Concierge?" Is it time for hotels to replace the concierge with a computer and let the guests tap out their questions onto the information highway? It is a question a lot of hotel managers are asking. Chakitan Dev, a Cornell University Hotel School professor, was recently quoted in USA Today as saying concierges are "going the way of the elevator operator" except at luxury properties. READ MORE

The demands of guests have changed over the years, as travel for both business and leisure becomes more commonplace, our visitors are exposed to different experiences, quality and insights. The internet and other new media channels have opened up the opportunity for people to share these insights so customers and potential guests have more information about hotels than simply the website, brochure and possibly a media review. 'Citizen Journalists' are the new influencers of consumer choice and they are continually looking beyond the expected for a memorable and different experience, either for business or leisure. Therefore it is more important than ever that hotels consistently exceed expectations and ensure a quality stay. READ MORE

As the financial markets, banks and businesses adjust and even reinvent themselves in response to the meltdown of 2008, there seems little doubt that corporate travel departments, conference planners and individual business travelers will take a hard look at their travel needs. There may not be any less business travel, and there could even be a greater demand, given the increasingly globalized business community and the need for organizations and institutions to put their houses in order. But, what is certain is that value for money spent will be the very highest priority in making travel decisions. There are two other new realities, however, that also affect how we meet the needs and expectations of corporate or conference guests. READ MORE